Traditional Spanish Fried Churros with Cinnamon Sugar
Golden fried Spanish churros coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar blend, perfect for dipping in chocolate or enjoying on their own. 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 280 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 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- for frying, about 4 cups vegetable oil
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup for coating granulated sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat until the butter melts and mixture simmers.
- Step 2: Remove from heat and immediately stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Step 4: Heat about 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 375°F. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
- Step 5: Pipe 4-inch strips of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting with scissors if needed. Fry churros in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
- Step 6: Remove churros with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Step 7: Combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Toss warm churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Traditional Spanish Fried 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 Traditional Spanish 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 Traditional Spanish 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 Traditional Spanish 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 Traditional Spanish 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.
