Baked Churros: Your Ultimate Guide to a Crispy, No-Fry Delight

Indulge in the irresistible sweetness of homemade churros without the fuss and mess of deep-frying! These light, crispy, and perfectly cinnamon-sweet Baked Churros offer a healthier yet equally delicious twist on a classic treat. Crafted from a simple dough, baked to a golden perfection, and generously coated in a shimmering cinnamon sugar mixture, they deliver all the authentic flavors you crave. Get ready to transport your taste buds south of the border with this beloved dessert that your family and friends will absolutely adore.

Why Baked Churros Are a Game Changer

There’s nothing quite like a fresh churro: golden and delightfully crisp on the outside, wonderfully soft and airy on the inside, and every inch glistening with sweet cinnamon sugar. Traditionally, churros are deep-fried, which can be intimidating for many home cooks due to the hot oil, potential mess, and added calories. But what if we told you that you could achieve that same beloved texture and flavor profile with significantly less hassle? Our baked churros recipe is exactly that – a culinary game changer! This method takes all the mess out of your favorite Mexican dessert, offering a lighter alternative without compromising on flavor or that satisfying crunch. You get all the deliciousness without the fuss of messy frying.

These churros are not only easier to prepare but also provide a guilt-free indulgence. They’re perfect for dipping into your favorite rich chocolate sauce, velvety caramel sauce, or even a fresh fruit compote, creating an easy dessert experience that truly hits the spot every single time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe simplifies the churro-making process, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Say Goodbye to Deep Frying: The No-Fry Churro Revolution!

For those who love the vibrant atmosphere and delicious treats of a good state fair, churros are undoubtedly high on the list of must-try foods. Alongside classics like corn dogs and funnel cakes, or even adventurous bites like fried Oreos, churros hold a special place. The good news? You don’t need a trip to the fair or a vat of hot oil to enjoy them.

I am a huge advocate for recipe hacks that allow us to skip deep-frying without sacrificing taste or texture. If you’ve enjoyed my baked apple fritters, my sugar-coated baked donuts, or even my baked sweet potato fries, you already know my commitment to delivering delicious alternatives that stand up to their fried counterparts. These baked churros are no exception. They achieve that sought-after crispy exterior and tender interior, making them every bit as good as, if not better than, fried churros. Prepare to be amazed by how simple and satisfying this no-fry method truly is!

Transform Any Evening into a Festive Mexican Night!

Mexican cuisine has a special place in our hearts, making it a weekly tradition in many homes. And what better way to cap off a flavorful Mexican-inspired meal than with an array of delightful desserts? These baked churros are a fantastic addition to any festive menu. Imagine pairing them with a simplified Tres Leches Cake, decadent Salted Dulce de Leche Brownies, or nostalgic Homemade Choco Tacos. The combination promises an explosion of fun and flavor that will leave everyone smiling.

Beyond being a perfect dessert for a dedicated “Mexican Night,” these baked churros are versatile enough for any occasion. They make an excellent treat for birthdays, potlucks, casual gatherings, or simply an afternoon snack with coffee. Their delightful aroma and sweet cinnamon coating are universally appealing, ensuring they disappear quickly no matter the setting. Get ready to impress your guests with this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert!

Essential Ingredients and Supplies for Your Baked Churros

Crafting these delectable baked churros requires a handful of common pantry staples and a few basic kitchen tools. You’ll find precise measurements and detailed instructions in the complete recipe card at the bottom of this post, but here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to gather:

Key Ingredients for the Churro Dough and Coating:

• Unsalted Butter: Forms the rich base of our choux pastry and is essential for the melted butter coating.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle depth of sweetness to the dough mixture.
• Water: The liquid base for creating the perfect choux pastry consistency.
• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component of our churros, ensuring a light yet crisp texture.
• Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses the churro dough with a warm, aromatic note.
• Large Eggs: Crucial for the churros’ rise and creating that signature airy interior. Lightly beaten eggs integrate more smoothly.
• Granulated Sugar: The star of our iconic cinnamon sugar coating.
• Cinnamon: The essential spice that gives churros their distinctive, warm flavor.
• Dipping Sauces: Elevate your churro experience with classic pairings like rich Caramel Sauce and luscious Chocolate Sauce.

Recommended Supplies for Baking Success:

• Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is fundamental for evenly baking your churros.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Medium Saucepan: For preparing the initial dough mixture on the stovetop.
• Large Piping Bag fitted with a Large-Sized Open Star Tip: This is key for creating the traditional ridged churro shape and achieving that delightful texture.
• Shallow Medium Mixing Bowls: Useful for whisking the cinnamon sugar and dredging the churros.

Watch Me Make It: Your Visual Guide to Perfect Baked Churros!

Sometimes, seeing is believing, especially when it comes to mastering new baking techniques. To ensure your churro-making journey is as smooth and successful as possible, join me in the kitchen! This video will walk you through each step of the process, from preparing the choux pastry to piping and coating your glorious baked churros. Follow along to create a batch of these super easy and incredibly delicious treats!

