Cinnamon Sugar Churros

$- 1 cup water - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - Vegetable oil (for frying) When making cinnamon sugar churros, the right ingredients are key. Each one plays a big role in making them delicious. Water brings moisture. Unsalted butter adds richness. Granulated sugar sweetens the dough. Salt deepens the taste. All-purpose flour gives structure. Eggs help it rise and make it fluffy. Vanilla extract adds a warm flavor that everyone loves. For the topping, a mix of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon creates that classic churro taste. Finally, vegetable oil is what you need for frying. It should be hot enough to make the churros golden and crispy. Using these ingredients will ensure your churros are a hit! - Medium saucepan - Wooden spoon - Deep pot or fryer - Piping bag with a star tip - Slotted spoon - Paper towels Gathering the right tools is just as important as the ingredients. A medium saucepan is perfect for making the dough. You'll need a wooden spoon to stir everything together. A deep pot or fryer is best for frying the churros. A piping bag with a star tip helps shape the churros. A slotted spoon lets you remove them from the hot oil without getting burned. Paper towels are great for draining excess oil. With these tools, you'll make churros like a pro! For the full recipe, check out the details above! To start, I grab a medium saucepan. I combine 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. I bring this to a boil over medium heat until the butter melts completely. Next, I remove the pan from heat. I add 1 cup of all-purpose flour all at once. Then, I stir vigorously with a wooden spoon. It takes about 1-2 minutes until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the pan's sides. After that, I let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. I add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Finally, I stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the dough is smooth and elastic. Now, I need to heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot. I bring the oil to a temperature of 350°F (175°C). While the oil heats, I prepare a piping bag fitted with a star tip. I fill the bag with the churro dough. I carefully pipe strips of dough, about 4-6 inches long, into the hot oil. I make sure not to overcrowd the pot. I fry the churros until they turn golden brown, which takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Using a slotted spoon, I remove the churros from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. In a shallow bowl, I combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. While the churros are still warm, I roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are fully coated. I repeat this frying and coating process until all the dough is used. For presentation, I serve the churros warm on a platter. I like to add small bowls of chocolate or caramel dipping sauce for an extra treat. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To make the best churros, start with the oil temperature. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). This heat helps the churros cook fast and become crispy. Use a thermometer to check the oil. If it’s too hot, the outside burns before the inside cooks. Too cool oil makes the churros greasy. Next, focus on piping the dough. Use a piping bag with a star tip. This creates the classic churro shape. Pipe straight lines, about 4-6 inches long. Don’t overcrowd the pot; fry just a few at a time. This keeps them from sticking and cooking unevenly. Lastly, avoid sogginess. After frying, place churros on paper towels to absorb extra oil. Coat them while they are warm. This helps the cinnamon sugar stick better. To add fun flavors, try spices or zest. A dash of nutmeg or orange zest can brighten the taste. You can also mix ground ginger for a spicy kick. Consider using flavored dipping sauces. Chocolate sauce is a classic choice. For a twist, try caramel or even a fruit sauce like raspberry. These dips enhance the churro experience and add more fun. Finally, experiment with different coatings. Besides cinnamon sugar, try powdered sugar or even crushed nuts. This adds texture and makes your churros even more special. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} You can make churros in fun and tasty ways. Here are some ideas: - Chocolate churros: Add cocoa powder to your dough. This gives a rich, deep flavor that pairs well with chocolate sauce. Just mix in 2 tablespoons of cocoa with your flour. - Pumpkin spice churros: Perfect for fall, add pumpkin puree and spices. Mix in 1/2 cup of pumpkin and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a seasonal treat. - Matcha-flavored churros: Add a unique twist with matcha powder. Combine 1 tablespoon of matcha with your flour. This gives a subtle, earthy flavor and a beautiful green hue. Dipping sauces add even more fun. Here are some tasty options: - Traditional chocolate sauce: This classic choice is always a hit. Melt chocolate and mix in cream for a rich sauce. - Caramel or caramel-infused sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over the churros for a sweet touch. You can also mix caramel with a bit of sea salt for a savory flavor. - Fruit-based sauces: Try making a sauce with fresh berries. Blend raspberries or strawberries with sugar for a refreshing dip. This adds a nice fruity balance to the sweet churros. Try these variations to make your cinnamon sugar churros even more special. You’ll impress everyone with your creativity! - How to store leftover churros To keep your churros fresh, place them in an airtight container. You can layer parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. Store them at room temperature for the best taste. - Reheating methods for optimal texture To reheat churros, use an oven set to 350°F (175°C). Place them on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also microwave them for 10-15 seconds, but they may lose some crunch. - Freezing churros for future enjoyment For longer storage, you can freeze churros. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to two months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, reheat directly from the freezer. - Duration of freshness at room temperature Churros are best enjoyed fresh but can stay good for about 1-2 days at room temperature. After that, they may start to lose their texture. - Refrigeration and freezing timelines If refrigerated, churros will last about a week. Freezing them extends their shelf life to about two months while maintaining flavor. - Signs of spoilage Watch for changes in texture or smell. If churros feel soft or have an off smell, it’s best to toss them. Fresh churros should have a delightful cinnamon aroma and a crispy exterior. What is the best type of oil for frying churros? I recommend using vegetable oil. It has a high smoke point, which helps churros fry evenly. Canola oil is another great option. Both oils let you achieve that perfect golden color and crispy texture. Can I make churro dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the churro dough ahead of time. Keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before piping and frying. This will help the churros puff up nicely. How can I make churros gluten-free? To make gluten-free churros, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum for better texture. This way, you can enjoy churros without gluten. Why did my churros turn out flat? Flat churros usually happen if the dough has too much moisture. Make sure you follow the recipe closely and let the dough cool before adding eggs. If it seems too wet, add a little more flour. What if my churro dough is too sticky? If your dough is sticky, it might need more flour. Add it little by little until it reaches a smooth, workable texture. A good dough should hold its shape when piped. Tips for dealing with overcrowding in hot oil Avoid overcrowding the pot while frying. Fry in small batches, leaving space between each churro. This helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures even cooking. If the oil cools too much, the churros won't crisp up. Making churros is a fun and tasty project. You need simple ingredients and equipment. Follow the steps to fry delicious churros and coat them in cinnamon sugar. Use tips to achieve the best texture and flavor. In the end, churros are a treat you can customize with fun twists. Whether you stick to the classic or explore new flavors, you’ll enjoy every bite. Try these tips, and soon, you’ll be a churro expert. Happy frying!$

Satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade cinnamon sugar churros! This easy recipe guides you through every step to create crispy, golden delights that are perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients, you'll whip up a delicious dessert that everyone will love. Serve them warm with chocolate or caramel dipping sauces for an extra treat. Click through to explore the full recipe and start your churro adventure today!

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Ingredients

1 cup water

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat until the butter is completely melted.

Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat. Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This should take about 1-2 minutes.

Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare a piping bag fitted with a star tip and fill it with the churro dough.

Carefully pipe strips of dough (about 4-6 inches long) into the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pot. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the churros from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

In a shallow bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. While the churros are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

Repeat the frying and coating process until all the dough is used.

- Presentation Tips: Serve the churros warm on a platter, accompanied by a simple chocolate or caramel dipping sauce in small bowls for a delightful treat.

Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4-6