How to Make Churros

5 minutes read

Homemade Churros are a delightful treat that features a crunchy, golden exterior and a light, airy center coated in a sandy layer of cinnamon and sugar. While often associated with amusement parks and street fairs, making these authentic Mexican-inspired treats at home is surprisingly easy and rewarding.

Whether you are celebrating Cinco de Mayo or simply want a fun weekend dessert project, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every time.

Why You Will Love This Homemade Churro Recipe

These churros are superior to store-bought versions because they are served fresh and hot. The dough, based on a traditional pate a choux pastry, creates a sophisticated texture that is never heavy or greasy.

– Perfectly golden and crunchy
– Soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior
– Simple pantry staples
– Fun for kids and adults to assemble

The Secret to Perfect Churro Dough

Churro dough is a cooked pastry dough similar to what is used for cream puffs or eclairs. By cooking the flour first with water and butter, you gelatinize the starches, which allows the dough to hold its iconic ridged shape while expanding in the hot oil.

Ingredients for Homemade Churros

For the Churro Batter:
– 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 3/4 cup water
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
– 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 to 3 large eggs (room temperature)
– Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the Oil

Begin by filling a deep fryer or a heavy, high-sided pan with about 2 inches of oil. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 375°F. This specific temperature ensures the churros crisp up immediately without absorbing excess oil.

2. Prepare the Dough Base

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, vanilla, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. As soon as it boils, remove the pan from the heat and dump in the flour all at once.

3. Cook the Flour

Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the flour is fully incorporated. Return the pan to medium heat and continue stirring for 1 to 2 minutes. The dough should pull away from the sides and form a smooth, cohesive ball.

4. Mix in the Eggs

Transfer the warm dough to a stand mixer or a large bowl. Let it rest and cool for 5 minutes. This cooling period is critical to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition until the batter is glossy and smooth.

5. Pipe and Fry

Fit a large pastry bag with a closed star tip (such as a Wilton 1F or Ateco 846). Fill the bag with dough. Pipe 6-inch lengths directly into the hot oil, using kitchen shears or tongs to snip the end of the dough.

Fry only 2 or 3 churros at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 4 minutes per side until they reach a deep golden brown.

6. Coat and Serve

Whisk the cinnamon and sugar together in a shallow dish. Once the churros are done, transfer them briefly to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain, then immediately roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while hot.

How to Serve Your Churros

While these treats are incredible on their own, they are traditionally served with a dipping sauce.

– Dulce de Leche: A thick, creamy caramel that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
– Chocolate Ganache: For a rich, decadent experience.
– Stuffed Churros: Use a long skewer to poke a hole through the center of a fried churro and pipe warmed dulce de leche inside using a Bismark tip.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

– Egg Consistency: Depending on your climate, you may need 2 or 3 eggs. The batter should be soft enough to pipe but stiff enough to hold its shape.
– Monitor Oil Temp: If the oil is too cold, the churros will be greasy. If it is too hot, the middle will remain raw while the outside burns. Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
– Cooling Step: Never skip the 5-minute cooling rest before adding eggs, or your dough will lose its structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make churro bites?

Yes! Simply pipe 1-inch pieces of dough into the oil instead of 6-inch strips. These will cook faster, usually requiring only 2 minutes per side.

How do I store leftover churros?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To restore the crunch, reheat them in a 350°F oven or an air fryer for a few minutes.

What is the best piping tip for churros?

A large “closed star” or “rose” tip is best. It creates deep ridges that become extra crispy during the frying process and hold the cinnamon sugar perfectly.