Pan-Fried Churros with Cinnamon Sugar

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

Golden pan-fried dough sticks 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 290 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Spanish cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour all at once until mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each until smooth and glossy.
  4. Step 4: Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  5. Step 5: Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 3-4 inch lengths into the hot oil, cutting dough with scissors.
  6. Step 6: Fry churros for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp, turning carefully with tongs.
  7. Step 7: Remove churros onto paper towels to drain. Mix 1 tablespoon cinnamon and 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a shallow dish, then toss warm churros in the cinnamon sugar to coat evenly. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried 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 Pan-Fried 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 Pan-Fried 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 Pan-Fried 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 Pan-Fried 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.

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