Churros are golden, crispy pastries with soft, fluffy centers — a classic Spanish and Latin American treat loved all over the world.
Traditionally served with thick hot chocolate or dusted with cinnamon sugar, churros are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy evening snack.
The best part? You can make them right at home with just a few basic ingredients and simple steps.
Let’s jump into the detailed recipe for making authentic churros that are crisp on the outside, tender inside, and irresistibly delicious.
Churros
Warm, freshly fried churros coated in cinnamon sugar — nothing beats that sweet crunch. This recipe gives you perfect texture and flavor every time.
Ingredients
For the Churros:
- 1 cup water
- 2 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional for Serving:
- Melted chocolate or thick chocolate sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, salt, and butter. Place it over medium heat and bring it to a gentle boil. Stir until the butter completely melts and the sugar dissolves.
Once boiling, remove the pan from the heat and immediately add all the flour at once. Stir quickly using a wooden spoon until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the pan. The mixture will look thick and slightly sticky — that’s perfect.
Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes before adding eggs. This step prevents the eggs from cooking in the hot dough.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Flavoring
Add one egg at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition. The dough will look like it’s separating at first, but keep mixing until it becomes smooth and glossy. Once both eggs are incorporated, add the vanilla extract and mix again.
The final dough should be thick, smooth, and slightly elastic.
Step 3: Prepare for Frying
Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot or large skillet — about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). It’s important to maintain this temperature so the churros cook evenly without soaking up excess oil.
Meanwhile, transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. This gives the churros their signature ridged texture.
Step 4: Pipe and Fry the Churros
Once the oil is hot, carefully pipe 5–6 inch strips of dough directly into the oil, cutting them off with scissors or a knife. Avoid overcrowding the pot — fry in small batches for best results.
Fry each churro until golden brown on all sides, about 2–4 minutes per batch. Turn them occasionally using tongs for even cooking.
When done, remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While still warm, roll the churros in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated. The heat helps the sugar stick beautifully, giving each churro a sweet, crunchy layer.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve churros fresh and warm for the best texture. Dip them in melted chocolate, dulce de leche, or even caramel sauce. They’re delightful plain, too, with that classic cinnamon aroma filling your kitchen.
Tips for Perfect Churros
- Temperature Control: If the oil is too hot, the outside burns before the inside cooks. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- No Piping Bag? You can use a zip-top bag and cut off one corner. It works perfectly in a pinch.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 1 day before frying.
- Crispier Churros: Let them fry a little longer until deep golden brown for extra crunch.
Conclusion
Homemade churros are a treat that brings comfort and joy to any occasion. Their crisp texture, warm sweetness, and the satisfying contrast of soft interiors make them impossible to resist.
Once you try this recipe, you’ll never want store-bought churros again.
Serve them at family gatherings, holiday parties, or just for yourself on a cozy evening — because sometimes, happiness really is a warm churro dipped in chocolate.