Churros are a delightful treat, originating from Spain and Portugal, and beloved around the world for their unique texture and sweet, cinnamon-sugar coating. This homemade baked churros recipe will guide you through an easy and fun process of making churros without the need for deep frying. You'll get all the flavor and satisfaction of traditional churros with less mess and oil. Let's dive into the delicious world of baked churros!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup water
- 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1⁄4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
How to Make Baked Churros
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together and forms a ball.
- Let the dough cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. The dough should become smooth and glossy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Pipe the Churros
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. If you don’t have a star tip, a round one will work, though the texture will be different.
- Pipe 6-inch long churros onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one for air to circulate.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake the churros for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. If your oven has hot spots, rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- While the churros are baking, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
Step 5: Coat the Churros
- Once baked, remove the churros from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each churro in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat thoroughly.
🥰 Note: If you prefer your churros less crispy, reduce the baking time by a few minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid undercooking.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your baked churros warm with a side of chocolate sauce or caramel dip for that authentic experience.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try drizzling them with a simple glaze or sprinkling with powdered sugar.
Troubleshooting Common Issues:
Here’s how you can avoid common problems when making baked churros:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Dough is too runny | Overmixing or too many eggs | Be careful not to overbeat; add eggs one at a time. |
| Churros aren't crispy | Underbaked or high humidity | Increase baking time or bake on a dry day. |
| Churros don't rise | Eggs not incorporated well or dough too cold | Ensure each egg is well incorporated and the dough is warm. |
🧡 Note: The texture of baked churros will be slightly different from fried ones; they'll be less airy but still delicious!
To wrap things up, creating baked churros at home is a fun and rewarding experience. They offer the same delightful flavor with a healthier twist by baking instead of frying. Not only do you save on the mess and extra calories, but you also get to enjoy a warm, comforting treat straight from your oven. Remember to experiment with different coatings, dips, and serving styles to make this recipe truly your own. Whether you're hosting a party or just satisfying a craving, these churros are sure to become a favorite dessert in your household.
Can I make churros dough ahead of time?
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Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and when ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before piping and baking.
Can I freeze the baked churros?
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While churros are best served fresh, you can freeze them after baking. Freeze them without the sugar coating, and when you’re ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warm, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
What can I use if I don’t have a piping bag?
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Use a large resealable plastic bag. Simply fill it with the dough, cut off one corner, and use it to pipe out the churros.
Are baked churros healthier than fried ones?
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Yes, they are lower in fat and calories since they’re not deep-fried, making this a slightly healthier option.
