How to Make Perfect Easy Churros: A Delicious Mexican Delight
Churros are one of the most beloved Mexican treats, with their crispy exterior, tender interior, and a coating of cinnamon and sugar that has become iconic around the world. Whether enjoyed as a snack, a dessert, or even a breakfast item, churros bring joy to anyone who tastes them. The mere thought of freshly fried churros, golden brown and crunchy, rolled in cinnamon sugar, is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. And the best part? You can make these delightful treats right at home, and with this easy churros recipe, you’ll achieve churros that rival those sold at carnivals, fairs, and Mexican street food stalls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 churros 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 cup Organic Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Organic Sugar
The cinnamon-sugar coating is essential to churros, as it provides the iconic flavor that everyone knows and loves. The combination of cinnamon and sugar is sweet, warming, and comforting, making churros feel indulgent without being overpowering.
For the Churro Dough:
- ½ cup Milk
- 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 3 Large Eggs
The dough is what gives churros their signature texture—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. Milk and butter create a rich, smooth dough, while flour helps bind everything together. Eggs are key to making the dough smooth and allowing it to come together without being too dense. They also contribute to the churros’ softness once fried.
For Frying:
- Vegetable Oil (for frying)
When it comes to frying churros, the oil plays an important role in achieving the perfect crispy texture. Vegetable oil is ideal because it has a neutral flavor and can handle the high frying temperatures without affecting the taste of the churros.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
Before you start on the dough, prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ground cinnamon, 1 cup organic sugar, and 1 tablespoon regular sugar. The cinnamon-sugar mixture should be well combined, and this is what will give your churros that signature sweet-spicy flavor. Set the bowl aside for later, as you’ll need it after the churros are fried.
Step 2: Prepare the Churro Dough
Next, grab a medium saucepan and add the milk, butter, salt, and 1 tablespoon organic sugar. Set the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally, allowing the butter to melt completely and everything to combine smoothly. Once the mixture reaches a simmer, it’s time to add the flour. Add the flour all at once, and quickly stir with a wooden spoon until it forms a dough. Continue stirring vigorously for about 30 seconds, pressing down on the dough to ensure it is fully combined and not too wet.
Once the dough comes together, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the dough to cool slightly for about 5-7 minutes. This step is important because you don’t want to add the eggs to the hot dough. If the dough is too hot, the eggs may cook and create an undesirable texture.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Once the dough has cooled enough, transfer it to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. On medium-low speed, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. As you mix, the dough will start to come together, becoming smooth and slightly sticky. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure all the ingredients are fully incorporated. The dough should be thick and easy to spoon into a piping bag.
Step 4: Prepare to Fry the Churros
Now that the dough is ready, it’s time to prepare your piping bag. Fit a piping bag with a star-shaped tip to achieve those beautiful ridges on your churros. Spoon the dough into the piping bag, being careful not to overfill it. Set the bag aside, ready for the next step.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
In a small saucepan or deep-frying pan, pour vegetable oil to come halfway up the sides of the pan. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), using a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature. The oil needs to be at the right temperature to ensure the churros fry evenly. If the oil is too cold, the churros will become greasy; if it’s too hot, they may burn before they are fully cooked.
Step 6: Fry the Churros
Once the oil reaches the correct temperature, it’s time to fry the churros. Pipe about 4-5 inches of dough into the hot oil, using a sharp knife or scissors to cut the dough off. You can fry up to three churros at a time, depending on the size of your pan. Fry the churros for about 2 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them gently, ensuring they cook evenly on all sides. Once fried, transfer the churros to the cinnamon-sugar mixture and toss to coat.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the churros are coated in cinnamon-sugar, transfer them to a cooling rack to allow any excess oil to drain. Serve them immediately while they’re still warm, and enjoy their crispy, sweet, and soft texture. These churros are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of hot chocolate, coffee, or even a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Notes
- Monitor the Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at the correct temperature is crucial. A deep-fry thermometer will help you maintain the perfect frying temperature (350°F/175°C). This ensures the churros become crisp and golden without absorbing too much oil.
- Use a Star Tip for Authentic Shape: The star-shaped piping tip is key to achieving that authentic churro appearance. It allows the dough to fry evenly and creates those signature ridges that make churros so visually appealing.
- Play with Flavors: While traditional churros are delicious, feel free to experiment with different flavors. Add a little vanilla extract to the dough, or even dip your churros in chocolate sauce for a decadent treat.
- Serve Fresh: Churros are best enjoyed right after they’re fried, as they can lose their crispy texture over time. If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.