Introduction
Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and coated in a perfect cinnamon-sugar blend, baked churros are a healthier twist on the classic fried treat. With all the flavor and none of the frying, this baked churro recipe is perfect for satisfying your cravings guilt-free. Whether for a cozy dessert at home or a party treat, these baked churros are sure to impress!
In this article, you’ll learn step-by-step how to make baked churros, tips for ensuring success, and ways to customize the recipe to suit your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Churro Recipe
1. Healthier Alternative to Fried Churros
By baking instead of frying, you can enjoy churros with less oil and fewer calories while still achieving that signature crispness.
2. Simple and Quick to Make
No need for deep fryers or special equipment—these baked churros come together easily with basic tools and ingredients.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion
From brunches to dessert tables, baked churros are a crowd-pleasing snack that’s easy to serve and share.
4. Customizable Flavors
Easily adjust the cinnamon-sugar ratio or add extra spices like nutmeg, or dip them in chocolate or caramel for added decadence.
5. Kid-Friendly Treat
With no messy oil or frying involved, this recipe is perfect for making with kids while keeping things safe and fun in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients for Baked Churro recipe
1. All-Purpose Flour
Gives structure to the churros, resulting in a light yet sturdy texture. You can substitute with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend if needed.
2. Butter
Provides richness and flavor while helping to create a smooth dough. A plant-based butter substitute works for a dairy-free option.
3. Water
Helps bind the ingredients and creates steam during baking, which gives churros their light texture.
4. Eggs
Adds moisture and helps the dough puff up as it bakes. For a vegan version, replace eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute.
5. Granulated Sugar
Sweetens the cinnamon-sugar coating and balances the buttery flavor.
6. Ground Cinnamon
A classic component of churro flavor, cinnamon adds warmth and a hint of spice.
7. Vanilla Extract
Enhances the flavor of the churro dough, making it richer and more aromatic.
8. Non-Stick Spray or Butter for Greasing
Ensures the churros don’t stick to the baking sheet during baking.
Ingredients List
- 1 cup water
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Churro recipe
Follow these detailed steps for perfect baked churros:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Lightly grease the surface with non-stick spray or butter to prevent the churros from sticking.
Tip: Use a large baking sheet to give the churros enough space to bake evenly. If you’re making a big batch, consider baking in multiple batches or using two sheets.
2. Prepare the Dough
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the mixture begins to boil.
- Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low. Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon. The dough will come together quickly, forming a ball and pulling away from the sides of the pan.
Tip: Keep stirring for about 1-2 minutes to cook off any excess moisture in the dough. This helps the churros maintain their shape during baking.
3. Cool and Add Eggs
- Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes. Cooling prevents the eggs from scrambling when added to the warm dough.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Use a hand mixer, stand mixer, or a strong whisk. After adding all the eggs, the dough should be smooth, glossy, and pipeable.
Tip: If the dough looks lumpy at first when adding eggs, don’t worry—keep mixing until it comes together smoothly.
4. Pipe the Churros
- Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (such as a Wilton 1M or 2D). The ridges created by the star tip help the churros crisp up and hold onto the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Pipe the dough into 4-6 inch strips onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 1 inch between each churro to allow for expansion. If desired, create smaller churros or fun shapes like loops or spirals.
Tip: For neat ends, use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut the dough as you finish piping each strip.
5. Bake the Churros
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the churros are golden brown and crisp on the outside. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
Tip: If you prefer extra-crispy churros, bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
6. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- While the churros are baking, mix ½ cup granulated sugar and 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon in a shallow dish or plate. This will be used to coat the churros once they’re baked.
7. Coat the Churros
- When the churros are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet.
- Brush each churro lightly with melted butter using a pastry brush. This step ensures the cinnamon-sugar mixture sticks to the churros.
- Roll the churros in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re evenly coated.
Tip: For an alternative coating, you can sprinkle the churros instead of rolling them if you prefer a lighter sugar layer.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the churros warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or dulce de leche. They’re best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated if needed.
Variations for Baked Churro recipe
1. Vegan Baked Churros
Replace butter with plant-based butter and eggs with flaxseed or chia seed egg substitutes.
2. Spiced Churros
Add ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar coating for an extra depth of flavor.
3. Mini Churros
Pipe shorter strips for bite-sized churros, perfect for dipping and snacking.
4. Chocolate-Dipped Churros
Dip the ends of your churros into melted chocolate and let them set for a delicious twist.
5. Filled Churros
Use a piping bag with a narrow tip to fill the baked churros with dulce de leche, chocolate, or fruit preserves.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve baked churros with dipping sauces like melted chocolate, caramel, or vanilla glaze.
- Pair these churros with hot beverages like coffee or tea, or enjoy them with these Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies for a dessert platter everyone will love.
- Add fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas as a side for a more elaborate dessert platter.
Tips for the Best Baked Churro Recipe
1. Use a Star Piping Tip
The ridges created by the star tip help the churros crisp up better in the oven and hold onto the cinnamon-sugar coating.
