Classic Spanish Churros with Cinnamon Sugar
Traditional Spanish churros fried to golden perfection, coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for dipping in chocolate or enjoying on their own. This spanish-inspired desserts ready in about 30 minutes layers water, 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 320 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
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- for frying (about 4 cups) vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until butter melts.
- Step 2: Remove saucepan from heat and immediately add 1 cup all-purpose flour, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until mixture forms a smooth dough that pulls away from the sides.
- Step 3: Let the dough cool for 5 minutes, then beat in 2 large eggs one at a time until fully incorporated and dough is smooth and shiny.
- Step 4: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F, using a thermometer for accuracy.
- Step 5: Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 4-inch strips of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting off with scissors. Fry churros in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 6: Remove churros with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Toss warm churros in a mixture of 1 tbsp ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup granulated sugar to coat evenly. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Spanish Churros with Cinnamon Sugar take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Classic 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 Classic 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 Classic 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 Classic 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.
