As the leaves begin to turn and the crispness of autumn fills the air, I find myself craving comforting sweets that celebrate the season. Enter my Pumpkin Churros—a delightful twist on a traditional favorite! Picture this: warm, golden strips of churro, lightly crisp on the outside, with a tender, pumpkin-infused center that practically melts in your mouth. And when you dip them into a luscious Cinnamon Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip? Pure bliss.
I discovered this recipe during a cozy afternoon spent experimenting in my kitchen, with the aroma of pumpkin pie spice wafting through the air. These churros are not just easy to make; they’re a crowd-pleaser that effortlessly combines the joy of homemade treats with seasonal flavors. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply indulging yourself on a cozy night in, these Pumpkin Churros will elevate your dessert game. So, roll up your sleeves—let’s create something wonderful together!
Why Love These Pumpkin Churros?
Irresistible warm flavors: Each bite is infused with pumpkin and seasonal spices, embodying the essence of fall.
Fun to make: Rolling and frying churros is a delightful experience, perfect for involving family and friends.
Decadent dip: The creamy Cinnamon Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip is a match made in heaven!
Versatile treat: Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or festive party food that will impress everyone.
Quick & easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can satisfy your sweet tooth in no time.
Crowd-pleaser: These churros are sure to become a favorite, bringing joy to any gathering or cozy night in!
Pumpkin Churros Ingredients
• Discover the magic behind these homemade Pumpkin Churros!
For the Churros
- 1 cup water – Essential for binding the ingredients and creating the dough’s texture.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree – Adds moisture and the beloved pumpkin flavor to your churros.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil – Helps achieve a crispy exterior when frying.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor profile of the churros.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – Provides the foundation for the churros, making them fluffy and light.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and adds just the right amount of flavor.
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice – Infuses a warm, cozy aroma that defines these Pumpkin Churros.
- 1/4 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.
- Oil for frying (peanut, canola, or vegetable) – Choose your favorite for frying to a golden crisp.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for sprinkling) – Coats the churros in sweetness for a delightful finish.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon – Perfectly complements the sugar and adds a warm spiced note.
For the Cream Cheese Dip
- 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat preferred) – Creates a rich, creamy base for the dip.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the dip for a delightful balance with the churros.
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar – Adds depth of flavor with its caramel undertones.
- 1/4 cup milk (whole or low-fat) – Ensures a smooth and creamy consistency in the dip.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for dip) – Elevates the dip’s flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon – Echoes the churro coating while adding warmth to the dip.
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (for dip) – Ties the dip together with that luscious pumpkin flavor in every bite.
How to Make Pumpkin Churros
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Prepare the dip: Start by beating the cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and pumpkin puree in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Set this delectable dip aside for later.
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Mix cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. This mixture will add a sweet, spiced coating to your churros once they’re fried.
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Combine wet ingredients: In another small bowl, mix together the water, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. This wet mixture is the start of your delicious churro dough.
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Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Gradually add the wet ingredients to this dry mixture, folding it in gently with a wooden spatula until a cohesive dough forms. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a closed star tip.
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Heat the oil: In a pot or fryer, heat oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F-375°F. You want it hot enough to fry the churros to a perfect golden brown.
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Fry the churros: Snip the tip of your piping bag and pipe 4-inch strips of dough into the hot oil, cutting each churro with your finger or scissors. Fry for about 1 minute per side until they are golden brown and crisp.
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Coat in cinnamon sugar: Remove churros from the oil and immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm. Once coated, place them on a wire rack or a plate lined with napkins to drain excess oil.
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Serve and enjoy: Arrange your scrumptious churros on a plate and serve them hot or at room temperature, with the creamy dip on the side for dunking.
Optional: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Churros
Room Temperature: Store leftover churros in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh but can still be tasty at room temperature.
Fridge: If needed, refrigerate churros for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Freezer: Freeze churros in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating: For frozen churros, reheat directly from the freezer in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes for that freshly-fried feel before serving with your Pumpkin Churros dip!
Pumpkin Churros Variations
Feel free to get creative and put your own twist on these delightful churros!
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a delicious alternative that everyone can enjoy.
Switching to gluten-free flour maintains the fluffy texture while being friendly for those with dietary restrictions. -
Spiced Chocolate: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the churro dough for a rich chocolate flavor.
A touch of cocoa pairs beautifully with pumpkin, giving you a unique and indulgent treat. -
Churros with Nuts: Fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for added crunch.
These crunchy additions complement the softness of the churro perfectly, adding delightful texture in every bite. -
Maple Pumpkin Dip: Swap out the sugar in the dip for maple syrup for a sweet, earthy twist.
