Golden, crispy churros are a fun snack for kids. These rolled-in-warm cinnamon sugar beauties are dangerously addictive—consider yourself warned before taking that first bite!

While churros originated in Spain, where they were typically dipped in chocolate, the popularization of the cinnamon sugar coating is attributed mainly to their journey to the New World. Cinnamon was a beloved spice in Mexico and other parts of Latin America, leading to its widespread incorporation onto the freshly fried dough. This sweet and aromatic version then travelled globally, becoming the most recognizable and iconic form of churros enjoyed around the world today.

Essential Tools for Making Churros at Home

You can easily make perfect churros at home using standard kitchen tools without needing a specialized churro press.

The most important tool is a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, creating the signature ridged exterior that makes churros crispy.
A pair of kitchen scissors quickly cuts the piped dough to your desired length.
For frying, you’ll need a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer and a thermometer to maintain the oil at 175°C (350°F).

Tips for Golden, Crispy Churros

Maintain oil temperature at 175°C (350°F) for even cooking without excess oil absorption or burning.
Fry only 4-5 churros simultaneously to prevent overcrowding and temperature drops that create soggy results.
Ensure the dough consistency is thick enough to hold its piped shape but not too stiff to work with efficiently.
Pipe churros directly into hot oil for best results, or if preparing ahead, keep on a floured surface for 30 minutes.
Look for golden-brown colour and listen for gentle sizzling to know when they’re perfectly cooked.

Storage

To keep your homemade cinnamon churros, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best results and to regain that delightful crunch, reheat them briefly in your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or in a preheated oven until warmed. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make them soft.

Other Fun Snacks

5 from 5 votes

Homemade Cinnamon Churros

By: Marie Breton

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Spanish

Servings churros of 10cm long (approx. 4 people)

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Whip up delicious Homemade Cinnamon Churros with this easy recipe! Enjoy crispy golden exteriors and soft, tender interiors, perfectly coated in sweet cinnamon sugar. The ultimate fun and flavourful treat for any occasion!

Equipment

pipping bag with star tip
thermometer

Ingredients

Churros

250 ml water
180 g all-purpose flour
1 tsp butter or olive oil
1 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp sugar *optional (covering the churros)
salt

Cinnamon Sugar

150 g sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon powder

Oil

1 l oil to deep-fry canola, sunflower, or peanut oil

Instructions

Churros

Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, baking powder, and salt.
Place the water and butter in a small pot and bring to a simmer.
Add all the flour at once and stir with a spatula until it forms a thick, uniform dough ball. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Allow the dough to cool for 4-5 minutes, then place it in a piping bag with a star tip. Twist the top securely—this dense dough requires some pressure to pipe. Pipe the churros onto a clean surface and cut each one to your desired length with scissors.
Mix the sugar and cinnamon powder in a deep plate until homogenous.
In a pot or deep fryer, pour enough vegetable oil (such as canola, sunflower, or peanut oil) to reach a depth of 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm). Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature; maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial for perfectly cooked churros.
Fry the churros for 2-3 minutes per side, turning them gently with tongs, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the churros. While still warm, roll the churros in your prepared cinnamon sugar mixture to ensure the sugar adheres well.