Crispy Mini Churros
Description
These homemade Crispy Mini Churros are golden and crunchy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar. Made with a classic choux pastry dough, they’re piped directly into hot oil and fried until beautifully crisp with their signature ridges. Perfect for parties, movie nights, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a bakery-style treat at home. Serve them warm with chocolate sauce, caramel, or dulce de leche for an irresistible dessert everyone will love.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Churro Dough
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Frying
- Vegetable or canola oil
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
Optional Dipping Sauces
- Melted chocolate
- Caramel sauce
- Dulce de leche
- Nutella
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Add the Eggs
Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract. The dough should be smooth, glossy, and thick.
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Heat about 2–3 inches of oil in a deep saucepan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Step 4: Fry the Churros
Pipe 2–3 inch strips of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting each piece with scissors or a knife.
Fry only a few at a time to avoid overcrowding.
Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crisp.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Coat
Mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl.
While the churros are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar until evenly coated.
Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately while warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Notes
- Use a large open-star piping tip for the classic churro ridges.
- Keep the oil temperature between 350–360°F for perfectly crispy churros.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or the oil temperature will drop.
- Fresh churros taste best the same day they’re made.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or orange zest to the dough for extra flavor.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes. Refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before frying.
Can I bake or air fry them?
Yes, though they won’t be quite as crispy as deep-fried churros. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 130 mg