How to Make the Perfect Churros at Home: Step-by-Step Recipe

Few desserts evoke the same excitement and nostalgia as freshly made churros. Golden, crisp, and dusted in sweet cinnamon sugar, these Spanish-inspired treats are a celebration of indulgence. Whether you’re reminiscing about a sunny street in Madrid or craving a cozy dessert to enjoy at home, this foolproof churros recipe is perfect for any occasion.

This recipe is designed for home cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just stepping into the world of homemade desserts, you’ll find this process simple, satisfying, and endlessly rewarding. Best of all? These churros come together with everyday pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.

So, let’s dive into making these irresistible churros from scratch, with plenty of expert tips and variations to make them your own!

Why You’ll Love This Churros Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: No need to hunt for specialty items. You likely have everything you need right in your kitchen.

• Crispy and Tender: The churros are crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and coated in a delectable cinnamon sugar blend.

• Versatile and Fun: Pair them with chocolate sauce, caramel drizzle, or even a scoop of ice cream for a fun dessert board.

• Perfect for Sharing: These churros are best enjoyed fresh and warm, making them an ideal treat for gatherings and family nights.

If you’ve never made churros at home, you’re in for a treat. Follow along and I’ll guide you through each step, from creating the perfect dough to achieving that golden, crunchy exterior.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before you start, gather the following tools to make your churro-making experience smooth and mess-free:

• Medium-sized saucepan

• Large pot or deep skillet (for frying)

• Wooden spoon

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Mixing bowls

• Pastry bag (heavy-duty or double-lined)

• Large open star tip nozzle (like Wilton 1M or Ateco 845/846)

• Kitchen scissors (lightly oiled)

• Cooking thermometer (to monitor oil temperature)

• Slotted spoon or tongs

• Paper towels

• Shallow bowl (for cinnamon sugar coating)

Ingredients List

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup sugar

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Churro Dough:

• 4 ounces butter

• 1 cup water

• 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose or plain flour

• 2 eggs at room temperature

For Frying:

• 1 ½ – 2 cups of oil (vegetable or canola recommended)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Station

Preparation is key! Start by combining the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl for your coating and set aside. Line a large plate with two layers of paper towels to absorb excess oil from your cooked churros. Fill your large pot or skillet with oil, and heat over medium-high heat to reach 360°F (180°C).

Step 2: Make the Perfect Churro Dough

1. In your medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Add the water, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir occasionally and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

3. Add the flour all at once, and stir vigorously with your wooden spoon. The mixture will quickly come together and form a smooth dough ball.

4. Remove from heat and let the dough cool for about 10 minutes until just warm to the touch. This step is crucial so you don’t scramble the eggs!

5. Once cooled, add one egg at a time, beating quickly to incorporate. The dough may look separated at first but keep mixing — it will come together into a thick, glossy batter.

Step 3: Pipe and Fry Your Churros

1. Transfer the dough into a heavy-duty pastry bag fitted with a large open star tip.

2. Lightly oil the blades of your scissors.

3. Pipe 5-6 inch strips of dough directly into the hot oil, using the scissors to snip off the ends cleanly. Fry 4-5 churros at a time to maintain the oil temperature.

4. Fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.

5. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the churros to your prepared paper towel-lined plate. Let them rest briefly, then immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture for a perfect coating.

6. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Churros are best served warm. Pair them with melted chocolate, caramel sauce, a selection of fresh fruit, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a show-stopping dessert.

Pro Tips for Churro Success

• Monitor Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at a steady 360°F (180°C) ensures even cooking and prevents soggy churros.

• Use a Heavy-Duty Piping Bag: The dough is thick, so a sturdy bag is essential to pipe cleanly without bursting.

• No Piping Bag? No Problem: Use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off and a star tip inserted for a makeshift pastry bag.

• Flavored Variations: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a warming spice or infuse your sugar coating with orange zest for a citrusy twist.

• Dipping Sauces: Besides chocolate and caramel, try dulce de leche, raspberry coulis, or even spiced honey for extra flair.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftover churros (though they tend to disappear fast!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigeration as it makes them soggy.

To reheat, place churros in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid the microwave — it tends to make them chewy rather than crisp.

For longer storage, you can freeze cooked churros. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Perfect Pairings for Your Homemade Churros

• Beverages: Hot chocolate (Spanish-style, thick and rich), a frothy cappuccino, or even spiced chai latte.

• Dessert Boards: Build a dessert platter with fresh berries, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and churros as the centerpiece.

• Party Pairing: Serve churros alongside a tapas spread for a delightful finish to a Spanish-themed evening.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make churro dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and bring it to room temperature before frying.

Why did my churros turn out greasy?
This usually means the oil wasn’t hot enough. Always fry at 360°F (180°C) to achieve that crispy texture without excess oil absorption.

Can I bake churros instead of frying them?
Yes, but keep in mind that baked churros won’t have quite the same crispiness. Pipe onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, then roll in cinnamon sugar while warm.

What’s the best oil for frying churros?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil. These options ensure a clean flavor and safe frying temperature.

Can I make vegan churros?
Absolutely! Replace the butter with vegan butter and use an egg replacer or unsweetened applesauce (about ¼ cup per egg). The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Share the Churro Love!

There you have it — the ultimate churros recipe for creating golden, crispy, cinnamon-sugar delights right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re making these for a cozy family night or impressing guests at a party, these churros are sure to be a hit.

If you loved this recipe, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and family, and be sure to subscribe to our blog for more mouthwatering recipes, expert baking tips, and sweet inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. Happy frying!