Deserts

Cinnamon Sugar Churros with Caramel Dipping Sauce

Name: Cinnamon Sugar Churros with Caramel Dipping Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 20
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 2 ½ tbsp granulated sugar; ½ tsp salt; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; ½ tsp vanilla extract; Vegetable oil; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 cup granulated sugar; 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed; ½ cup heavy cream; Pinch of salt

Servings: 20 Total Time: 40 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

Crispy, golden on the outside yet soft and fluffy on the inside, churros are one of the most beloved fried treats worldwide. Coated in cinnamon sugar and paired with a silky caramel dipping sauce, these churros are the ultimate indulgence. Traditionally enjoyed at street fairs and festivals in Spain and Latin America, they’ve become a favorite across the globe.

The contrast between the warm, crunchy churros and the creamy, sweet caramel sauce makes this recipe irresistible. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a cozy night at home, this dessert feels festive and comforting at the same time.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines nostalgia and indulgence in one bite. Making churros at home feels fun and interactive—it’s almost like crafting edible magic. The dough is simple, the frying is quick, and the final result is incredibly rewarding.

I also love the caramel dipping sauce. While chocolate is classic, caramel adds a buttery, smoky sweetness that elevates the churros to another level. It’s a recipe that never fails to impress guests and brings out smiles every time.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Crispy yet tender – the perfect churro texture.
Fun & festive – ideal for celebrations or family nights.
Easy ingredients – pantry staples with no complicated steps.
Versatile – pair with caramel, chocolate, Nutella, or fruit sauces.
Showstopper dessert – both kids and adults will love it.

Recipe Info

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 20–24 churros
Calories (per churro with sauce): ~160 kcal
Cuisine: Spanish / Mexican
Course: Dessert / Snack

Ingredients

For the Churros:

1 cup water
2 ½ tbsp granulated sugar
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
½ tsp vanilla extract
Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

½ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Caramel Dipping Sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
½ cup heavy cream
Pinch of salt

Quick Directions

Heat water, sugar, salt, and butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour until dough forms.
Cool slightly, beat in eggs and vanilla until smooth.
Transfer dough to a piping bag with a star tip.
Heat oil and pipe strips of dough into hot oil. Fry until golden brown.
Toss churros in cinnamon sugar.
Make caramel by melting sugar, then whisking in butter, cream, and salt.
Serve churros warm with caramel dipping sauce.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Make the Churro Dough

In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, salt, and butter. Bring to a simmer.
Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until dough forms a ball and pulls away from sides.
Remove from heat, let cool 5 minutes.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. Dough should be smooth and thick.

Step 2: Fry the Churros

Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
Pipe 4–6-inch strips of dough into the hot oil, cutting with scissors.
Fry until golden brown (2–3 minutes per side).
Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
Roll warm churros in the mixture until coated.

Step 4: Make the Caramel Sauce

Heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until melted and amber in color.
Add butter, whisk until combined.
Slowly whisk in cream (careful—it may bubble).
Stir in a pinch of salt. Cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve

Serve churros warm, coated in cinnamon sugar.
Pair with caramel sauce in a small dipping bowl.
For extra flair, serve with additional sauces (chocolate, strawberry, Nutella).

Additional Tips

Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in small batches.
Keep oil at 350°F for even cooking.
Pipe dough directly over oil and cut with scissors for uniform shapes.
Toss churros in cinnamon sugar immediately while still warm.

Variations

Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Replace caramel with melted chocolate or ganache.
Filled Churros: Pipe dulce de leche or Nutella into churros using a small tip.
Spiced Sugar: Add nutmeg or cardamom to the sugar coating.
Mini Churro Bites: Pipe 2-inch pieces for bite-sized treats.

Freezing & Storage

Storage: Best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked churro dough in a piping bag. Fry directly from frozen when ready.
Reheating: Re-crisp baked churros in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

Piping bag with large star tip
Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
Tongs or slotted spoon
Candy thermometer (optional, for oil temp)

Conclusion

Cinnamon Sugar Churros with Caramel Dipping Sauce are the ultimate combination of crispy, sweet, and decadent. With their golden crunch and rich caramel dip, they’re a festive treat that brings joy to every bite. Whether for a party, holiday celebration, or a cozy indulgence at home, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves irresistible desserts.

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