How to Make Churros

How to Make Churros is a medium Spanish recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 22 min | Cook: 18 min | Total: 50 min

Cost: $6.21 total, $1.55 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (120 g, sifted)
  • 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (85 g, cut into tablespoon‑sized pieces)
  • 0.25 cup Granulated Sugar (50 g, for dough)
  • 1 cup Water (240 ml, for dough)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Fine sea salt)
  • 4 large Eggs (Room temperature, cracked separately)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Pure vanilla)
  • 0.75 cup Granulated Sugar (150 g, for cinnamon‑sugar coating)
  • 2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (For cinnamon‑sugar coating and chocolate sauce)
  • 0.66 cup Semi‑Sweet Chocolate Chips (About 120 g, for dipping sauce)
  • 0.66 cup Heavy Cream (160 ml, for dipping sauce)
  • 4 cups Vegetable Oil (Neutral oil (canola, peanut, or sunflower) for deep frying)

Instructions

  1. Measure dry ingredients

    Weigh 1 cup (120 g) of all‑purpose flour and set aside. Measure ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar, ½ tsp salt, and have the butter pieces ready.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Make the choux base

    In the large pot, combine the butter pieces, ¼ cup sugar, 1 cup water, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring, until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  3. Incorporate the flour

    Remove the pot from heat, add the measured flour all at once, and stir vigorously until a smooth ball forms. Return the pot to low heat and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds to dry the dough.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  4. Cool the dough slightly

    Transfer the pot to a cool surface and let the dough rest for 1 minute so it isn’t scorching hot when the eggs are added.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Add eggs and vanilla

    Dump the warm dough into the stand mixer bowl. With the paddle attachment on medium speed, add three large eggs one at a time, letting each incorporate before adding the next. Add 1 tsp vanilla. If the dough looks too stiff, add the remaining egg (or half of it) until the mixture is glossy and falls gently from the paddle.

    Time: PT6M

  6. Prepare cinnamon‑sugar coating

    In a shallow bowl combine ¾ cup granulated sugar with 2 tsp ground cinnamon. Whisk to blend evenly.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Heat oil for frying

    Fill the large pot with about 4 cups of vegetable oil. Heat over medium‑high until the thermometer reads 350°F (175°C).

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: 350°F

  8. Pipe and fry churros

    Fit the piping bag with the star tip, fill it with the choux dough, and pipe 3‑4 inch strips directly into the hot oil. Fry for about 90 seconds on each side, or until golden brown and puffed.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

  9. Drain and coat

    Using the spider, lift the fried churros onto paper towels for 30 seconds to drain excess oil. While still warm, roll each churro in the cinnamon‑sugar mixture, shaking off excess.

    Time: PT3M

  10. Make chocolate dipping sauce (optional)

    Combine 2/3 cup semi‑sweet chocolate chips, 2/3 cup heavy cream, and 1 tsp cinnamon in a microwave‑safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir, and microwave in 10‑second bursts until smooth.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
2 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
6 g
Fiber
0.5 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Wheat

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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How to Make Churros

Recipe by Preppy Kitchen

Crispy, golden churros made from a classic choux dough, fried to perfection and rolled in cinnamon sugar. Served with a quick semi‑sweet chocolate dipping sauce. This recipe from Preppy Kitchen walks you through every step—from dough preparation to frying—so you can recreate street‑vendor quality churros at home.

MediumSpanishServes 4

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

Source Video
27m
Prep
17m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
54m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.21
Total cost
$1.55
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Heat oil to exactly 350°F (175°C) – under‑ or over‑heating will cause soggy or burnt churros.
  • Incorporate the flour quickly after adding it to the boiling liquid to form a smooth dough.
  • Egg incorporation – add eggs gradually and watch the dough’s texture; it should fall gently from the paddle.
  • Do not overcrowd the pot while frying; fry in small batches for even cooking.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns – keep a lid nearby and never leave the pot unattended.
  • The dough is piping‑hot; allow it to cool slightly before adding eggs to avoid cooking them prematurely.
  • Use a candy thermometer to prevent oil from exceeding its smoke point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of churros in Spanish cuisine?

A

Churros originated in Spain as a simple fried dough treat, traditionally sold by street vendors and enjoyed with thick hot chocolate. They have become a staple breakfast and snack across Spanish‑speaking countries and are often associated with festivals and fairs.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of churros in Spanish cuisine?

A

In Spain, churros are usually plain and served with chocolate. In Latin America, they may be filled with dulce de leche or rolled in sugar. Some regions add orange zest or use a denser dough for a chewier texture.

cultural
Q

How are churros traditionally served in Spain?

A

In Spain, churros are typically served hot, dusted with coarse sugar, and dipped into a thick, rich hot chocolate called "chocolate a la taza". They are often enjoyed for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.

cultural
Q

On what occasions are churros traditionally eaten in Spanish culture?

A

Churros are popular at fairs, carnivals, and during the early morning hours after a night out. They are also a common treat during Christmas markets and family gatherings.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are used in traditional Spanish churros versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional churros use all‑purpose flour, water, butter, salt, eggs, and a pinch of sugar. Substitutes like gluten‑free flour or plant‑based butter can be used, but they change the texture and flavor slightly.

cultural
Q

What other Spanish dishes pair well with homemade churros?

A

Serve churros alongside a thick hot chocolate, café con leche, or a glass of sweet sherry. They also complement savory tapas like jamón serrano for a sweet‑savory contrast.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making homemade churros?

A

Common errors include frying at the wrong oil temperature, over‑mixing the dough, and overcrowding the pot. Each mistake can lead to soggy, under‑cooked, or burnt churros.

technical
Q

Why does this churro recipe use a stand mixer instead of hand‑mixing?

A

The stand mixer with a paddle attachment ensures the dough is evenly incorporated and reaches the glossy, silky texture needed for proper puffing. Hand‑mixing can leave lumps and uneven egg distribution.

technical
Q

Can I make churros ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. Pipe the raw churro strips onto parchment and freeze them. Fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra seconds. Cooked churros can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few hours, but they are best served fresh.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen, hosted by John Kanell, specializes in clear, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials that focus on classic comfort foods and approachable techniques for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to Spanish cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Preppy Kitchen emphasizes precise temperature control, such as using a candy thermometer for frying, and breaks down each step with practical tips, making traditionally tricky recipes like churros accessible to home cooks, unlike many channels that skip these details.

channel

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