The scent of cinnamon and sugar wafting through my kitchen instantly transports me to the vibrant streets of Spain and Mexico, where churros are a beloved treat. After a long week of quick dinners and takeout, I craved something special—something that would not only satisfy my sweet tooth but also serve as a festive delight for friends and family. That’s when I decided to whip up these Easy Homemade Churros.
Within 30 minutes, I transformed simple pantry staples into warm, crispy sticks of happiness rolled in cinnamon sugar and paired with a luscious dark chocolate dipping sauce. Whether you’re looking for a unique breakfast, a show-stopping dessert, or just a fun snack to elevate your weeknight routine, these churros are the perfect solution. What makes them even better? They’re surprisingly easy to make, allowing even novice cooks to impress at the dinner table! Grab your piping bag, and let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!
Why love Easy Homemade Churros?
Crispy, Light Texture: Each churro boasts a perfectly crispy exterior while remaining soft and airy on the inside, making every bite a delight.
Quick and Simple: Made with everyday ingredients, these churros come together in just 30 minutes, perfect for those spontaneous cravings.
Versatile Indulgence: Enjoy them as breakfast, dessert, or a snack—these churros suit any occasion and satisfy all ages.
Irresistible Chocolate Sauce: The rich chocolate dipping sauce enhances the churros, offering a decadent twist that’s hard to resist!
Fun to Make: Whip out the piping bag and let the kids join in! Making churros is an enjoyable culinary experience for the whole family.
Easy Homemade Churros Ingredients
For the Dough
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and flavor; substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and coating; coconut sugar can be used for a less processed alternative.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; swap with almond extract for a unique twist.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; a gluten-free flour blend works well too.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor; feel free to use sea salt instead.
- Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth to the coating; omit if you prefer plain churros.
- Large Eggs – Binds the dough; swap with flax eggs for a vegan version.
- Vegetable Oil – Ideal for frying; use high smoke point oils like canola or sunflower.
For the Chocolate Dipping Sauce
- Dark Chocolate Chips – The star of the sauce, providing a rich flavor; semi-sweet chocolate is a sweeter alternative.
- Heavy Cream – Creates a smooth sauce; coconut cream serves as a dairy-free option.
- Ground Cinnamon (for sauce) – A nice touch for added flavor; you can omit it if desired.
- Kosher Salt (for sauce) – Enhances chocolate flavor; optional for those who prefer sweetness.
With these ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to making Easy Homemade Churros that are sure to impress!
How to Make Easy Homemade Churros
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Boil Butter Mixture: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until fully melted and combined.
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Mix Flour and Salt: Once boiling, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt to the saucepan. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a cohesive ball and pulls away from the edges of the pan.
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Cool and Incorporate Eggs: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Using a mixer, beat in 2 large eggs one at a time until the dough is smooth and glossy. Add in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and mix well.
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Heat Oil: In a deep pot or fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 375°F. Monitor the temperature to ensure the oil is hot enough for frying, which helps achieve that crispy texture.
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Pipe Churros: Transfer the churro dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Squeeze 6-inch strips directly into the hot oil, cutting them with kitchen shears.
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Fry to Perfection: Fry the churros for about 5 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil, allowing excess oil to drip off.
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Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: While still warm, roll the churros in a mixture of 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon until fully coated.
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Prepare Chocolate Sauce: For the dipping sauce, heat 1/2 cup of heavy cream in a saucepan until simmering. Pour it over 1 cup of dark chocolate chips in a bowl, stir until melted and smooth, adding a pinch of salt and optional ground cinnamon.
Optional: Serve your churros warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Homemade Churros are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the churro dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep it fresh. Additionally, the chocolate dipping sauce can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge; just reheat gently before serving for that smooth, rich texture. When you’re ready to fry, simply pipe the churros straight from the fridge into the hot oil. This way, you’ll have hot, crispy churros ready with minimal effort, all while saving precious time during your busy week!
Tips for the Best Easy Homemade Churros
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Perfect Dough Consistency: Ensure your butter mixture boils completely before adding flour. This helps create the right dough consistency for crispy churros.
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Egg Incorporation: Add eggs one at a time and beat well to aerate the dough. This step is key for achieving that light, airy texture in your churros.
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Maintain Oil Temperature: Fry at 375°F, adjusting heat as necessary. Oil that is too cool can lead to greasy churros, while oil that is too hot can burn them.
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Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Roll churros in cinnamon sugar while they are still warm for the best adherence. This creates an irresistible sweet crust on your Easy Homemade Churros.
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Experiment with Dipping Sauce: While dark chocolate is delicious, don’t hesitate to try other flavors! Consider caramel or a mixture of chocolate and peanut butter for a fun twist.
