How to Make Easy Homemade Churros

Churros are one of those nostalgic treats that instantly transport you to carnivals, amusement parks, or your favorite street food vendor. Golden, crispy on the outside, and pillowy on the inside, these Spanish-style fried pastries are coated in cinnamon sugar and best served warm. And here’s the kicker: you don’t need to be a pastry chef to make them at home.

In fact, searches for “churros recipe” peak around holidays, weekends, and school breaks proving this timeless dessert is always in demand. With just a few basic pantry ingredients and some help from Zulay Kitchen tools, you can whip up the perfect batch in under 30 minutes. Skip the bakery and bring the fun fair home with this easy churros recipe.

How to Make Homemade Churros

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4-6 | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups oil (for frying)
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.

Step 2: Add the Flour

Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Mix until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Let it cool slightly. Use a silicone spatula to stir and scrape the dough cleanly from the sides of the pot.

Step 3: Transfer to a Piping Bag

Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star-shaped tip. This is what gives churros their iconic ridges. Let the dough sit for a few more minutes to cool.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a deep frying pan or skillet, heat 2 cups of oil to 375°F (190°C). Test it by dropping it in a small piece of dough. It should sizzle and float to the surface.

Step 5: Pipe and Fry

Using your piping bag, pipe dough directly into the hot oil in 4-6 inch strips. Use the cooking tongs to carefully flip them over once golden on one side. Fry until golden brown and crispy, which is about 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Sugar

In a mixing bowl, mix ½ cup white sugar with 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon. Using tongs, remove churros from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. While still warm, roll each one in the cinnamon sugar until evenly coated.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Serve your churros warm with chocolate sauce, caramel dip, or just as they are. They’re irresistible either way.

Tips & Twists to Try for Your Churros

• • Churros pair perfectly with chocolate ganache, Nutella, or dulce de leche.
  • Inject them with vanilla cream or jam using a piping syringe.
  • Want a lighter option? Pipe onto a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, then broil for 1–2 minutes to crisp up.

Make Your Own Churros Today!

Nothing beats the smell and taste of freshly fried churros, especially when you’ve made them yourself. This easy recipe proves that homemade doesn’t have to mean hard or time-consuming. With the right tools and a little cinnamon-sugar magic, you can bring the flavor of your favorite festival treat to your own kitchen.

You can upgrade your churros with these premium pantry picks from our Ingredients Collection. These simple swaps add gourmet flavor without any extra effort. You’ll taste the difference in every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Churros Recipe

Can I make churros without a piping bag?

Yes! While a piping bag with a star tip creates the classic churro look, you can use a zip-top bag with a snipped corner in a pinch. 

How do I keep churros crispy?

Churros are best enjoyed fresh, but to maintain their crispiness longer, store them on a wire rack (not a plate) so air can circulate. Avoid sealing in an airtight container as that traps steam and softens them. Reheat briefly in an oven or air fryer for that fresh-out-of-the-fryer crunch.

Can I make churro dough in advance?

Yes, you can prep the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before piping and frying. This makes it a great make-ahead treat for parties and gatherings.

What oil is best for frying churros?

Neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable oil, canola, or grapeseed oil are ideal. Avoid olive oil as it can burn at high temps. Maintain the oil at around 375°F for best results—too low and they’ll be greasy, too high and they’ll burn quickly.

Are churros vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan since it contains no eggs or dairy. Just make sure the sugar you use is not processed with bone char if you're strictly plant-based. You can also add a dash of almond milk or plant-based butter to modify flavor or texture.

Can churros be baked instead of fried?

Absolutely. Pipe the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, then bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. For extra crunch, broil for the last 2 minutes. Brush lightly with melted butter before rolling in cinnamon sugar for best results.

What’s the best way to serve churros?

Nothing beats the fresh and warm churros. Churros are most delicious right after frying. Pair them with classic hot chocolate, espresso, or dulce de leche. For special occasions, serve in paper cones like at the fair, or line up on a wooden board for an Instagram-worthy dessert board.