These cinnamon sugar churros are a warm, comforting treat with a crisp exterior and a soft, tender center. Coated generously in cinnamon and sugar, they bring the joy of classic fair-style desserts right into your home kitchen and are perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together quickly. The churros fry up golden and light, with a satisfying crunch followed by a fluffy interior. They are easy to customize, fun to make, and best enjoyed fresh, making them ideal for special moments or spontaneous sweet cravings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup water
2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 quarts vegetable oil, for frying
Directions
In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine the water, 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat.
Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth ball of dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Heat the 2 quarts of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or deep, heavy skillet to 375°F (190°C).
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Carefully pipe strips of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting them to your desired length.
Fry the churros until golden brown and crisp, turning occasionally for even cooking. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
In a shallow bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup sugar with the ground cinnamon. While the churros are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Variations
For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to the dough after removing it from the heat. You can also fill the cooked churros with chocolate spread or caramel using a small piping tip. If you prefer a lighter option, the churros can be baked instead of fried, though the texture will be slightly softer.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, with about 15 minutes of cooking time, for a total time of around 25 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
Churros are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes until warmed and lightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soft.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
The dough is best used immediately, as resting can affect how the churros puff and fry.
Why are my churros oily?
If the oil temperature is too low, the dough will absorb excess oil. Keep the oil at a steady 375°F (190°C).
Do I need a piping bag?
A piping bag with a star tip gives the classic shape, but a sturdy plastic bag with the corner snipped can also work.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) until golden, though they will be less crisp than fried churros.
What oil is best for frying?
A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, works best.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can slightly reduce the sugar coating, but it is essential for the classic churro flavor.
Why didn’t my dough form a ball?
This can happen if the flour was added too slowly or not stirred vigorously enough.
Can I freeze churros?
Uncoated, cooked churros can be frozen and reheated in the oven, then rolled in cinnamon sugar before serving.
How do I keep churros warm for serving?
Place them on a baking sheet in a low oven at 200°F (95°C) for a short time before serving.
What can I serve with churros?
They pair well with warm milk, coffee, or a simple chocolate dipping sauce.
Conclusion
Cinnamon sugar churros are a timeless dessert that combines simplicity with irresistible flavor. With their crisp texture, sweet coating, and quick preparation, they’re a wonderful treat to make at home whenever you want something comforting and special to share.
These cinnamon sugar churros are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend. Perfect for recreating a favorite fair or street food at home, they make a fun and delicious treat for sharing.
Ingredients
1 cup water
2 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 quarts vegetable oil, for frying
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, 2 1/2 tbsp sugar, salt, and 2 tbsp oil. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
Stir in flour all at once until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the pan.
Heat frying oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe strips into hot oil, cutting to desired length.
Fry until golden brown, turning as needed. Drain on paper towels.
Mix 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Roll warm churros in mixture to coat.
Notes
Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to maintain oil temperature.
Add a splash of vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor.
Best served fresh. Pair with chocolate sauce for dipping.
