Some links on this page are affiliate links. This means we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you click through and make a purchase, you can check our Affiliate Disclosure. Thank you for your support!
Looking for a dessert that makes you feel like you’re walking through a Spanish street market or a theme park food stall (minus the lines)? These homemade crispy churros are IT. Crispy, golden on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside, dusted in cinnamon sugar, and dipped in the most luscious chocolate sauce you’ve ever had. And guess what? You don’t need a deep fryer, fancy mixer, or hours of prep time. Just a handful of pantry staples and a piping bag—and you’re golden (literally 
).
Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to make your weekend way sweeter, these churros are guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Churros Recipe
Better than takeout – These churros are so fresh and crispy, you’ll forget all about the frozen ones or waiting in line at the fair.
Super easy ingredients – You probably already have everything in your kitchen. No fancy stuff needed.
Crispy + fluffy = perfection – The outside is golden and crunchy, and the inside is soft and light. It’s the perfect combo.
Chocolate. Sauce. Enough said. – Dipping your churros in smooth, warm chocolate? It’s as good as it sounds.
Ready in 30 minutes – You don’t have to wait long. You can make these churros anytime you’re craving something sweet and fun.
Ingredients & Flavor Highlights
For the Churros:
Water + Butter – The base of the dough (a classic choux-style method).
Sugar & Salt – For a hint of flavor right in the dough.
Flour – All-purpose gets the job done beautifully.
Egg & Vanilla – Adds richness and makes the dough super pipeable and fluffy inside.
Oil – For deep frying. Go with a neutral one like vegetable or canola.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
Granulated Sugar + Cinnamon – Sweet and aromatic. Customize with nutmeg or citrus zest for extra flair.
Chocolate Sauce:
Bittersweet Chocolate + Cream – Rich, silky, and deeply satisfying. It’s basically a warm chocolate hug.
How to Make the Best Churros Ever
Step 1: Make That Dreamy Dough
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of water, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/8 tsp salt. Bring to a gentle boil.
As soon as it boils, reduce heat and dump in 1 cup flour all at once. Stir like your churros depend on it! You’ll get a smooth, sticky dough ball in about 1–2 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes (don’t skip this!).
Step 2: Add Egg & Vanilla
Mix in 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract. At first, the dough will look split or weird—just keep stirring! It’ll come together smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Pipe & Fry
Transfer dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (like Ateco 847). Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Pipe 5-inch strips directly into the hot oil, snipping with scissors.
Fry for 5 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown and crispy.
Drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Cinnamon Sugar Magic
Mix ½ cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
While churros are still warm, roll them through this mix like they’re on vacation.
Step 5: The Chocolate Sauce
In a small saucepan, gently heat ½ cup heavy cream until steaming (not boiling). Pour over 3 oz chopped bittersweet chocolate and let it sit for 30 seconds.
Stir until silky smooth.
Step 6: Dip & Devour
Serve those gorgeous churros warm with a bowl of that dreamy chocolate sauce. Prepare to have zero leftovers.
Cooking Tips & Techniques
Let the dough cool first – After you cook the dough on the stove, wait a few minutes before adding the egg. If the dough is too hot, the egg might cook too early—and we don’t want scrambled eggs in our churros!
Use a star-shaped piping tip – This isn’t just for looks! The ridges from the star tip help the churros get extra crispy on the outside. More edges = more crunch.
Fry in small batches – Don’t crowd the pan. If you fry too many churros at once, the oil cools down and they won’t cook evenly. Smaller batches = perfect golden churros every time.
Check your oil temperature – Try to keep the oil at around 350°F. That’s the sweet spot for churros to cook just right—crispy outside, soft inside. If you have a kitchen or candy thermometer, it really helps!
Recommended Equipment
Affiliate links below—if you buy something, it helps support Cooking Day at no extra cost to you. Thanks!
To make churros that are crispy, golden, and just right, here are a few tools that really help:
Heavy-Bottomed Pot – Great for frying! It keeps the heat even, so your churros cook properly.
Candy Thermometer – This helps you keep the oil at the perfect temperature. Too hot = burnt. Too cool = soggy.
Piping Bags + Star Tip Set – These give churros their classic look with the ridged edges that make them extra crispy.
Silicone Slotted Spoon – Makes it easy to lift out the churros without splashing oil. It’s gentle and safe to use.
How to Serve These Crispy Churros
With chocolate sauce – Always a classic. Dip and enjoy every bite.
Mix it up – Try them with dulce de leche, strawberry jam, or even a peanut butter swirl dip for something different and fun.
Add toppings – Sprinkle on crushed nuts or drizzle white chocolate over the top to make them look and taste extra special.
Serve anywhere – These churros are perfect for brunch spreads, dessert bars, birthday parties, or cozy movie nights at home.
Perfect Pairings for Golden Crispy Churros
For a perfect pairing with Golden Crispy Churros with Silky Chocolate Sauce, you want something that complements the warmth, crispiness, cinnamon sweetness, and rich chocolate dip. Here are a few dreamy ideas—whether you’re going for drinks, other food, or a themed experience:
Beverage Pairings
Pink Grapefruit Martini
This refreshing cocktail offers a citrusy zest that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the churros.
