Easy Churros

This classic churro dough comes together on the stovetop in just a few minutes, then gets piped into hot oil and fried until golden and crisp on the outside. Rolling the warm churros in cinnamon sugar right after frying is what gives them their signature sweet, crackly coating. Serve them with chocolate sauce or dulce de leche for dipping, just like you'd find from a street cart.

Stovetop dough is piped into hot oil and fried until crisp, then rolled in cinnamon sugar for classic churros.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Fast: ready in about 35 minutes (15 min prep, 20 min cook)
• Simple: 8 everyday ingredients
• Feeds the family: 12 servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Combine the water, sugar, salt, and vegetable oil in a saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then remove from the heat and stir in the flour until it forms a ball of dough, transferring it to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 375°F (190°C).
3. Pipe 4 to 6 inch strips of dough directly into the hot oil, using scissors or a knife to cut the dough, and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes per side, using a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
4. Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl, then roll the warm churros in the mixture until evenly coated.
5. Serve the freshly fried churros warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or dulce de leche.

Cooking Tips

• Use a thermometer to keep the frying oil at a steady temperature for even cooking.
• Roll the churros in cinnamon sugar while they're still warm so it sticks well.
• Work in batches so the oil temperature doesn't drop too much when frying.

Substitutions

• Brown sugar can be mixed with the cinnamon sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Any neutral oil, like canola or vegetable, works for frying.
• Piped loops or twists can replace straight strips for a different shape.

Storage

• Best eaten fresh and warm, since churros lose their crispness as they sit.
• Reheat briefly in the oven or air fryer to help re-crisp leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm alongside a bowl of dulce de leche or your favorite dip for dunking.
• Pipe the dough into loops or twists for a fancier presentation.
• Fill baked or fried churros with chocolate or custard using a piping bag for a filled version.

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