Homemade Spanish Churros with Cinnamon Sugar
Classic fried churros with a crispy exterior dusted in cinnamon sugar, made from a simple dough cooked to golden perfection. 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 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 tsp salt
- for frying, about 4 cups vegetable oil
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup extra granulated sugar
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 rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides.
- Step 3: Let the dough cool for 5 minutes, then beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated and the dough is smooth and slightly sticky.
- Step 4: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep, heavy pot to 375°F using a candy or deep-fry thermometer.
- Step 5: Transfer dough to a piping bag with a large star tip and carefully pipe 4-inch strips of dough into the hot oil, cutting with scissors if needed.
- Step 6: Fry churros in batches for 2-3 minutes each, turning occasionally until golden brown and crisp.
- Step 7: Using a slotted spoon, transfer churros to a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.
- Step 8: Combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tsp ground cinnamon in a shallow dish and roll warm churros in the cinnamon sugar until evenly coated.
- Step 9: Serve immediately with chocolate sauce or dulce de leche for dipping if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Homemade 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 Homemade 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 Homemade 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 Homemade 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 Homemade 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.