Ginger-Peach Iced Tea
A chilled beverage combining the warmth of ginger with the sweetness of peaches, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the rich churros.
Watermelon Mint Lemonade
This invigorating drink combines the sweetness of watermelon with a hint of mint, offering a light and refreshing pairing.
Dessert Pairings
No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream
Creamy and smooth, this ice cream serves as a cool contrast to the warm churros, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
No-Churn Chocolate Toffee Ice Cream
For chocolate enthusiasts, this rich and crunchy ice cream complements the churros’ flavor profile.
Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp
A warm apple dessert with a cinnamon-infused crumble that harmonizes with the churros’ flavors.
Snack Pairings
Cheesy Potato Sticks
These crunchy, savory sticks provide a delightful contrast to the sweet churros, offering a balanced snack experience.
Crispy Potato Rings
These crunchy snacks can be enjoyed alongside churros, offering a savory balance to the sweetness.
Diet-Friendly Options
Egg-free? – You can swap the egg for aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water). The texture might be a little different, but it still works!
Dairy-free? – Just use vegan butter in the dough and make the chocolate sauce with coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate. Still rich and tasty!
Gluten-free? – Try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (one that’s made to replace regular flour in the same amount). Tip: test a small batch first to see how it turns out!
Best Ways to Store
Best when fresh – These churros taste the absolute best right after frying. Warm, crispy, and perfect!
Have leftovers? – No worries! Just store the plain, uncoated churros (no cinnamon sugar yet) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To reheat – Pop them in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for about 5–6 minutes until warm and crispy again.
Don’t forget: After reheating, roll them in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm for that perfect sweet finish!
Crispy Churros Recipe Variations
Filled churros – Want to take it up a level? After frying, use a piping bag to fill the churros with dulce de leche, Nutella, or creamy custard. It’s like a surprise inside every bite!
Mini churros – Make them short and bite-sized by piping 2-inch pieces. They’re great for parties, snacks, or sharing with friends.
Spiced sugar twist – Mix things up by adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or orange zest to your cinnamon sugar. It gives the churros a fun, new flavor that’s still super delicious!
Perfect Homemade Churros with Silky Chocolate Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Piping bag with large star tip
- Scissors
- Candy/frying thermometer
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Ingredients
Churro Dough:
- 1 cup water (240 ml)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 g)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (13 g)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g)
- 1 large egg (approx. 50 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup sugar (100 g)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Chocolate Dipping Sauce:
- 3 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped (85 g)
- ½ cup heavy cream (120 g)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Choux Dough
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt over medium heat.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and add flour all at once.
- Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture pulls away from the pan and forms a smooth dough ball.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add Egg & Vanilla
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the slightly cooled dough.
- Mix until fully incorporated. (The dough will look separated at first, but keep mixing— it will come together into a smooth, pipeable dough.)
- Once smooth and glossy, transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (e.g. Ateco 847).
Step 3: Shape & Fry the Churros
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy or frying thermometer to monitor temperature.
- Pipe 5-inch strips of dough directly into the oil, cutting ends with scissors.
- Fry for 5 minutes per churro, turning halfway through until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Roll the warm churros in the mixture until fully coated.
Step 5: Make the Chocolate Dipping Sauce
- In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until edges begin to bubble (do not boil).
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a bowl.
- Let sit for 30 seconds, then stir until smooth, rich, and glossy.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve churros warm with a side of rich chocolate sauce. Perfect for parties, desserts, or indulgent weekend treats!
Notes
Pro Tips for Perfect Churros
Use a sturdy piping bag – The dough is thick, so double-layer or heavy-duty bags work best.
Control oil temperature – Keep it steady between 330°F–350°F for even frying.
Let the dough cool before adding egg – Too hot, and it may scramble the egg.
Don’t crowd the pot – Fry in small batches for best results.
Customize the coating – Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or orange zest to your cinnamon sugar for a fun twist!Wrap Up
These homemade churros are a must-try if you love desserts that are crispy, golden, and slightly sweet—especially when there’s a warm, rich chocolate dip on the side.
The best part? They’re so much easier to make than you might think. No deep fryer. No fancy tools. Just simple ingredients and big flavor.
Whether you’re impressing guests or just treating yourself after a long day, these churros are the perfect way to celebrate.
You deserve it.
Now go make them—and enjoy every bite!
Common Questions Answered
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Not really—freshly made dough works best for frying. You can prep your sugar and chocolate sauce ahead, though!
What oil is best for frying?
Use neutral oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, sunflower, or canola oil.
Can I bake churros instead of frying?
You can, but they’ll be more like choux pastry sticks. For that authentic crispy texture, frying is key.
Want more crispy, golden goodies like this? Let me know and I’ll send churro donut holes, fried banana bites, and more! 
Ready to make them? 
Let’s fry! 
