If you have a sweet tooth and love a crunchy, cinnamon-coated treat, then you are going to adore this Cinnamon Sugar Fried Churros Recipe. This classic snack offers that irresistible combination of crispy exteriors paired with soft, tender interiors, all dusted lovingly in a fragrant cinnamon sugar blend. It’s the kind of recipe that immediately brings back nostalgic memories of fairs, festivals, and cozy kitchen moments. Whether you’re making them for a party, dessert, or just a fun treat for yourself, these churros will quickly become your new favorite indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black pot filled with creamy mashed potatoes that are light beige in color and smooth in texture, with slight swirls showing softness; a wooden spoon with a light handle is partially dipped into the mashed potatoes, stirring gently. The pot rests on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Cinnamon Sugar Fried Churros Recipe works its magic with just a handful of simple, straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a vital role: the butter and water create the perfect dough base, the cinnamon and sugar bring that iconic sweet flavor, and the vegetable oil ensures a golden, crispy finish when fried.

Water (1 cup or 250ml): Creates the dough’s moisture foundation for a soft inside.
Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup or 56g): Adds richness and smooth texture to the batter.
Granulated Sugar (1 tablespoon + 1/2 cup for coating): Sweetens the dough and provides that luscious crunchy coating.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
All-purpose Flour (1 cup or 141g): The structure-builder giving churros their classic chew.
Large Egg (1): Helps hold the dough together and adds moisture.
Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, fragrant note into the batter.
Vegetable Oil (for frying): Essential for achieving the perfect crispy exterior.
Ground Cinnamon (3/4 teaspoon): Mixed with sugar for that quintessential churro flavor twist.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Fried Churros Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

First, whisk together the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. This simple yet essential seasoning will coat the churros right after frying, giving them their signature sweet crust.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Pour about one and a half inches of vegetable oil into a large pot or deep skillet, heating it over medium-high until it reaches 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping the oil at the right temperature is critical to getting those churros perfectly golden and crispy without absorbing too much oil.

Step 3: Make the Dough Base

In a large saucepan, combine the water, diced butter, 1 tablespoon sugar, and salt, then bring everything to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the flour all at once and reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula, allowing the dough to come together — it will look a bit lumpy at first, but continue stirring until it’s silky smooth.

Step 4: Cool and Mix

Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Once it’s just warm, add in the vanilla extract and the egg, then whip with an electric mixer. It may look separated at first, but keep going — the dough will smooth out and come together beautifully.

Step 5: Pipe the Churros

Fit a piping bag with a rounded star tip, ideally no wider than 1/2-inch, such as an Ateco 845 or 846, and fill it with the dough. Carefully pipe about 6-inch lengths directly into the hot oil, cutting the dough strands with scissors as you go.

Step 6: Fry to Perfection

Fry the churros for roughly 2 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Avoid overcrowding; fry no more than five churros simultaneously to keep the oil temperature steady and ensure an even, crisp fry.

Step 7: Coat and Serve

Use tongs to transfer fried churros to paper towels briefly to drain excess oil, then immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Serve them warm, ideally alongside a luscious chocolate ganache or creamy caramel sauce for dipping — it’s pure heaven.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Fried Churros Recipe

A clear glass cup lined with white parchment paper holds six churros standing upright. The churros have a light golden brown color and are coated with sugar and cinnamon, giving them a slightly grainy texture. Half of the churros are topped with rich, shiny dark chocolate sauce that drips slightly down the sides, while two churros have a smooth light brown caramel sauce drizzle. One churro is broken in half and placed on the white marbled surface beside the cup, revealing its soft, airy inside also touched by a small amount of chocolate sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch, dust your churros with powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate over the top. You can even sprinkle chopped nuts or coconut flakes for a fun flavor twist that adds texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Churros pair wonderfully with rich, velvety dips like warm chocolate sauce, salted caramel, or dulce de leche. Fresh fruit like strawberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also complement the sweetness and balance out the richness of the fried treats.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your churros in cute paper cones or rustic baskets lined with parchment paper to give that festive, street-food vibe. For gatherings, create a dipping station with various sauces and toppings to let everyone customize their own Cinnamon Sugar Fried Churros Recipe experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover churros (though unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep in mind they are best enjoyed fresh, as the texture can soften over time.

Freezing

You can freeze churros after frying and cooling completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to a month, ready to be reheated whenever a sweet craving hits.

Reheating

To revive the crispiness of your churros, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy, and nobody wants that when it comes to this Cinnamon Sugar Fried Churros Recipe.

FAQs

Can I make churros without a piping bag?

While a piping bag fitted with a star tip gives churros their classic ridged look, you can also use a sturdy plastic bag with a corner snipped off if needed. Just beware that the shape might be a bit different, but the flavor remains just as delicious.

Why are my churros soggy after frying?

Soggy churros usually mean the oil temperature was too low or the churros were overcrowded in the pot. Make sure your oil reaches around 360 degrees Fahrenheit and fry in small batches to keep the texture perfectly crispy.

Can I bake churros instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier alternative, but it won’t produce the same crunch and golden exterior. Baked churros can be tasty but expect a different texture compared to the authentic Cinnamon Sugar Fried Churros Recipe.

What’s the best type of oil for frying churros?

Vegetable oil or canola oil are great choices because they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor, which lets the churro flavors shine through without unwanted taste interference.

How do I get the perfect cinnamon sugar coating?

The key is to coat your churros immediately after frying while they’re still warm. This warmth helps the sugar and cinnamon stick beautifully, creating that iconic, sweet, and slightly crunchy crust.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress yourself or friends with a classic, cozy treat, give this Cinnamon Sugar Fried Churros Recipe a try. It’s wonderfully rewarding to make from scratch and tastes like a dream. Every bite delivers the perfect harmony of crunchy, sweet, and soft that you just won’t want to stop eating. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a treasured go-to in your recipe collection!