Description
These crispy homemade cinnamon sugar churros are easier to make than you think. With simple pantry ingredients and a specific frying technique, they achieve a crackly, shattering crisp on the outside and a fluffy, airy interior.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut) for frying
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Stir constantly until butter melts and mixture reaches a rolling boil.
- Remove pan from heat and immediately add all the flour. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula for 1-2 minutes until dough forms a ball that pulls away from the sides. Let cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Once dough is warm to the touch, add vanilla extract. Mix in eggs one at a time until dough is thick, shiny, and glossy.
- Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) in a deep skillet or Dutch oven.
- Pipe 4-5 inch strips of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting with a knife or shears. Fry 2-3 at a time to avoid crowding.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown and floating. Remove with tongs and drain on a wire rack over paper towels.
- While still hot and oily, roll churros in the mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until coated.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
Oil temperature is critical; keep it between 350°F and 400°F. Do not overcrowd the pan. Churros are best eaten fresh but can be frozen unfried or fried and reheated in the oven. Do not microwave as they become chewy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 churro
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: churros, cinnamon sugar, homemade churros, fried dough, dessert, easy dessert, crispy churros