How to Create Buttery Cinnamon Sugar Churros at Home
Churros are a delicious treat loved by people all over the world. These golden, crispy sticks of fried dough are perfect when coated in cinnamon sugar and dipped in chocolate or caramel sauce. While churros may seem like something only professionals can make, they’re surprisingly easy to create at home using basic ingredients and a little creativity. In this blog, I’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make buttery cinnamon sugar churros in simple English. Whether you’re cooking for a party or just looking for a fun dessert, churros will surely impress everyone!
Ingredients You’ll Need
First, let’s gather all the ingredients. These are common items you probably already have in your kitchen:
For the churros dough:
– 1 cup (240ml) water
– 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons (25g) sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
For frying and coating:
– Vegetable oil for frying (about 3–4 cups)
– 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
Before we start cooking the churros, let’s make the cinnamon sugar coating. In a medium bowl, mix the sugar and ground cinnamon together until well combined. Set it aside for later. This delicious mixture will give the churros their signature flavor.
Step 2: Make the Dough
The dough is the heart of the churros, and making it is simple:
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Heat the wet ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the butter melts and the liquid begins to simmer (small bubbles around the edges of the pot).
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Add the flour: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir quickly with a wooden spoon or spatula until the mixture forms a smooth ball of dough. This may take 1–2 minutes. Don’t worry if it looks sticky or lumpy at first—it’ll come together.
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Cool the dough: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. This is important because you’ll be adding eggs next, and you don’t want them to cook in the hot dough.
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Mix in eggs and vanilla: After cooling, add the eggs one at a time. Stir well after each egg until the dough becomes smooth and shiny. Don’t forget to mix in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Churros are fried in hot oil to get their crispy texture. Pour vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot (or use a deep fryer). Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C)—this temperature ensures the churros cook evenly without becoming soggy. Use a thermometer to check the oil or drop a small piece of dough; if it sizzles and floats, the oil is ready.
Step 4: Pipe the Dough
Now it’s time to shape the churros! To get that signature ridged look, you’ll need a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle. If you don’t have one, you can use a sturdy plastic bag and just cut the corner—though the result might not look as fancy.
- Spoon the dough into the piping bag.
- Squeeze out long strips of dough directly over the hot oil, using scissors or a knife to cut each strip to the desired length (about 4–5 inches).
Step 5: Fry the Churros
Carefully place the dough strips into the hot oil. Fry them in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which helps them cook evenly.
- Fry each batch for about 2–3 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the churros from the oil, then transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar
While the churros are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. The warm churros help the sugar stick better, so do this step right away!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your buttery cinnamon sugar churros are ready to enjoy! Serve them with dipping sauces like melted chocolate, caramel, or even a dollop of whipped cream. Churros taste best fresh, but you can reheat leftovers in the oven to bring back their crispiness.
Tips for Perfect Churros
- Make the oil temperature steady: Too hot, and the churros will burn; too cold, and they’ll be greasy.
- Don’t skip cooling the dough! Adding eggs too soon will ruin the texture.
- Let extra oil drain off to avoid soggy churros.
- Use freshly ground cinnamon for the best flavor.
Making buttery cinnamon sugar churros at home is easier than you think. With a few simple steps, some patience, and a touch of creativity, you’ll have a tray of golden, crispy churros that will amaze your family and friends. Try making them today—you won’t regret it!