How to Make Baked Churros: Step-by-Step Perfection

Creating these delightful baked churros is a straightforward process, primarily involving the preparation of a classic choux pastry, shaping, baking, and coating. Follow these simple steps for churros that are sure to impress:

• Step 1: Preheat and Prepare. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup. Set the prepared sheet aside.
• Step 2: Start the Dough Base. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter and light brown sugar over medium heat. This mixture will form the rich foundation of your choux pastry.
• Step 3: Bring to a Boil. Add the water to the butter and sugar mixture, and bring it to a rolling boil. This ensures the liquids are hot enough to properly hydrate the flour in the next step.

• Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately add the all-purpose flour and kosher salt, stirring vigorously with a sturdy spatula until a thick dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This is called the “panade” stage of choux pastry.
• Step 5: Add Flavor and Eggs. Let the dough cool for a minute or two. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Next, gradually add the lightly beaten large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue to mix with your spatula until the dough is well combined, smooth, and forms a thick, gooey mixture. The dough should be glossy and hold its shape.

• Step 6: Pipe the Churros. Transfer the prepared churro dough mixture into a large piping bag fitted with a large-sized open star tip. Pipe out thick, approximately 4-inch long strips of churro batter onto your parchment-lined baking sheet. For clean separation, use a knife or kitchen scissors to release each piece from the tip. Leave some space between each churro to allow for even baking.
• Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the churros are beautifully golden brown and firm to the touch. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of your churros.
• Step 8: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating. While the churros are nearing the end of their baking time, prepare the essential coating. In a shallow medium mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and cinnamon until well combined.

• Step 9: Butter and Coat. In a separate shallow medium mixing bowl, melt the remaining unsalted butter. As soon as the churros come out of the oven, while still warm, dredge each baked churro in the melted butter. This ensures the cinnamon sugar adheres perfectly.
• Step 10: Final Coating. Immediately after buttering, transfer the churros to the bowl with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Toss gently to evenly coat each churro on all sides. The warmth of the churros and the melted butter will help the sugar stick beautifully.

• Step 11: Serve and Enjoy! Serve your freshly baked churros warm with your choice of caramel sauce and/or chocolate sauce. The combination of warm, crispy churros and cool, rich dipping sauces is truly divine!

Tips for the Best Baked Churros Every Time

Achieving perfectly crisp and delicious baked churros is easier than you think with a few expert tips:

• Don’t Rush the Dough: Ensure your choux pastry is fully cooked on the stovetop (when adding flour) and that the eggs are incorporated thoroughly, creating a smooth, glossy, and pliable dough.
• Use the Right Tip: An open star tip is essential for giving churros their traditional ridges, which not only look appealing but also help maximize surface area for crispiness and cinnamon sugar adhesion.
• Even Piping: Try to pipe churros of similar length and thickness to ensure they bake evenly.
• Serve Immediately: Churros are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven, when they are at their crispiest and most aromatic.
• Experiment with Dipping Sauces: While caramel and chocolate are classics, consider dulce de leche, a berry compote, or even a citrus glaze for variety.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

While baked churros are undeniably best enjoyed fresh, you might find yourself with a few leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat them to maximize their deliciousness:

Storage: Store leftover churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For extended freshness, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. Be aware that over time, churros may lose some of their initial crispiness.

Reheating: To bring leftover churros back to life, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Arrange the churros in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Reheat for 5-10 minutes, or until they are warmed through and regain a slight crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soft and chewy rather than crispy.

We absolutely love seeing your creations! If you make these amazing Baked Churros, be sure to snap a picture and share it with us on Instagram by tagging @thebakermama. We can’t wait to see your delightful results. For even more culinary inspiration, connect with fellow food enthusiasts by joining our Friends of The BakerMama Facebook group. It’s a wonderful community where you can share all the fun and yummy recipes of mine that you make! I truly cherish seeing how inspired and creative you all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy every sweet bite!

xoxo,

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Baked Churros

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  Author: The BakerMama
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  Prep Time: 10 minutes
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  Cook Time: 30 minutes
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  Total Time: 40 minutes
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  Yield: 28-30 churros

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Description

Ditch the messy deep-frying and enjoy these light, wonderfully crispy, and exquisitely cinnamon-sweet Baked Churros. This simple dough bakes to a beautiful golden perfection, then is generously dipped in a delightful cinnamon sugar coating, offering a truly authentic South-of-the-border treat that everyone will fall in love with.

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Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 teaspoons cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For Serving:

• caramel sauce, for dipping
• chocolate sauce, for dipping

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Instructions

1. To make the churros: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar. Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Turn off the heat and stir in the flour and salt until a thick dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
4. Remove the pot from the heat, and mix in the vanilla, then the eggs (one at a time, if preferred), with a sturdy spatula until well combined and a thick, smooth, and gooey mixture forms.
5. Transfer the mixture to a large piping bag fitted with a large-sized open star tip. Pipe out thick 4-inch long strips of churro batter onto the prepared baking sheet, using a knife or kitchen scissors to cleanly release each piece from the tip.
6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the churros are golden brown and firm to the touch.
7. When the churros are almost done baking, prepare the coating: in a shallow medium mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and the cinnamon until fully blended.
8. Melt the remaining butter in another shallow medium mixing bowl.
9. As soon as the churros are baked, dredge each warm churro in the melted butter. Then, immediately place them in the bowl with the cinnamon sugar mixture, tossing to evenly coat each churro on all sides.
10. Serve your irresistible baked churros warm with your favorite caramel sauce and/or chocolate sauce for dipping.

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