Crispy Churros: Easy Homemade Mexican Dessert Recipe with Cinnamon Sugar

Homemade Authentic Spanish Churros with Cinnamon Sugar

Crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside – these homemade churros are an irresistible treat that will transport you straight to the streets of Mexico or Spain. This beloved fried pastry dessert is surprisingly simple to make at home and requires just a handful of basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Why You’ll Love These Classic Churros

There’s something magical about biting into a freshly made churro that’s still warm, with its crispy exterior giving way to a soft, doughy center. The generous coating of cinnamon sugar adds the perfect sweetness and spice. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:

• Simple ingredients – No special shopping required
• Quick preparation – Ready in just 20 minutes
• Versatile – Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime snack
• Kid-friendly – A guaranteed hit with children and adults alike
• Customizable – Can be served with various dipping sauces

Ingredients for Perfect Homemade Churros

• 1 cup water
• 2½ tablespoons white sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 quarts oil for frying
• ½ cup white sugar (for coating)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

For Optional Chocolate Dipping Sauce:

• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Authentic Churros Step-by-Step

1. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine water, 2½ tablespoons sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Bring the mixture to a boil and remove from heat.
2. Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
3. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a sturdy zip-top bag with a corner cut off, though the churros won’t have the classic ridged appearance.
4. Heat oil in a deep fryer or deep pot to 375°F (190°C). Use a candy thermometer for accuracy if available.
5. Pipe strips of dough about 4 inches long directly into the hot oil. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan – fry only 3-4 churros at a time.
6. Fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side, turning once with tongs or a slotted spoon.
7. Remove churros with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on paper towels.
8. In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup sugar and cinnamon. While churros are still hot, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until completely coated.
9. For the optional chocolate sauce: Heat heavy cream until just simmering (do not boil). Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 1 minute. Add vanilla and salt, then whisk until smooth.
10. Serve churros warm with chocolate sauce for dipping.

Expert Tips for Churro Success

After testing this recipe numerous times, I’ve gathered some helpful insights to ensure your churros turn out perfectly every time:

• Oil temperature is crucial – Too cool and they’ll be greasy; too hot and they’ll burn before cooking through. Aim for 375°F and maintain it throughout frying.
• Don’t overcrowd – Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and allow room for churros to float freely.
• Pipe consistently – Try to pipe churros of similar size so they cook evenly.
• Roll while hot – The cinnamon-sugar mixture adheres best when the churros are freshly fried and still warm.
• Serve immediately – Churros are at their absolute best when freshly made.

Troubleshooting Common Churro Problems

• Dough too runny? Allow it to cool slightly before piping or add a bit more flour.
• Churros raw inside? Make sure to pipe them thin enough (about ½-inch diameter) and maintain proper oil temperature.
• Not crispy enough? They may not have fried long enough or the oil wasn’t hot enough.

Delicious Variations to Try

While traditional churros are perfect on their own, here are some exciting variations to explore:

• Chocolate-filled churros – Pipe chocolate ganache into the center after frying
• Dulce de leche dip – Swap chocolate sauce for creamy caramel
• Orange-infused churros – Add orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist
• Vanilla bean churros – Add vanilla bean paste to the dough for extra flavor
• Mexican chocolate sauce – Add cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne to the chocolate sauce for a spicy kick

Nutrition Information

Frequently Asked Questions About Churros

Can I make churro dough ahead of time?

For best results, churro dough should be used immediately while warm. If needed, you can make the dough up to 2 hours in advance and keep it at room temperature, but you may need to warm it slightly before piping.

Can I bake churros instead of frying?

While traditional churros are fried, you can bake them at 425°F for about 10-12 minutes for a lighter version. They won’t be quite as authentic but still delicious.

How do I store leftover churros?

Churros are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to crisp them up.

Why did my churros explode while frying?

This can happen if there’s too much moisture in the dough or if the oil is too hot. Make sure your dough is the right consistency and maintain proper oil temperature.

The Perfect Fiesta Dessert: Homemade Churros

Whether you’re serving them as a special breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or the sweet finale to a Mexican-inspired feast, these homemade churros are sure to impress. The combination of the crispy exterior, soft interior, and sweet cinnamon-sugar coating creates an irresistible treat that will have everyone asking for seconds. So heat up that oil, prepare your piping bag, and get ready to enjoy one of the world’s most beloved fried pastries right in your own kitchen!

Recipe adapted from: AllRecipes