Description

A cost-effective recipe for homemade churros using pantry staples, featuring a crispy fried dough coated in cinnamon sugar and served with a rich chocolate ganache dip.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (240 ml) water
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
4 tbsp (57 g) unsalted butter
2 tbsp (25 g) sugar
1/2 tsp (3 g) salt
2 large eggs
2–3 cups (480–720 ml) vegetable oil (for frying)
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar (for coating)
2 tbsp (12 g) ground cinnamon (for coating)
1 cup (170 g) dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp (30 ml) heavy cream

Instructions

In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
Remove from heat and immediately add all the flour at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pot.
Let the dough cool for 5 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, stirring until the dough is smooth, glossy, and pipeable.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
In a shallow bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
Fill a pastry bag or Ziploc bag with the dough. Cut a 1/2-inch hole in the corner.
Pipe strips of dough (4-5 inches long) directly into the hot oil, cutting with a knife or shears. Fry 3-4 churros at a time to avoid overcrowding.
Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown and crispy.
Remove churros with a slotted spoon, let excess oil drip off, and immediately toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Place coated churros on a wire rack to cool slightly.
For the dip, microwave chocolate chips and heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and glossy.
Serve churros warm with the chocolate dip.

Notes

You can reuse frying oil up to 3-4 times by straining and refrigerating it. Churros freeze well for up to 3 months; reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes to restore crispiness. If dough is too loose, let it rest for 10 minutes after adding eggs to hydrate fully.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 churro with dip
Calories: 180
Sugar: 14
Sodium: 80
Fat: 10
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 22
Fiber: 1
Protein: 2

Keywords: churros, budget recipe, cheap dessert, cinnamon sugar, chocolate dip, fried dough, easy dessert, homemade churros