Easy Homemade Churros

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade churros are a fun and delicious treat that can be enjoyed by all ages. This recipe is easy to follow, requiring only a few basic ingredients, and offers the same crispy, cinnamon-sugary goodness you’d get at a fair or a churro stand. The warm, freshly made churros are perfect for dipping in chocolate sauce or enjoying on their own. Plus, they’re made fresh, so you can skip the long lines and enjoy them from the comfort of your home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Vegetable oil for frying

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a boil, stirring occasionally.

2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the flour. Continue stirring until the mixture forms a smooth dough.

3. Let the dough cool slightly before adding the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.

4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough oil to submerge the churros, about 3 inches deep.

5. While the oil is heating, prepare a large plate with paper towels to drain the churros after frying.

6. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F or 175°C), spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.

7. Pipe the dough directly into the hot oil in 3- to 4-inch lengths, cutting the dough with scissors or your fingers. Fry the churros for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

8. Remove the churros from the oil and place them on the paper towels to drain.

9. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. While the churros are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

10. Serve the churros warm with chocolate sauce for dipping, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 churros (depending on size)

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate-filled churros: Before frying, pipe chocolate ganache into the churros for a rich, gooey center.

• Glazed churros: After rolling the churros in cinnamon-sugar, drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

• Spiced churros: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Homemade churros are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the churros soggy.

FAQs

How do I make churros without a piping bag?

If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off or simply drop spoonfuls of dough directly into the hot oil using a spoon.

Can I freeze churros?

Yes, you can freeze churros after they’ve been fried. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, bake them in the oven until crispy.

Why are my churros soggy?

Soggy churros are often the result of not frying them long enough or not using hot enough oil. Make sure the oil is heated to 350°F (175°C) and fry the churros until they are golden brown and crispy.

Can I make churros in advance?

While churros are best enjoyed fresh, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to fry, simply scoop the dough into a piping bag and fry as directed.

How can I make churros less greasy?

To avoid greasy churros, make sure the oil is hot enough when frying. The churros should cook quickly and evenly, preventing them from absorbing excess oil.

Can I use a different type of flour for churros?

All-purpose flour is the best option for churros, but you can experiment with other flours such as whole wheat flour for a slightly different texture. Keep in mind that the result may vary.

Do churros need to be made with oil?

Yes, churros are traditionally deep-fried in oil to achieve their crispy exterior. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can try air-frying the churros, though the texture may be different.

What can I dip churros in?

Churros are often dipped in chocolate sauce, dulce de leche, or caramel sauce. You can also serve them with whipped cream or fruit jam for a fun twist.

Are churros difficult to make?

Churros are quite easy to make, especially with this recipe. The key is to fry them at the right temperature and make sure the dough is smooth and well-mixed.

Can I make churros without eggs?

Yes, you can make eggless churros by using a vegan egg substitute like flax eggs or chia eggs. The texture may be slightly different, but the churros will still be delicious!

Conclusion

Making churros at home is simple and rewarding, and this easy recipe ensures you get perfectly crispy and sweet churros every time. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy these warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated treats whenever the craving strikes. Whether served as a snack, dessert, or part of a festive gathering, homemade churros are sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy the crispy, sugary goodness of freshly made churros without leaving your kitchen!