Homemade Churros

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. + cooling Cook: 20 min.

Makes

about 1 dozen

Updated: Jun. 21, 2023
These fried cinnamon-sugar homemade churros are best when fresh and hot. Try them with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Don't be surprised if people start dunking...and then go back for more.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup 2% milk
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • Additional oil for frying
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Chocolate sauce, optional

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan, bring the water, milk, oil and salt to a boil. Add flour all at once and stir until a smooth ball forms. Transfer to a large bowl; let stand for 5 minutes.
  2. Beat on medium-high speed for 1 minute or until the dough softens. Add egg and lemon zest; beat for 1-2 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a deep cast-iron or heavy skillet, heat 1 in. oil to 375°. Insert a large star tip in a pastry bag; fill with dough. On a baking sheet, pipe dough into 4-in. strips.
  4. Transfer strips to skillet and fry until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels. Combine the sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over churros. Serve warm with chocoalte sauce if desired.
Homemade Churros Tips

Why are my churros gooey inside?

Churros should be light and tender on the inside and crisp on the outside. With this in mind, there are several reasons your churros might be gooey inside—but with a few tips, you can cook churros with confidence! Before adding the dough, bring the oil temperature to 375°. If the oil is any hotter, the outside will brown before the inside can cook. If the oil is too cold, the churro will fall apart and take on too much oil, resulting in a greasy mess. It’s also important to let the oil come back up to the proper temp between batches. Finally, don’t overcrowd your pan; otherwise, the churros will steam instead of fry. Check out our guide to how to deep fry at home for more tips.

What do I serve with homemade churros?

Churros would make a great addition to any Mexican-themed meal! Pair them with chicken fajitas, ceviche or chilaquiles. Add them to a dessert tray with other Mexican desserts like Mexican wedding cookies, conchas and creamy caramel flan!

How should I store leftover homemade churros?

Of course, homemade churros are best served hot. But in the off chance you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place the cooled churros on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. When you're ready to eat, let the churros thaw at room temperature. Reheat by popping them into the oven at 375° on a baking sheet for 5 to 8 minutes.

—Julie Schnittka, Taste of Home Senior Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 fritter: 122 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 60mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.