Churros

Churros are a beloved classic treat with Spanish origins, known for their light, crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Each churro is coated in cinnamon sugar, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. This homemade churros recipe is simple to make, yet incredibly rewarding. Whether you serve them for breakfast, dessert, or a fun family snack, these churros will disappear in no time.

Ingredients

For the Churros:

1. 1 cup water
2. 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3. 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
4. 1 dash salt
5. 1 cup all-purpose flour
6. 1 large egg
7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8. 2 quarts canola oil (for frying)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

1. ½ cup granulated sugar
2. 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Heat the oil: In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 quarts of canola oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F on a thermometer. Maintain a temperature between 330°F–350°F while frying.
2. Prepare the coating: Combine ½ cup sugar and 1½ teaspoons cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Line a plate with paper towels for draining churros.
3. Make the dough: In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup water, 3 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon sugar, and a dash of salt to a boil.
4. Add the flour: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour until a dough forms. Mix well until it becomes smooth and forms a ball.
5. Add egg and vanilla: Stir in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract vigorously until fully combined. The mixture may look separated at first—keep mixing until smooth.
6. Prepare the piping bag: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (Ateco 852 recommended).
7. Fry the churros: Pipe 4–6-inch strips of dough over the hot oil, using scissors to cut each strip. Fry for 1½ minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown.
8. Drain and coat: Place churros on paper towels to drain excess oil, then immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
9. Serve: Enjoy warm, fresh churros with chocolate sauce, caramel, or dulce de leche for dipping.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve Immediately: Churros taste best fresh and warm, right after being rolled in cinnamon sugar. Their crisp exterior and soft interior are most enjoyable straight from the fryer.
• Pair with Dips: Serve with chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or dulce de leche for dipping. You can also drizzle them with honey or melted chocolate for added indulgence.
• Storage: Store leftover churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigeration as it makes them soggy.
• Reheating: To restore crispness, reheat churros in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it softens their texture.
• Freezing Option: You can freeze unfried churro dough. Pipe onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen—no need to thaw.

Variations

1. Chocolate-Filled Churros: After frying, pipe chocolate ganache into the center using a small piping tip for a rich surprise.
2. Nutella Churros: Fill each churro with creamy Nutella for an irresistible twist.
3. Dulce de Leche Churros: Pipe dulce de leche into each churro for a traditional Latin-inspired filling.
4. Strawberry Cream Churros: Combine strawberry jam with whipped cream for a fruity, creamy filling.
5. Baked Churros: Pipe churros onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes for a lighter version.
6. Air Fryer Churros: Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until golden. Roll in cinnamon sugar after cooking.
7. Churro Bites: Pipe 2-inch pieces of dough for bite-sized churros—perfect for parties and dipping platters.
8. Pumpkin Spice Churros: Add 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree and ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to the dough for a fall twist.
9. Coconut Churros: Mix shredded coconut into the cinnamon sugar coating for tropical flavor.
10. Matcha Churros: Stir 1 teaspoon matcha powder into the dough for an earthy, green tea flavor and color.
11. Savory Cheese Churros: Skip the sugar and cinnamon, and add Parmesan or cheddar cheese and herbs to the dough for a savory snack.
12. Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use flat churros as sandwich “cookies” with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the middle.
13. Churro Cheesecake Bars: Add crushed churros over cheesecake batter before baking for a crunchy topping.
14. Vegan Churros: Substitute butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flaxseed “egg” (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).
15. Gluten-Free Churros: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly treat.

FAQs

1. Can I make churros ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before frying.
2. Why are my churros soggy?
   The oil temperature may be too low. Keep it between 330–350°F for crispy results.
3. Can I bake churros instead of frying them?
   Yes, baked churros are a healthier option. They’ll be slightly less crispy but still delicious.
4. What oil is best for frying?
   Use canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil since they have high smoke points.
5. Can I freeze churros?
   Yes, freeze the piped dough on a tray, then transfer it to a freezer bag. Fry straight from frozen when ready.
6. Why did my churros burst while frying?
   Air trapped in the dough or oil that’s too hot can cause bursting. Pipe smoothly and keep the oil steady at 350°F.
7. Can I double this recipe?
   Absolutely! Just maintain the same ratios and fry in batches to keep the oil temperature stable.
8. How can I make churros extra crispy?
   Fry until deep golden brown and drain well on paper towels before coating.
9. What can I serve churros with?
   Classic choices include chocolate sauce, caramel, dulce de leche, or fruit compotes.
10. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
    Yes, but butter gives a richer, more authentic flavor.

These homemade churros are a delightful way to bring a taste of Spain right into your kitchen. With their crispy exterior and soft, doughy inside, they’re perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. Quick to make and even quicker to eat, these churros are best enjoyed warm and freshly coated in cinnamon sugar. Serve them at parties, family gatherings, or anytime you want a sweet, comforting treat.

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