Cinnamon Sugar Churros Recipe | Crispy & Sweet with Chocolate Sauce
1. Introduction
Cinnamon sugar churros are the ultimate sweet treat: crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and generously coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture. The perfect balance of crunchy texture and warm, comforting flavor, churros are a beloved snack around the world — from street vendors to theme parks, churros never fail to delight.
This recipe for homemade cinnamon sugar churros brings the magic of churros straight to your kitchen. The beauty of churros lies in their simplicity — only a few key ingredients are needed, yet they pack in so much flavor and texture. The best part? You get to dip them in chocolate sauce, making this treat even more decadent and irresistible.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the easy steps to create your own churros at home. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a sweet snack, or just in the mood for a new dessert to try, these cinnamon sugar churros will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s break down the ingredients needed for this delicious treat. Each one contributes to the perfect texture and flavor that makes churros so irresistible.
For the Churros:
- Water (1 cup)
Water is the base liquid for the dough and helps create the right consistency. The amount of water ensures that the dough is smooth enough to pipe, but still thick enough to hold its shape when fried. - Butter (1/2 cup)
Butter adds richness and helps give the churros that delicious golden-brown color. You can substitute with vegetable oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but butter gives it that authentic flavor. - Sugar (1 tbsp)
A small amount of sugar in the dough helps balance the flavor, making it slightly sweet even before the churros are coated in cinnamon sugar. - Salt (1/2 tsp)
Salt enhances the sweetness and flavor of the churros, bringing out the depth of the cinnamon and the crispy texture. - All-Purpose Flour (1 cup)
Flour is the key ingredient that forms the dough. All-purpose flour works best for churros, but whole wheat flour can also be used for a slightly different flavor and texture. - Egg (1 large)
The egg gives the dough structure and helps create the light, airy texture inside each churro. The egg also helps the dough hold its shape when piped. - Baking Powder (1/2 tsp)
Baking powder adds a slight rise to the dough, making it more tender and airy on the inside. - Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)
Vanilla enhances the flavor of the churros, adding a subtle sweetness that complements the cinnamon sugar topping.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup)
Granulated sugar is the base for the cinnamon sugar mixture. You’ll coat the churros in this once they’re fried, adding a sweet, crunchy exterior. - Ground Cinnamon (1 tbsp)
Cinnamon is the star of the coating. It gives the churros that classic flavor that pairs so beautifully with the crispy texture.
For the Chocolate Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup)
Heavy cream makes for a smooth, velvety chocolate sauce. You can substitute with whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich. - Semi-Sweet Chocolate (4 oz)
Semi-sweet chocolate provides a perfect balance of sweetness to the sauce. If you prefer a darker chocolate flavor, you can substitute with dark chocolate. - Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp)
A hint of vanilla enhances the flavor of the chocolate sauce, adding depth and complexity.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Making churros at home is easier than you might think! Follow these clear steps for perfectly crispy and sweet churros.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter has fully melted.
Once the mixture comes to a simmer, remove it from the heat. Slowly stir in the flour until the dough comes together into a thick mixture. The dough should be smooth but not too sticky.
Allow the dough to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract. Stir until the egg is fully incorporated, and the dough is smooth and slightly glossy.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a large deep frying pan or pot, heat about 2-3 inches of oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into the oil — if it bubbles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready.
While the oil is heating, prepare a large piping bag or pastry bag fitted with a star tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can also use a resealable plastic bag and cut off a small corner.
Step 3: Pipe and Fry the Churros
Carefully pipe the dough into the hot oil in 4-6 inch strips. Don’t overcrowd the pan — fry a few churros at a time. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the churros are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to carefully flip them as needed.
Once the churros are done, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Coat the Churros in Cinnamon Sugar
In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together until well combined. While the churros are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
Step 5: Make the Chocolate Dipping Sauce (Optional)
To make the chocolate dipping sauce, combine the heavy cream and semi-sweet chocolate in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Transfer the sauce to a small bowl for dipping.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Your churros are now ready to be served! Arrange the churros on a plate and serve with the chocolate dipping sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
4. Tips and Variations
Expert Tips for the Best Churros:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the churros in batches to avoid overcrowding. This ensures that they cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.
- Use a Star Tip: Using a star-shaped piping tip creates the classic churro texture, with ridges that help hold the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Test the Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F-375°F) for frying. If the oil is too hot, the churros will burn on the outside before they cook through. If it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Variations:
- Baked Churros: For a healthier alternative, bake the churros instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the churros on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Add a Twist of Flavor: Add cocoa powder to the cinnamon sugar for a chocolate twist or try adding a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Gluten-Free Churros: Substitute almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour to make these churros gluten-free.
5. Serving Suggestions
These churros are delicious on their own, but here are some great ways to serve them:
- With Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Churros and a warm drink like coffee or hot chocolate make the perfect pairing for a cozy snack.
- With Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve churros with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side.
- As Part of a Dessert Spread: Serve churros as part of a dessert table with other sweet treats like brownies or mini cupcakes.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: You can freeze churros for up to 3 months. After frying, let them cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply place the churros in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until they are warmed through and slightly crispy again. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds for a quicker option.
7. Recipe Notes
- Can Be Prepped Ahead of Time: You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, simply pipe and fry the churros.
- Best with Freshly Made: For the best texture, churros are best served fresh. However, they can be reheated as described above.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 180 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 75mg |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Calcium | 10mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Spanish
Servings: 8 churros
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat the oil to 350°F.
- Mix water, butter, sugar, and salt in a saucepan and simmer.
- Stir in flour and form dough.
- Add egg and vanilla, then pipe dough into oil.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Coat in cinnamon sugar.
- Serve with chocolate dipping sauce.
Notes:
- Bake instead of fry for a healthier version.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition:
Calories: 180 | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 26g | Protein: 2g
10. Final Thoughts or CONCLUSION
These Cinnamon Sugar Churros are the perfect sweet treat that’s crispy, golden, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, they’re sure to impress. Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments!