Pan-Fried Spanish Churros with Cinnamon Sugar

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Traditional Spanish churros fried to a golden brown, dusted generously with cinnamon sugar, perfect for dipping in chocolate or enjoying plain. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Spanish cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup water, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar to a boil over medium-high heat until the butter melts and the mixture simmers.
  2. Step 2: Remove from heat and immediately stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour vigorously with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  3. Step 3: Let the dough cool for 5 minutes, then beat in 2 large eggs one at a time until fully incorporated and the dough is smooth and thick.
  4. Step 4: Heat about 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep pot or heavy skillet to 375°F. Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
  5. Step 5: Pipe 4-inch strips of dough carefully into the hot oil, cutting with scissors, frying 3-4 churros at a time for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp, turning occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Remove churros with a slotted spoon onto paper towels to drain. Mix 1 tbsp ground cinnamon with 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a shallow bowl and toss warm churros in the cinnamon sugar until coated evenly. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

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