Spanish-Style Fried Churros with Cinnamon Sugar
Traditional Spanish churros fried until golden and dusted with 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 tsp 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.
- Step 2: Remove from heat and immediately stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour vigorously until the mixture forms a 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 until smooth and shiny.
- Step 4: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 5: Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe 4-inch strips into the hot oil, frying 3-4 pieces at a time for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Step 6: Remove churros with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Step 7: Mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon in a shallow bowl and toss warm churros in the mixture until fully coated. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spanish-Style 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 Spanish-Style 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 Spanish-Style 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 Spanish-Style 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 Spanish-Style 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.
