International Cuisine > Mexican Cuisine > Desserts (Mexican) > Churros Recipe

Authentic Mexican Churros

Discover the secrets to making perfect, crispy, and delicious churros at home. This authentic Mexican churros recipe guarantees a delightful treat for any occasion.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Servings
4-6
Ingredients
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1 cup Water
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
  • For frying as needed Vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon

Preparing the Dough

In a medium saucepan, combine water, salt, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove from heat and immediately add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

Cooking the Dough

Return the saucepan to low heat and continue stirring the dough for about 1-2 minutes, until it forms a smooth, non-sticky ball. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.

Shaping the Churros

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a large resealable plastic bag with a corner cut off. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).

Frying the Churros

Carefully pipe strips of dough directly into the hot oil, about 6-8 inches long. Use kitchen shears or a knife to cut the dough as you pipe it. Fry the churros in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.

Coating the Churros

Remove the churros with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. In a shallow dish, combine sugar and cinnamon. While the churros are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are evenly coated.

Serving

Serve the churros immediately while they are still warm and crispy. You can enjoy them on their own or with a side of chocolate sauce, dulce de leche, or coffee.

Nutrition Facts (Estimated per 100g)

Calories: 300-350, Fat: 15-20g, Saturated Fat: 5-8g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 150-200mg, Carbohydrates: 40-50g, Fiber: 1-2g, Sugar: 20-25g, Protein: 3-4g.

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Important Considerations for Nutrition

Churros are a treat and should be consumed in moderation. They are high in carbohydrates, sugar, and fat due to the frying process and sugar coating. Consider baking the churros instead of frying to reduce the fat content. Portion control is essential. Enjoying them occasionally as part of a balanced diet is the best approach.

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FAQ

  • Why are my churros not crispy?

    Make sure the oil is hot enough (350°F or 175°C). If the oil is not hot enough, the churros will absorb too much oil and become soggy. Also, don't overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature.
  • Can I make churros ahead of time?

    Churros are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bring the dough to room temperature before piping and frying. Once fried, they should be eaten immediately.
  • Can I bake the churros instead of frying?

    Yes, you can bake churros. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pipe the churros onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. They will be less crispy than fried churros, but it's a healthier alternative.