Easy Homemade Churros Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize these churros to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter and use coconut cream for the sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend; these churros will still be delightful!
- Spiced Twist: Swap ground cinnamon with nutmeg or cardamom for an aromatic variation that will tantalize your senses.
- Filled Churros: Pipe in some chocolate, caramel, or hazelnut spread before frying for an indulgent surprise with every bite.
- Baking Option: For a healthier twist, try baking the churros at 400°F for 12-15 minutes instead of frying—less mess and just as tasty!
- Crispy Coating: For a crunchier exterior, dip the fried churros in egg wash, then roll in crushed nuts or coconut before adding cinnamon sugar.
- Flavored Sugar: Mix citrus zest into your cinnamon sugar or use flavored sugar alternatives like vanilla or mocha for a fun upgrade.
- Chocolate Sauce Variations: Enhance your chocolate sauce with orange zest, espresso powder, or a splash of liqueur for a more decadent dip!
With these variations, every batch of Easy Homemade Churros can be a unique treat waiting to be savored!
What to Serve with Easy Homemade Churros?
Elevate your churro experience with delightful pairings that accentuate the warm sweetness and rich chocolate.
- Cinnamon Sugar Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream dusted with cinnamon sugar offers a refreshing contrast to your churros, creating a harmonious dessert duo.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A tangy fruit salad with berries and citrus adds a fresh burst of flavor that beautifully balances the sweetness of churros.
- Coffee or Espresso: A robust cup of coffee or espresso cuts through the sweetness, making it the perfect companion for indulging in churros.
- Whipped Cream: Light, airy whipped cream adds a luxurious touch, inviting you to dip each churro in and savor every bite!
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of rich caramel sauce provides a delightful twist, enhancing the churros while inviting an extra layer of sweetness.
- Chocolate Milkshake: Pairing churros with a decadent chocolate milkshake creates a nostalgic treat, amplifying the joy of your dessert.
- Chocolate Fondue: For a fun twist, dip your churros in a warm chocolate fondue alongside fresh fruits and marshmallows for a delightful dessert party!
- Churros and Hot Chocolate: Serve churros with a steaming cup of rich hot chocolate for a comforting and irresistible treat that everyone will love!
- Peanut Butter Sauce: A creamy peanut butter sauce provides a unique and delicious dimension, harmonizing beautifully with the flavors of the churros.
Storage Tips for Easy Homemade Churros
Room Temperature: Store fried churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 hours. Enjoy them while they’re still warm for the best texture!
Fridge: If you have leftover churros, place them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Freezer: To freeze, lay cooled churros in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.
Chocolate Sauce Storage: Store leftover chocolate dipping sauce in the fridge for up to 1 week in a sealed container. Reheat gently in the microwave or a saucepan before serving with freshly made churros.
Easy Homemade Churros Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ripeness for my ingredients, especially butter and eggs?
Absolutely! Use unsalted butter that is fresh and soft but not melted. For eggs, choose large, fresh ones for the best results; they should be within their expiration date for optimum quality.
How long can I store leftover churros, and what’s the best method?
Fried churros are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 hours. If you have leftovers, pop them in the fridge for up to 1 day; just reheat them in the oven at 375°F for a few minutes to regain some crispiness.
Can I freeze uncooked churro dough, and how long will it last?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked churro dough! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It will last up to 1 month. To use, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then pipe and fry as usual.
What should I do if my churros are greasy or not crispy enough?
Very! If your churros turn out greasy, it might be because the oil wasn’t hot enough when frying. Make sure your oil reaches 375°F; use a thermometer to keep an eye on it. If they aren’t crispy, try frying them a little longer until they achieve that golden-brown color.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be mindful of when making churros?
For sure! If you’re accommodating dietary needs, you can substitute ingredients easily. Use vegan butter and flax eggs for a dairy-free, vegan version. If anyone has a gluten allergy, opt for a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose. Always check for allergens in your chocolate as well!
Easy Homemade Churros with Rich Chocolate Sauce Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and granulated sugar. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until melted.
- Once boiling, add flour and kosher salt. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a cohesive ball.
- Remove from heat, let cool for 5 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- In a deep pot, heat vegetable oil to 375°F.
- Transfer dough to piping bag and squeeze 6-inch strips into hot oil. Cut with kitchen shears.
- Fry churros for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Remove with slotted spoon and let excess oil drip off.
- Roll churros in a mixture of sugar and ground cinnamon until fully coated.
- For dipping sauce, heat cream in a saucepan until simmering. Pour over chocolate chips, stir until melted and smooth.