Baked Spanish Churros with Cinnamon Sugar
Light and airy baked churros dusted with sweet cinnamon sugar, offering a classic Spanish treat with less oil and easy preparation. This spanish-inspired desserts ready in about 35 minutes layers water, (1 stick) unsalted butter, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup for coating additional granulated sugar
- as needed for baking sheet vegetable oil spray
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray with vegetable oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat.
- Step 3: Remove saucepan from heat and immediately stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Step 4: Let dough cool for 5 minutes, then beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until smooth. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 4-inch strips onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Step 6: Bake for 15-20 minutes until the churros are puffed and golden brown on edges.
- Step 7: While warm, mix 1 tbsp cinnamon with 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a shallow dish. Roll each churro in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Spanish Churros with Cinnamon Sugar take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Baked Spanish Churros with Cinnamon Sugar?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Spanish Churros with Cinnamon Sugar?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Spanish Churros with Cinnamon Sugar for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Spanish Churros with Cinnamon Sugar?
Spanish desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
