Homemade Cinnamon-Sugar Churros

Few treats compare to the crisp, golden bite of freshly made churros dusted with cinnamon sugar. These classic Spanish and Mexican street snacks are beloved around the world for their crunchy outside, fluffy inside, and irresistible coating of sweet spice. Homemade churros are surprisingly simple to make and require only a few basic ingredients, making them an ideal weekend baking project or a special indulgence to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether served with rich chocolate sauce, dulce de leche, or eaten straight from the fryer, these churros deliver pure comfort in every bite.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Servings: Makes about 18–20 churros

• Cuisine: Spanish, Mexican

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup (240 ml) water

• 2 ½ tbsp granulated sugar

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Cinnamon Sugar:

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For Dipping (Optional):

• Chocolate sauce

• Dulce de leche

• Nutella or melted chocolate

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

Make the Churro Dough

1. In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, salt, and butter. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

2. Once boiling, remove from heat and immediately stir in the flour all at once. Mix vigorously with a wooden spoon until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides.

3. Allow the dough to cool for 5 minutes before adding eggs.

4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough will look separated at first but will come together. Add vanilla extract and beat until smooth.

Heat the Oil
5. Heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 175–180°C (350–360°F). Use a thermometer to ensure proper frying temperature.

Pipe the Churros
6. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 4–6 inch strips directly into the hot oil, using scissors or a knife to cut the dough.
7. Fry 3–5 churros at a time, turning occasionally, for about 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown.

Drain and Coat
8. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. While still warm, roll churros in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.

Serve Immediately
10. Serve warm, optionally with chocolate sauce, caramel, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutritional Information (Per Churro, Approximate)

• Calories: 130

• Fat: 7 g

• Carbohydrates: 15 g

• Sugar: 6 g

• Protein: 2 g

• Sodium: 80 mg

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Churros have long been associated with Spanish and Latin American cuisine, though their true origin is debated. Some claim they were invented by Spanish shepherds who fried dough over an open flame, while others credit Portuguese explorers for bringing the concept from China. In modern times, churros have become street food icons in Mexico, Spain, the Philippines, and even the U.S., especially at fairs and amusement parks. Their global popularity is a testament to their delicious simplicity and versatility.

Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Fluffy: Golden outside, soft inside—perfect churro texture.

• Easy Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen.

• Fun to Make: Piping and frying is a satisfying kitchen activity.

• Crowd Favorite: Perfect for parties, holidays, and dessert tables.

• Customizable: Pair with a wide range of sauces or fill with sweet fillings.

Health Benefits

While churros are definitely an indulgent treat, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced lifestyle. When made at home:

• You control the quality of ingredients.

• No preservatives or artificial flavors.

• Can be baked instead of fried for a lower-fat version.

• Cinnamon adds antioxidants and helps regulate blood sugar.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm on a platter with small bowls of melted chocolate, caramel, or fruit sauces.

• Pair with hot coffee, Mexican hot chocolate, or a vanilla milkshake.

• For breakfast, try churros with thick Spanish drinking chocolate.

• Dust with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a twist.

• Fill with dulce de leche or pastry cream using a piping bag.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the fryer: This lowers oil temperature and causes soggy churros.

• Skipping the thermometer: Too hot and churros burn; too cool and they soak oil.

• Undermixing the dough: Add eggs one at a time and mix thoroughly.

• Not draining excess oil: Always rest churros on paper towels before coating in sugar.

• Letting them cool before coating: Cinnamon sugar won’t stick properly if churros cool too much.

Pairing Recommendations

• Drinks: Mexican hot chocolate, coffee, horchata, spiced chai.

• Dips: Dark chocolate ganache, raspberry sauce, vanilla custard, hazelnut spread.

• Toppings: Sprinkle with chili-lime salt for a spicy-sweet version or dip ends in chocolate and crushed nuts.

Cooking Tips

• For crispier churros, let the dough cool before piping to avoid soggy interiors.

• Use a large open star piping tip to create the iconic ridged churro shape.

• Pipe onto a tray first and freeze for 10 minutes if you’re new to frying.

• Always test one churro first to check frying temperature and texture.

• For baking, pipe onto parchment and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–22 minutes, then broil for a crisp top.

Similar Recipes to Try

• Baked Churro Donuts

• Churro French Toast Sticks

• Filled Churros with Dulce de Leche

• Sopapillas

• Fried Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Strips

Variations to Try

• Filled Churros: Use a piping bag with a filling tip to inject custard, jam, or Nutella.

• Baked Churros: Pipe onto a tray and bake instead of frying for a lighter version.

• Chocolate Churros: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a rich chocolate flavor.

• Spiced Sugar Coating: Mix cinnamon with nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice.

• Mini Churros: Make 2–3 inch versions for parties or snack boards.

Ingredient Spotlight: Cinnamon

Cinnamon isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. In this recipe, cinnamon gives churros their signature warm, aromatic flavor. Combined with sugar, it enhances the crispy exterior and adds depth to every bite. Choosing quality ground cinnamon makes a big difference in taste. Ceylon cinnamon offers a sweeter, more delicate flavor, while cassia cinnamon delivers bold warmth and spice.

Conclusion

Homemade churros are a delightful, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easier to make than you might think. With simple pantry staples and a few tips, you can create this iconic treat in your own kitchen and enjoy them fresh and warm—just like from a street cart. Whether you enjoy them dipped in chocolate, sprinkled with chili, or straight up with cinnamon sugar,