Do you crave love the sugary, crispy, chewy goodness of a churro? Then you're in luck because we have a quick and easy churro recipe that delivers big flavor while still staying true to tradition.
Served piping hot and dusted with a generous coating of cinnamon and sugar, these churros will have you savoring authentic Spanish flavors.
Whether you're drawn by the nostalgia of traditional churros or seeking innovative vegan and gluten-free adaptations, this guide will equip you with the techniques, tips, and insights you need to master this beloved treat.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
This churro recipe works because it's quick and easy and also because churros are fun to eat for dessert or just as a snack.
Using some pretty simple ingredients that are found in most kitchens, you can whip up these tasty little treats in as little as 10 minutes. And because the recipe is so simple, you'll have it memorized before long.
Additionally, churros are so fun to eat that they will literally bring a smile to anyone's face, whether they are a kid or just a kid at heart. Dip them in your favorite dipping sauces, drizzle them in a fruity coolie, or stick a couple in a bowl of ice cream. Anyway you serve them, fun ensues.
Ingredients
Butter and Eggs:
Traditionally, churros include butter for flavor and richness. For a vegan-friendly twist, replace butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil to achieve a similar texture. Vegan churros can be just as delightful by using non-dairy milk and egg substitutes like flax eggs. Experiment to find the right combination for a delicious vegan version that retains the classic churro taste and consistency.
Flour:
Opt for all-purpose flour when maing your churros to give them the right texture and flavor. For a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum to mimic the binding properties of gluten. This ensures your churros maintain their characteristic structure. Adjust the flour-to-water ratio, as gluten-free flours absorb liquids differently. Experiment with ratios until you achieve the desired consistency for your churro dough.
Oil:
When choosing an oil to fry your churros in, pick an oil with a high smoke point and neutral flavor, as this is essential for frying churros. Oils such as canola or safflower oil are excellent choices. To achieve the perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft interior, try to maintain the oil temperature at 350-375F.
Dipping Sauce:
Offer an array of dipping sauces to enhance the churro experience. Classic choices include chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or dulce de leche. Also, consider experimenting with unique options like fruit coulis, spiced sauces, or even a creamy custard.
How to Make Churros
Step One:
Add water, butter, vanilla extract, salt, and cardamom to a pot over medium-high heat.
Step Two:
Bring to a boil, add flour, and mix until incorporated. You should be left with a very dense dough.
Step Three:
Remove from heat, add the egg, and mix to incorporate. Transfer your dough to a piping bag. If you don't have one, use a plastic bag with the corner cut off.
Step Four:
Add enough oil to fill the bottom third of your pan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is boiling, pipe some lines of dough, roughly 4-5 inches long, into the hot oil to deep fry for 4-6 minutes.
Step Five:
Remove them when they are crispy and golden brown, and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
Step Six:
In a shallow bowl or plate, add sugar and cinnamon. Stir to combine.
Step Seven:
One by one, place your churros into the cinnamon sugar mixture and thoroughly coat the outside.
Step Eight:
Serve with some caramel dipping sauce, and enjoy!
Tips
- It's essential to achieve the right churro dough consistency. It should be smooth, thick, and hold shape without being too sticky. Adjust the amount of flour or water as needed to get the ideal consistency.
- When piping the churro dough, use a star-shaped piping tip to get the classic ridged appearance. Pipe the dough directly into the hot oil using scissors or a knife to cut the dough at the desired length.
- Avoid overcrowding the frying pan which can lead to uneven cooking and temperature drops. Fry churros in small batches to ensure consistent results.
- Roll the freshly fried churros in the cinnamon sugar while they're still warm. This helps it stick to the churro, giving it its signature flavor.
What to Serve With Churros
Elevate your churro game by pairing them with a variety of delightful accompaniments. Try adding a dollop of velvety whipped cream to your churros drizzled in chocolate sauce. Looking to contrast the sweetness? A scoop of creamy ice cream or a decadent whipped coffee cools things down and harmonizes perfectly with the warm churros. You could even cozy up on a cold night with these tasty churros and a rich cup of hot chocolate.
FAQs
Can I freeze churro dough for later use?
Yes, you can freeze churro dough for later use. Shape the dough into the desired churro form, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed container. When ready, fry them directly from the freezer – just add a little extra frying time.
Can I bake churros instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake churros for a slightly healthier option. After shaping the churros on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush them with a bit of oil, then bake at 375F until golden. They won't have the same deep-fried crispness but they do offer a tasty alternative.
How long can leftover churros be stored?
Leftover churros can be stored for up to 2 days at room temperature in an airtight container. For an extended shelf life, freeze them, and they should last for about 1-2 months. Reheat in the oven to restore their texture.
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Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
Churros
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 teaspoon cardamom
- 1 cup flour
- 1 egg
- 1-2 cups oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Add water, butter, vanilla extract, salt, and cardamom to a pot over medium-high heat.
- Bring to a boil, add flour, and mix until incorporated. You should be left with a very dense dough.
- Remove from heat, add the egg, and mix to incorporate. Transfer your dough to a piping bag. If you don't have one, use a plastic bag with the corner cut off.
- Add enough oil to fill the bottom third of your pan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is boiling, pipe lines of dough, roughly 4-5 inches long, into the hot oil to deep fry for 4-6 minutes.
- Remove them when they are crispy and golden brown, and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
- In a shallow bowl or plate, add sugar and cinnamon. Stir to combine.
- One by one, place your churros into the cinnamon sugar mixture and thoroughly coat the outside.
- Serve with some caramel dipping sauce, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- It's essential to achieve the right churro dough consistency. It should be smooth, thick, and hold shape without being too sticky. Adjust the amount of flour or water as needed to get the ideal consistency.
- When piping the churro dough, use a star-shaped piping tip to get the classic ridged appearance. Pipe the dough directly into the hot oil using scissors or a knife to cut the dough at the desired length.
- Avoid overcrowding the frying pan which can lead to uneven cooking and temperature drops. Fry churros in small batches to ensure consistent results.
- Roll the freshly fried churros in the cinnamon sugar while they're still warm. This helps it stick to the churro, giving it its signature flavor.