Best Churro Recipe

Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, the Best Churro Recipe brings you authentic, golden-fried churros coated in cinnamon sugar—just like the ones from your favorite fair or street cart. Whether you’re making them for a celebration, a cozy night in, or a special dessert, these homemade churros are guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe gives you churros that are light, crisp, and perfectly golden every time. The dough is made from simple pantry staples and comes together in just minutes. You don’t need a deep fryer—just a pot, a piping bag, and a little patience. They’re perfect for dipping in chocolate sauce, caramel, or even just devouring warm straight from the sugar bowl.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the churros

• Water
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the coating

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Directions

• Make the dough: In a saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
• Cool slightly: Let the dough cool for 5–10 minutes, then beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
• Heat oil: In a deep pot, heat 2–3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
• Pipe the churros: Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 5–6 inch lengths of dough into the hot oil, using scissors to cut the dough at the tip.
• Fry until golden: Fry 3–4 churros at a time, turning occasionally, until golden brown—about 2–3 minutes per side.
• Drain and coat: Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Immediately toss warm churros in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Serve: Serve warm with chocolate sauce, dulce de leche, or on their own.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 18–24 churros, depending on size.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Filled churros: Pipe with dulce de leche or Nutella using a filling tip after frying.
• Chocolate churros: Add 1–2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough.
• Churro bites: Pipe smaller segments for poppable churro nuggets.
• Baked churros: Pipe onto a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, then broil to brown.
• Spiced sugar: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mix for depth.

Storage/reheating

Churros are best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to revive the crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the texture.

FAQs

Can I make churro dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough a few hours ahead and keep it at room temperature, but for best results, fry fresh.

Do I need a piping bag?

It’s highly recommended for that signature ridged look, but you can spoon and shape the dough if needed.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes, bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, then roll in butter and cinnamon-sugar.

Why are my churros raw inside?

Your oil may be too hot—lower the temperature slightly so the insides have time to cook through.

What oil is best for frying?

Use neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil with a high smoke point.

How do I keep churros warm for a party?

Keep them in a low oven (200°F) on a wire rack over a baking sheet until ready to serve.

Can I freeze churros?

Yes, freeze after frying and cooling. Reheat in the oven until crisp and warm.

Why is my dough too runny or stiff?

Egg size can vary—adjust by adding a bit more flour if too loose, or another egg yolk if too stiff.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

You can, but the texture will be denser and less light.

What do I serve churros with?

Serve with chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, dulce de leche, or vanilla glaze for dipping.

Conclusion

The Best Churro Recipe brings golden, cinnamon-dusted joy to your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Whether you’re making them for a celebration or just a sweet craving, these crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside treats will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds). Once you try homemade churros, there’s no going back.

Print