Spanish-Style Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Churros
Golden fried churros coated in cinnamon sugar, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, ideal for dipping in chocolate or dulce de leche. 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 300 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
- 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 tbsp ground 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 rolling boil over medium heat.
- Step 2: Remove the pan 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, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Transfer the dough to a large bowl and let cool for 5 minutes. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Step 4: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 375°F using a candy or deep-fry thermometer.
- Step 5: Spoon the dough into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Carefully pipe 4-inch strips of dough into the hot oil, cutting them off with scissors. Fry churros in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
- Step 6: Using a slotted spoon, transfer churros to a paper towel-lined tray. Mix 1 tbsp ground cinnamon with 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a shallow dish and roll the churros immediately in the cinnamon sugar to coat evenly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spanish-Style Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Churros 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 Spanish-Style Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Churros?
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 Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Churros?
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 Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Churros 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 Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Churros?
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.
