Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Churros are a golden, crunchy, and sweet Mexican dessert that’s perfect for any celebration. These classic fried pastries are coated in a delicious cinnamon-sugar mixture and served warm with chocolate or caramel dipping sauce. Whether you’re making them for a Cinco de Mayo party, a Mexican dessert table, or a fun homemade treat, churros are always a crowd favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Delicious – Golden brown on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions make it foolproof.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for parties, family gatherings, or a fun dessert night.
- Customizable – Enjoy with chocolate, caramel, or dulce de leche dipping sauce.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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For the churros:
- 1 cup water
- 2 ½ tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
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For the coating:
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Directions
- Make the dough – In a saucepan, heat water, sugar, salt, and butter until it boils.
- Stir in flour – Remove from heat and mix in flour until a dough forms. Stir until smooth.
- Cool and add egg – Let the dough cool for 5 minutes, then mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Prepare for frying – Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C).
- Pipe the churros – Transfer dough to a piping bag with a star tip and carefully pipe strips of dough into the hot oil.
- Fry until golden – Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and coat – Remove churros from oil and drain on paper towels. While still warm, roll them in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Serve warm – Enjoy with chocolate, caramel, or dulce de leche dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate-Filled Churros – Pipe Nutella or melted chocolate inside for a decadent treat.
- Baked Churros – Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
- Spicy Churros – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sugar coating for a spicy-sweet kick.
- Vegan Churros – Replace butter with coconut oil and egg with flaxseed or applesauce.
- Mini Churros – Pipe smaller portions for bite-sized treats.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked dough in a piping bag. Fry directly from frozen when ready.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
FAQs
Can I make churros without a piping bag?
Yes! Use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off, though the texture may not be as crisp.
What oil is best for frying churros?
Use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, as they have high smoke points.
How do I prevent my churros from being greasy?
Ensure the oil is at 375°F (190°C) and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Can I make churros ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough in advance and fry when ready to serve.
What dipping sauces go best with churros?
Try melted chocolate, caramel sauce, dulce de leche, or sweetened condensed milk.
How do I keep my churros crispy?
Serve them immediately, or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly denser than traditional churros.
Why did my churros turn out soft?
Soft churros result from low frying temperature—make sure your oil stays at 375°F (190°C).
How do I make extra crispy churros?
Fry for an additional 30 seconds per side until deep golden brown.
Are churros a traditional Mexican dessert?
Yes! Churros are a popular street food in Mexico and Spain, often enjoyed with hot chocolate or café con leche.
Conclusion
Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Churros are a classic, irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a Mexican-themed party, a holiday gathering, or just a weekend dessert, this easy-to-follow recipe guarantees golden, crunchy, and delicious churros every time. Try different variations, serve with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy this sweet festival delight!
