Baked Churros with Cinnamon Sugar and Dipping Sauces Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying the crunchy, cinnamon-coated magic of churros without the hassle of frying, then this Baked Churros with Cinnamon Sugar and Dipping Sauces Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen repertoire. These light, golden churros offer all the nostalgia and warmth of the classic treat but with a simple twist that makes them easier and less messy to prepare. The crispy exterior dusted in luscious cinnamon sugar paired with indulgent chocolate and caramel dipping sauces will instantly become a favorite dessert or snack for family and friends. Let’s dive into how you can make these delightful baked churros at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for a handful of straightforward pantry staples, each playing a crucial role in building the perfect texture and flavor. From the buttery richness to the cinnamon sugar coating, every ingredient brings something special that elevates these churros beyond ordinary baked goods.

• Water (2 cups / 474ml): The base for the dough, providing moisture essential for achieving that signature light interior.
• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons softened + ½ cup melted): Adds richness and flavor, helping the churros brown beautifully in the oven.
• Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons + 2 cups): The first small portion sweetens the dough subtly, while the larger amount is mixed with cinnamon for the coating.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dough with warm, aromatic depth that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups / 248g): The structure builder, giving churros their classic chewiness.
• Large eggs (2): Adds moisture and helps bind the dough for that tender but firm bite.
• Cinnamon (2 tablespoons): Blended with sugar to create the iconic, fragrant coating every churro deserves.

How to Make Baked Churros with Cinnamon Sugar and Dipping Sauces Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line three cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure your churros won’t stick and will bake evenly. Getting this setup right is key to an effortless baking experience.

Step 2: Make the Churro Dough

In a medium saucepan, combine water, softened butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Warm this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter melts, then bring it to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove.

Step 3: Stir in the Flour

Add the entire amount of flour to the hot mixture and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a thick paste forms. Doing this off the heat is crucial so you don’t cook the flour or create lumps. This step gives your churros their signature dense but airy texture.

Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs

Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for about a minute. Attach the paddle to your stand mixer and add eggs one at a time, mixing quickly but carefully after each addition. This step ensures the eggs blend smoothly into the dough without cooking prematurely. If you don’t have a stand mixer, a hand mixer and a large bowl will do just fine.

Step 5: Pipe the Churros

Fill a large pastry bag fitted with a star tip (like a 1M) with the churro dough. Pipe the churros directly onto your prepared baking sheets in your desired sizes and shapes. For reference, this recipe yields around 60 pieces if piping 3 inches long or about 25 pieces if you prefer longer, 7-inch churros. When the dough sticks to the tip, simply use a knife or kitchen scissors to cut it away cleanly.

Step 6: Prepare to Bake

Give each churro a light spray with nonstick cooking spray to encourage even browning and a perfectly crisp exterior. This simple step makes a big difference during baking.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake the churros for 20 to 30 minutes depending on their size, rotating your pans if needed to ensure even cooking. You’re aiming for lightly golden and firm churros—soft on the inside but crisp on the outside.

Step 8: Add Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Once out of the oven and cool enough to handle, melt the remaining ½ cup of butter in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the 2 cups of granulated sugar with cinnamon. Dip each warm churro into the melted butter, then roll it thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This step delivers that iconic sweet and spicy crunch.

Step 9: Make the Delicious Dipping Sauces

For chocolate ganache, heat 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream and 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute, then whisk until silky smooth. For a caramel twist, microwave 20 unwrapped caramel squares with 3 tablespoons heavy cream for 1 minute, stirring to combine. Add a touch of kosher or sea salt for a sophisticated saline balance if you like. Serve your baked churros warm alongside these irresistible sauces for dunking delight.

How to Serve Baked Churros with Cinnamon Sugar and Dipping Sauces Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar over the plated churros for added sparkle and flavor. Fresh mint leaves also make a surprising, refreshing garnish, providing a pop of color and aroma to your presentation.

Side Dishes

Baked churros with cinnamon sugar and dipping sauces shine best on their own as a sweet treat, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries can turn this snack into a full dessert extravaganza that pleases all age groups.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging churros in a tall glass for a fun “churro bouquet” or serving them in mini dessert cones for a portable, party-friendly vibe. You can even drizzle one of the dipping sauces over the churros on the plate for an elegant touch that beckons your guests to dive right in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover baked churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them tasting freshly baked, avoid sealing them while still warm to prevent sogginess from steam.

Freezing

You can freeze baked churros by placing them on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer and freezing until solid. Transfer them to an airtight freezer bag and keep frozen for up to one month. This allows you to enjoy churros anytime the craving hits.

Reheating

To reheat, pop frozen or stored churros in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5 to 8 minutes. This method restores their crispiness far better than microwaving, which tends to make churros soft and chewy.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour to make this recipe?

Yes! Using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can work well, but make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to help maintain the dough’s structure. Expect minor differences in texture but deliciousness remains.

Why do we bake churros instead of frying them?

Baking churros reduces oil use and cleanup hassle while still delivering a crispy exterior and tender interior. This method is healthier and accessible for those who don’t want to fry but crave churros’ classic flavor.

What other dipping sauces can I try?

Besides chocolate ganache and caramel, try dulce de leche, sweetened condensed milk, or even fruit preserves like raspberry or mango for exciting new twists on churro dunking.

Can the dough be piped ahead of time and baked later?

It’s best to pipe and bake churros right away for optimal texture. If needed, pipe the dough onto sheets, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate briefly (up to an hour) before baking.

How do I prevent churros from sticking to the piping tip?

Keep a damp cloth nearby to wipe the tip regularly or use a clean knife or scissors to cut away dough buildup during piping. Using a nonstick silicone tip or piping bag can also help reduce sticking.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Churros with Cinnamon Sugar and Dipping Sauces Recipe is such a wonderful way to bring the warmth and joy of churros right into your home without fussing over hot oil. Whether for a cozy family dessert or an impressive treat to share with friends, these churros deliver crunchy, cinnamon-sweet magic every time. Grab your piping bag and some cinnamon sugar—these baked beauties are waiting to become your new favorite indulgence!

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