Churros Recipe

Deep fried Churros recipe that is soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and coated in cinnamon sugar just like at a fair or theme park!

Where did churros come from? Many countries have their own version of churros although the exact origins are unclear. One theory is that the Portuguese brought them to Europe by changing the dough for Chinese youtiao. Others say that they originated from shepherds in Spain who would fry the dough over their fires.

Some countries make their churros with ridges and others are smooth. There are filled version and sugared versions. In some areas, churros are served with breakfast and in others it is a snack.

Whichever way the churros are made, they have one main thing in common…they are delicious! This churros recipe is like the ones found at theme parks, carnivals, and fairs in America and is eaten as a treat.

How To Make Churros

This recipe uses a choux pastry (or pâte à choux) which is made from water, butter, flour and eggs. Start by putting the water, butter, sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt in a saucepan.

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Turn the heat to low, add the flour, and stir until a ball forms.

Remove the dough from the heat and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Add the eggs and stir until a dough forms.

Heat oil in a deep fryer (or large pot or a skillet) to 350˚F. Transfer the dough to a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Squeeze out 3-5 inch strips of dough over the oil and use kitchen shears to cut it off.

Deep fry several churros per batch, for about 4 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown.

Drain the churros on a paper towel lined plate and then cover with cinnamon sugar.

What toppings can I use?

We loved the cinnamon sugar coating but these churros would also be delicious with other toppings! Here are a few ideas to try:

• powdered sugar
• granulated sugar
• pumpkin spice and sugar
• apple pie spice and sugar
• colored sugar sprinkles
• powdered sugar glaze (find my recipe here)

Can churros be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this churros recipe ahead of time. After frying all of the churros, allow them to cool to room temperature. Then, store them in an airtight container. Reheat the churros and coat in cinnamon sugar before serving.

How can you reheat churros?

The best way to reheat churros is to bake them in the oven at 350˚F for 5-8 minutes until crispy. You could also reheat them in a toaster oven or air fryer. Although they can be warmed in the microwave in a pinch, they will not be very crispy.

What can churros be dipped in?

We dipped our churros in chocolate sauce (find my recipe here) but they can be dipped in just about anything! Here are some ideas to try:

• powdered sugar icing (find my recipe here)
• marshmallow cream
• caramel syrup (find my recipe here)
• maple glaze (find my recipe here)
• ice cream
• Nutella
• strawberry sauce (find my recipe here)

Want to make more fair foods? Try these recipes next:

Flaky, buttery Donut Sticks are SUPER easy to make. These deep fried cinnamon sugar coated doughnut sticks are totally dunkable!

Golden, Deep Fried Oreos are so easy to make at home! These sweet treats are fair food at it’s finest and your family will love them.

Fried Ice Cream has a warm, crunchy shell with cold vanilla ice cream inside. Yes, it really is deep fried and served with cinnamon chips.

Make this easy Funnel Cake Recipe and surprise your family with fair food at home! Just add your favorite toppings to these sweet, crispy funnel cakes.