If you’re craving a warm, crispy dessert that feels both comforting and special, this Homemade Churros Recipe That’s Fresh and Wonderful is exactly what you need. Made with simple pantry ingredients and a straightforward method, these churros come out golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfectly coated in cinnamon sugar every single time.
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Why You’ll Love This Homemade Churros Recipe
This recipe is ideal for home cooks of all skill levels. The dough comes together quickly on the stovetop, there’s no yeast or long resting time required, and the results feel bakery-worthy. These churros are lightly crisp, not greasy, and have a clean, classic flavor that appeals to kids and adults alike. They’re perfect for parties, holidays, movie nights, or anytime you want a fresh dessert that feels a little extra special without being complicated.
Another reason this homemade churros recipe stands out is its flexibility. You can keep it classic with cinnamon sugar, add dipping sauces, or adapt the cooking method to fit your kitchen setup. It’s a reliable, proven dessert that always delivers smiles.
Ingredients for Homemade Churros
Churros Dough
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
If needed, unsalted butter can be replaced with a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option. All-purpose flour works best for structure, but a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend can be used with slightly softer results. For frying, choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point. If you prefer a lighter version, churros can be baked or air-fried, though the texture will be less crisp than the traditional fried version.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Dough Base
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, sugar, salt, and butter. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring until the butter is fully melted.
Step 2 – Add the Flour
Reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or spatula until a thick dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Continue stirring for about one minute to cook out excess moisture.
Step 3 – Cool and Add the Egg
Remove the pan from heat and let the dough cool for 5 minutes. Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated. The dough should become smooth, glossy, and thick enough to hold its shape when piped.
Step 4 – Heat the Oil
Pour oil into a deep skillet or heavy pot, filling it about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping in a small bit of dough; it should bubble immediately and float.
Step 5 – Pipe and Fry the Churros
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Carefully pipe 4–6 inch strips of dough directly into the hot oil, using scissors to cut the ends. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.
Step 6 – Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Remove churros with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on paper towels. While still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Pro Tips for Success
Make sure the oil temperature stays consistent, as oil that’s too hot will brown the churros too quickly while leaving the inside undercooked. Don’t overcrowd the pan, since this lowers the oil temperature and causes soggy churros. Always coat the churros in cinnamon sugar while they’re warm so it sticks evenly. Use a star piping tip to create ridges, which help the churros cook evenly and hold the sugar coating better. If the dough feels too stiff to pipe, let it rest for a minute and stir gently to relax it.
Flavor Variations
For chocolate lovers, add a pinch of cocoa powder to the cinnamon sugar. For a citrus twist, mix orange or lemon zest into the sugar coating. You can also fill churros with pastry cream or chocolate spread using a small piping tip after frying. A hint of vanilla or almond extract added to the dough brings extra depth. For a fall-inspired version, add a small pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Homemade churros are best served warm and fresh. Pair them with chocolate sauce, vanilla glaze, caramel sauce, or honey for dipping. They also work beautifully alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more complete dessert plate. For parties, serve them on a platter with multiple dipping options so guests can customize their bites.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Churros are best eaten the same day, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. To reheat, place them in a 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Uncooked dough can be piped and frozen, then fried directly from frozen with a slightly longer cook time. Fried churros can also be frozen and reheated in the oven, though the texture will be slightly softer.
Homemade Churros Recipe That’s Fresh and Wonderful
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 churros
Description
These homemade churros are golden and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated in a classic cinnamon sugar finish. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this fresh and wonderful churros recipe is easy, comforting, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil for frying
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water, sugar, salt, and butter.
- Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until butter is fully melted.
- Reduce heat to low and add flour all at once.
- Stir vigorously until a thick dough forms and pulls away from the sides.
- Continue stirring for about 1 minute to remove excess moisture.
- Remove from heat and let dough cool for 5 minutes.
- Add egg and mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F.
- Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
- Pipe 4–6 inch strips of dough into hot oil, cutting with scissors.
- Fry for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
- Remove and drain briefly on paper towels.
- Roll warm churros in cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
Notes
Keep oil temperature steady to ensure even cooking. Coat churros in cinnamon sugar while warm so it sticks well. Best enjoyed fresh and warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~210 |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
FAQ About Homemade Churros
Why is my churros dough too thick or too runny?
If the dough is too thick, it may have lost too much moisture during cooking. Stir in a teaspoon of warm water at a time until pipeable. If it’s too runny, it may need a bit more mixing time to fully incorporate the egg and develop structure.
Can I make churros without a piping bag?
Yes, though the shape will be less traditional. You can spoon the dough carefully into the oil, but a piping bag with a star tip gives the best texture and appearance.
Can churros be baked instead of fried?
Yes, churros can be baked at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes until golden. Brush them with melted butter before rolling in cinnamon sugar to help the coating stick.
What oil is best for frying churros?
Neutral oils with a high smoke point such as vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil work best. Avoid oils with strong flavors like olive oil.
Why did my churros burst while frying?
This usually happens if the oil is too hot or if there’s too much moisture trapped in the dough. Keeping the oil around 350°F and cooking the dough properly on the stovetop helps prevent this.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Churros Recipe That’s Fresh and Wonderful proves that a classic dessert doesn’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients. With a crisp exterior, soft center, and irresistible cinnamon sugar coating, these churros are a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Once you make them at home, you’ll see just how easy and rewarding fresh churros can be.