This sweet, syrupy dip harmonizes beautifully with the pumpkin flavor, elevating your churro experience! -
Mini Churros: Pipe smaller strips of dough for bite-sized churros that are perfect for snacking.
These mini versions are fun to munch on and great for sharing at gatherings or parties. -
Bourbon Bliss: Add a splash of bourbon to the dip for an adult-friendly version that adds depth.
The warmth of bourbon melds with the pumpkin flavors and spices, creating an unforgettable dip! -
Cinnamon Sugar Mix: Combine different spices like nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon sugar for a custom blend.
This gives a fun, aromatic twist to your churros that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
Make Ahead Options
These Pumpkin Churros are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the Cinnamon Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip up to 3 days in advance; simply mix all ingredients and refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture. The churro dough can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, just remember to bring it back to room temperature before frying. When you’re ready to serve, heat the oil and fry the churros as directed, tossing them in cinnamon sugar immediately for that warm, fresh-out-of-the-oil taste. Trust me, your family will enjoy these deliciously festive treats just as much, even when made ahead!
Expert Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Churros
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Temperature Matters: Make sure your oil is at the right temperature (350°F-375°F) to achieve crispy churros; too cool, and they’ll soak up oil.
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Piping Precision: Use a piping bag with a closed star tip for that classic churro shape. Consistent width ensures even cooking and a delightful texture.
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Avoid Overcrowding: Fry churros in small batches to prevent temperature drops in the oil, resulting in soggy churros instead of the perfect crispy outside.
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Toss Warm: Coat your churros in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm so that it sticks better, creating a delightful, sweet crust.
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Dip Wisely: Let the dip sit for a bit before serving; this will enhance the flavors as they mingle, making your Cinnamon Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip even more irresistible!
What to Serve with Pumpkin Churros?
As you prepare to delight in these warm, spiced treats, consider what could perfectly accompany their cozy flavor.
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Hot Chocolate: A rich and creamy cup of hot chocolate is the ultimate indulgence that pairs beautifully with churros, creating a sweet escape on chilly evenings.
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Spiced Apple Cider: The warm spices of apple cider echo those in the churros, enhancing the fall experience with every sip.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The contrasting coolness of vanilla ice cream provides a creamy complement that balances out the warm, cinnamon-sugar churros.
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Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit adds a refreshing twist, with elements like apples and pears that harmonize wonderfully with the indulgent churros.
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Chai Latte: The spiced flavors of chai offer a fragrant, warming drink that perfectly matches the churros, enhancing every comforting bite.
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Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites: For the ultimate fall dessert spread, serve these alongside mini pumpkin cheesecake bites for a double treat that everyone will love.
Pairing these delightful options with your Pumpkin Churros will create a memorable feast that celebrates the flavors of the season!
Pumpkin Churros Recipe FAQs
What is the best pumpkin puree to use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using 100% pure pumpkin puree, which you can find in cans at most grocery stores. Look for brands that list only pumpkin in the ingredients. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added sugars and spices that might throw off the flavor of your churros.
How should I store leftover pumpkin churros?
If you have any churros left, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For extended storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Just pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to refresh their crispiness. Enjoy them warm!
Can I freeze pumpkin churros, and how?
Yes! To freeze your pumpkin churros, first place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat from frozen in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes for that fresh-from-the-fryer experience!
What should I do if my churros come out soggy?
The key to crispy churros is the oil temperature! Ensure the oil is between 350°F-375°F before frying. If the oil is too cool, the churros will absorb more oil and become soggy. Fry in small batches to maintain temperature. If your churros are already made and soggy, a quick reheating in the oven at a high temperature can help restore some crispiness.
Are these churros safe for kids and pets?
While pumpkin is safe and healthy for both kids and dogs, keep in mind that the sugar and spices could be too much for some pets. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet’s dietary restrictions. As for kids, these churros are a fun treat but should be enjoyed in moderation due to their sugar content!
Delicious Pumpkin Churros with Creamy Pumpkin Dip Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the dip: Beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and pumpkin puree until smooth.
- Mix cinnamon sugar: Whisk together 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon.
- Combine wet ingredients: Mix water, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
- Make the dough: Combine flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a large bowl. Gradually add the wet ingredients and mix till cohesive. Transfer to piping bag.
- Heat the oil: Heat oil in a fryer or pot until it reaches 350°F-375°F.
- Fry the churros: Pipe 4-inch strips of dough into the hot oil, frying until golden brown.
- Coat in cinnamon sugar: Toss churros in the cinnamon sugar immediately after frying.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve churros hot or at room temperature with the creamy dip on the side.