2. Don’t Skip the Butter Coating
Brushing the churros with butter before coating ensures the cinnamon-sugar sticks evenly.
3. Bake Until Golden
Don’t underbake the churros. They should be crisp and golden brown on the outside while soft on the inside.
4. Serve Immediately
Churros taste best fresh out of the oven while they’re still warm and crispy.
5. Storage Tips
Store leftover churros in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to regain crispness.
Benefits of This Baked Churro Recipe
- Healthier Option: Baking eliminates the need for frying, making this a lighter alternative.
- Family-Friendly: Safe and easy for kids to enjoy and even help make.
- Customizable: Adapt the flavors, sizes, or fillings to your preferences.
- Quick and Easy: No deep frying means less mess and faster cleanup.
- Perfect for Sharing: These baked churros are ideal for parties, gatherings, or dessert platters.
How to Make Churros Stay Crispy
To ensure your churros remain crispy for longer, follow these tips:
1. Use the Right Oil Temperature
- Maintain the oil at 375°F (190°C) during frying.
- Too low a temperature will make churros greasy, while too high can cause them to brown too quickly and lose crispiness.
2. Drain Excess Oil
- After frying, place churros on a wire rack with paper towels underneath to allow proper drainage. Avoid stacking churros directly on paper towels, as trapped steam will make them soggy.
3. Avoid Overcrowding the Fryer
- Fry a few churros at a time to maintain consistent oil temperature. Overcrowding drops the oil temperature, leading to uneven frying and sogginess.
4. Coat Lightly with Sugar
- Dust churros with sugar or cinnamon sugar sparingly. Over-coating can draw out moisture and soften the exterior.
5. Store Properly
- For short-term storage, place churros in an oven at 200°F (93°C) to keep them warm and crisp.
- Avoid sealing hot churros in airtight containers, as steam will ruin the crispiness.
What Not to Do When Making Churros
Avoid these common mistakes to ensure perfectly cooked churros:
1. Using Cold Batter
- Ensure the batter is warm or at room temperature when piping it into the oil. Cold batter affects texture and frying consistency.
2. Overmixing the Dough
- Mix until just combined to avoid tough, dense churros. Overmixing incorporates too much air, resulting in uneven frying.
3. Skipping Resting Time
- Rest the batter for 10–15 minutes before frying. This allows gluten to relax, improving texture and preventing disintegration.
4. Using the Wrong Oil
- Use neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil. Strong-flavored oils, like olive oil, can overpower the churros’ taste.
5. Ignoring Piping Consistency
- Ensure the churro batter is smooth and easy to pipe. If too stiff or too runny, the churros won’t fry evenly.
Why Are My Churros Not Chewy?
If your churros lack the desired chewiness, consider the following factors:
1. Batter Consistency
- Too thin: Results in soft or hollow churros.
- Solution: Ensure the batter has a thick, paste-like consistency. Adjust by adding more flour if necessary.
2. Incorrect Frying Temperature
- Frying at too low a temperature makes churros greasy and soft.
- Ensure a consistent oil temperature of 375°F (190°C) for chewy and crisp results.
3. Using the Wrong Flour
- Use all-purpose flour, as self-rising flour may affect texture.
4. Insufficient Cooking Time
- Under-fried churros won’t develop the right chewiness. Fry for about 4–5 minutes per batch, ensuring the inside is fully cooked.
How to Cook Already Made Churros
Reheating churros properly will maintain their texture:
Oven Method (Best Option)
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place churros on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Warm for 5–8 minutes, flipping once for even reheating.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange churros in a single layer and heat for 3–5 minutes.
Avoid Microwaving
- Microwaving makes churros soggy and rubbery due to uneven heating.
Can You Bake Premade Churros?
Yes, premade churros can be baked as an alternative to frying:
Baking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange churros on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.
Tips for Better Results
- Lightly spray with cooking oil before baking to achieve a golden exterior.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Why Are My Churros Disintegrating?
If your churros fall apart during frying, the following could be the cause:
1. Batter Is Too Thin
- Thin batter won’t hold its shape in hot oil.
- Fix: Add more flour gradually until the batter forms a thick paste.
2. Overly Hot Oil
- Extremely high oil temperatures cause the batter to burst or disintegrate.
- Solution: Use a thermometer to maintain oil at 375°F (190°C).
3. Poor Piping Technique
- Unevenly piped dough or air pockets in the batter can lead to disintegration.
- Fix: Pipe dough directly into the oil in smooth, consistent shapes.
4. Using the Wrong Equipment
- Weak or low-quality piping bags may burst. Use a sturdy piping bag with a star-shaped nozzle for best results.
By following these guidelines, your churros will turn out perfectly every time!
Conclusion
This baked churro recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the classic treat in a healthier, oven-baked version. With a crisp exterior, a soft interior, and a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating, these churros are irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party, spending time with family, or just craving a sweet snack, these baked churros are sure to be a hit.
Try them out today, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family! Post your photos online and tag us to show off your baked churro success. Happy baking!
If you’re looking for more creative recipes, don’t miss these Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies for a gluten-free treat option.