Honey-Lime Churros with Cinnamon Sugar

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden fried churros tossed in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with zesty honey-lime syrup for a delightful dessert snack. This spanish-inspired desserts ready in about 35 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Spanish cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until butter melts.
  2. Step 2: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour vigorously until mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  3. Step 3: Transfer dough to a mixing bowl and let cool for 5 minutes. Then, beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each until smooth and glossy.
  4. Step 4: Heat about 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 375°F.
  5. Step 5: Spoon the dough into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe 4-inch strips of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting with scissors. Fry churros in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp, turning occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Remove churros with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  7. Step 7: Mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a shallow dish. Toss warm churros in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
  8. Step 8: In a small saucepan, gently warm 1/3 cup honey, 2 tablespoons lime juice, and 1 teaspoon lime zest over low heat until combined and fragrant.
  9. Step 9: Drizzle the honey-lime syrup over the churros just before serving for a bright, sweet finish.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Lime Churros with Cinnamon Sugar take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Honey-Lime 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 Honey-Lime 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 Honey-Lime 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 Honey-Lime 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.