These cinnamon sugar baked churros bring all the flavor and texture of the fried version but are made right in the oven. They turn out golden brown and crispy on the outside, yet soft and chewy on the inside. It’s the kind of sweet treat that reminds me of the fair, a carnival, or even Disney World, but I get to enjoy it right at home without the mess of frying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because I don’t have to deal with deep frying. Instead, I just need a prepared baking sheet and a preheated oven. The churros come out crispy and golden brown without being greasy. I can also make them ahead of time and keep them fresh for a few days in an airtight container. These churros are perfect for dipping into chocolate sauce, caramel, or dulce de leche, and I find them to be a fun treat for holidays, parties, or even just a cozy weekend snack.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the churro dough

• 1 cup water

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 3 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cinnamon sugar coating

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 cup melted butter

For dipping

• Chocolate ganache, dulce de leche, or caramel sauce

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, brown sugar, and salt. Heat on low until the butter melts and the water begins to boil.

3. Add the flour all at once and stir with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the pan.

4. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously until smooth and glossy. Stir in vanilla extract.

5. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe strips about 4 inches long onto the baking sheet.

6. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden and crisp.

7. In a bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Brush the warm churros with melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

8. Serve warm with dipping sauces of choice.

Servings And Timing

This recipe makes about 12 churros. The prep time is 15 minutes, baking takes about 30 minutes, and in total, I can have them ready in around 45 minutes.

Variations

I like switching things up depending on the occasion:

• Air fryer version: Bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until crisp.

• Mini churros: Pipe smaller strips for bite-sized treats.

• Puff pastry hack: Use puff pastry sheets, cut into strips, and bake for a quick shortcut.

• Serving ideas: Pair with ice cream, drizzle with heavy cream, or dunk in hot chocolate.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftover churros in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. I avoid refrigerating them because that makes them soggy. To reheat, I pop them into the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes.

If I want to freeze them, I either pipe and freeze the unbaked dough (to bake straight from frozen) or freeze baked churros once cooled. I don’t coat them in cinnamon sugar before freezing, since it turns soggy—better to coat them fresh after reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I Make Churros Without A Piping Bag?

Yes, I can use a large ziplock bag with the corner snipped, or even make a cone from parchment paper. If needed, I can spread the dough on a baking sheet and cut it into strips before baking.

2. Why Did My Churros Turn Out Soft Instead Of Crispy?

This usually happens if they were underbaked. I make sure to bake them until golden brown and crisp. Letting them cool slightly before coating also helps keep the texture.

3. Can I Prepare Churro Dough Ahead Of Time?

Yes, I can pipe the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then I just bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

4. What Sauces Go Best With Churros?

I personally love dipping them in chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or dulce de leche. For a fun twist, I sometimes serve them with fruit sauces or even a vanilla glaze.

5. Can I Make These Gluten-Free?

Yes, I can substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but they still turn out delicious.

Conclusion

These cinnamon sugar baked churros give me everything I love about classic fried churros without the extra oil or hassle. They’re crispy, chewy, and coated in the perfect cinnamon sugar blend. Whether I’m making them for a party, a family dessert, or just a cozy evening snack, this recipe never disappoints.