Churros! 🍫

Churros! 🍫 is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Jesha Ann Stevens on YouTube.

Prep: 8 hrs 30 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 9 hrs 15 min

Cost: $8.72 total, $1.09 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Water (cold)
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 4 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup Active Sourdough Starter (100% hydration, fed and bubbly)
  • 1 piece Vanilla Bean (split and seeds scraped (or 1 tsp vanilla extract))
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon
  • 2 cups Coconut Oil (for deep‑frying, high smoke point)
  • 200 g Dark Chocolate (70% cacao, chopped)
  • 100 ml Heavy Whipping Cream (room temperature)
  • 1 pinch Sea Salt (for ganache)

Instructions

  1. Make the Choux‑Sourdough Dough

    In a saucepan combine water, butter, a pinch of salt and 1 tsp sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then add the sifted flour all at once and stir vigorously with a whisk until the mixture pulls away from the sides and forms a smooth ball.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Medium heat (around 100°C)

  2. Cool and Incorporate Eggs, Vanilla, and Starter

    Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla bean seeds and the active sourdough starter until the batter is glossy and thick.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Ferment the Dough

    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it sit at room temperature (about 21°C) for 8 hours or overnight. The dough will puff slightly and develop a mild sour flavor.

    Time: PT8H

    Temperature: 21°C

  4. Prepare Cinnamon‑Sugar Coating

    In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 2 tbsp ground cinnamon. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Make Chocolate Ganache

    Heat the heavy whipping cream in a small saucepan just until it begins to simmer (about 45°C). Remove from heat, pour over the chopped dark chocolate in a heat‑proof bowl, add a pinch of sea salt, and let sit for 1 minute. Stir until smooth and glossy.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 45°C

  6. Heat Oil for Frying

    Pour 2 cups coconut oil into the deep‑fry pot and heat over medium‑high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  7. Pipe and Fry Churros

    Fit the pastry bag with a large star tip, fill it with the fermented dough, and pipe 4‑5 inch strips directly into the hot oil, cutting them with scissors or a knife as they emerge. Fry for 2‑3 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crisp.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

  8. Drain and Coat in Cinnamon‑Sugar

    Using a slotted spoon, lift the fried churros onto a cooling rack. While still hot, toss them in the cinnamon‑sugar mixture until fully coated.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Serve with Ganache

    Transfer churros to a serving platter and drizzle or dip in the prepared chocolate ganache. Enjoy while warm.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy

Allergens: Wheat (gluten), Eggs, Dairy

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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Churros! 🍫

Recipe by Jesha Ann Stevens

A homemade take on the iconic Disneyland churros, made with a light sourdough‑infused choux pastry, fried in coconut oil for extra crunch, tossed in cinnamon‑sugar and served with a rich dark chocolate ganache. The sourdough starter adds a subtle tang and makes the churros a bit healthier while keeping them soft inside and perfectly crisp outside.

MediumAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
8h 25m
Prep
40m
Cook
1h 5m
Cleanup
10h 10m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.72
Total cost
$1.09
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cooling the choux dough before adding eggs to avoid scrambling them.
  • Allowing the dough to ferment for at least 8 hours for flavor and texture.
  • Maintaining oil temperature at 350°F for even frying.
  • Coating churros in cinnamon‑sugar while still hot.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; never leave the pot unattended.
  • Use a thermometer to avoid overheating oil beyond its smoke point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Disneyland churros in American theme‑park cuisine?

A

Disneyland churros have become an iconic snack since the 1990s, representing the blend of classic Spanish‑style fried dough with the whimsical atmosphere of the park. They are served at many Disney resorts and have inspired countless home‑cooked versions.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of churros in the United States compared to the original Spanish version?

A

In the U.S., churros are often larger, coated heavily in cinnamon‑sugar, and served with chocolate dipping sauce, whereas traditional Spanish churros are thinner, sometimes served plain with hot chocolate for breakfast.

cultural
Q

How is the authentic traditional way to serve Disneyland churros in the park?

A

At Disneyland, churros are served hot in a paper cone, lightly dusted with cinnamon‑sugar, and accompanied by a small cup of rich chocolate dipping sauce for guests to dip each bite.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are churros traditionally associated with in American theme‑park culture?

A

Churros are a popular treat for park‑goers of all ages, especially during festivals, holiday celebrations, and special events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, where they are often featured as a seasonal snack.

cultural
Q

What makes Disneyland‑style churros special or unique in American snack cuisine?

A

The combination of a light, airy choux‑based dough, a crisp fried exterior, a generous cinnamon‑sugar coating, and a decadent chocolate ganache creates a texture contrast that is uniquely satisfying and has become synonymous with the Disney experience.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Disneyland‑style sourdough churros at home?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the dough, letting the oil temperature drop too low, and coating the churros after they have cooled, which prevents the cinnamon‑sugar from sticking.

technical
Q

Why does this churro recipe use a sourdough starter instead of a straight‑forward choux dough?

A

The sourdough starter adds a subtle tang and improves the dough’s structure, making the churros slightly lighter inside while still delivering the classic crisp exterior.

technical
Q

Can I make the churro dough ahead of time and how should I store it before frying?

A

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, cover it tightly, and let it ferment at room temperature. Store the fermented dough in the refrigerator if you need to delay frying for more than 12 hours.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when frying churros to know they are done?

A

The churros should be a uniform golden‑brown color, about 2‑3 minutes per side, and feel firm to the touch while remaining hollow inside. A light crunch when bitten indicates proper frying.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Jesha Ann Stevens specialize in?

A

Jesha Ann Stevens focuses on approachable, home‑cooked comfort foods with a twist, often incorporating fermentation techniques and creative flavor pairings in her videos.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Jesha Ann Stevens' approach to American snack recipes differ from other cooking channels?

A

Jesha Ann Stevens emphasizes ingredient quality, simple equipment, and step‑by‑step explanations, often adding health‑forward twists—like using sourdough starter and coconut oil—while many other channels stick to traditional recipes without such modifications.

channel
Q

What other American dessert recipes is the YouTube channel Jesha Ann Stevens known for?

A

Jesha Ann Stevens is also known for her homemade apple crumble, classic chocolate chip cookies with oat flour, and a tangy lemon blueberry cheesecake that showcase her balance of comfort and health‑conscious tweaks.

channel

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