- Make the Dough
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the Flour
Once boiling, remove the pan from heat. Immediately stir in 1 cup of all-purpose flour all at once. Mix quickly and firmly using a wooden spoon or spatula until a smooth dough ball forms that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Let the Dough Cool
Allow the dough to cool for about 5–10 minutes, so it’s warm but not hot. This makes it easier and safer to pipe.
- Heat the Oil
In a deep skillet or pot, heat oil (vegetable or canola) to 350°F (175°C). You’ll need about 2–3 inches of oil for proper frying. Use a thermometer for best results.
- Fill a Piping Bag
Transfer the warm dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (like Wilton 1M). This gives the churros their classic ridged texture.
- Pipe and Fry
Carefully pipe 4–6 inch strips of dough directly into the hot oil. Use scissors or a knife to cut the ends as you go. Fry 3–4 churros at a time, turning them occasionally with tongs.
- Fry Until Golden
Fry the churros for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the oil temperature steady.
- Drain and Roll in Sugar
Use a slotted spoon to remove the churros and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While still warm, roll them in granulated sugar or a cinnamon-sugar mixture (½ cup sugar + ½ tsp cinnamon).
- Serve Warm
Serve your homemade churros warm, with optional chocolate dipping sauce, caramel, or dulce de leche for extra indulgence.
Note: Deep-frying oil absorption may vary.
- Calories:120-140 kcal
- Carbohydrates:16 g
- Sugar:5 g
- Total Fat:6 g
- Saturated Fat:1 g
- Protein:2 g
- Sodium:60 mg
To make this delicious homemade churros recipe, start by combining water, sugar, salt, and a bit of vegetable oil in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in the flour all at once. Mix vigorously until the dough comes together and forms a smooth, sticky ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Let the dough cool slightly. Then, transfer it into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. While the dough rests, heat oil in a deep skillet or pot until it reaches 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oil is hot enough for frying. Carefully pipe strips of the dough directly into the hot oil. Use scissors or a knife to cut the dough into your desired length, typically 4 to 6 inches.
Fry the churros in small batches. Turn them occasionally until they are puffed and golden brown on all sides. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked churros. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While still warm, roll each churro in granulated sugar or a cinnamon-sugar blend. This homemade churros recipe delivers the classic sweet coating everyone loves.
Serve churros warm. They taste amazing on their own or paired with dipping sauces like chocolate ganache or dulce de leche. It’s the perfect treat for any special snack moment.
Health Benefits & Considerations
This homemade churros recipe offers more than just a tasty dessert. Since you prepare it yourself, you have full control over the ingredients. There are no preservatives, artificial flavors, or unnecessary additives—unlike many store-bought versions. You can also reduce sugar or oil, or try baking or air frying for a lighter version.
Churros use basic pantry staples like flour and water. That makes them an accessible indulgence for occasional celebrations. However, it’s important to consider the downsides. Churros are traditionally deep-fried, increasing their overall calorie and fat content. Improper frying can also add excess saturated fat.
This dessert is high in refined carbohydrates and added sugar. Consuming it frequently may spike blood sugar and lead to weight gain. People with diabetes, high cholesterol, or those on heart-healthy diets should enjoy churros sparingly. Still, when consumed in small portions and balanced with nutrient-dense meals, this homemade churros recipe can be part of a well-rounded diet.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispy churros, let them rest uncovered for 5 minutes before coating with sugar.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the water mixture for a richer aroma.
- Try baking at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes instead of frying. Lightly brush them with oil before baking (note: texture will differ).
- For dipping, melt 1/2 cup of chocolate with 1/4 cup of cream and a pinch of salt to make a simple ganache.
