If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, and smothered in a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating, then this oven-fried churros recipe is the perfect solution. With all the joy of traditional churros but without the need for deep frying, this recipe brings a healthier twist to a beloved classic. Ideal for festive gatherings, dessert platters, or a cozy indulgence at home, these oven-fried churros will steal the show!
What is an Oven-Fried Churro?
A churro is a traditional Spanish and Mexican dessert made from choux pastry dough, deep-fried until golden and crispy, then coated in cinnamon-sugar. Typically served at fairs, amusement parks, and even at street stands, churros have long been a favorite treat. However, if you love the crispy, warm goodness of churros but want to skip the deep fryer, the oven-fried churros recipe is the perfect alternative. By baking the churros instead of frying them, you can still achieve that irresistible texture and flavor without the excess oil.
This recipe brings a healthier approach to churros while maintaining their addictive flavor. You’ll enjoy the same delightful crunch, but with less mess and fat, making it an excellent option for those seeking a lighter treat. Plus, the best part is that you can easily make them at home, serving them fresh out of the oven with your favorite dipping sauces!
Origin of the Oven-Fried Churro
Churros have a rich history that dates back to ancient times, with origins attributed to Spain and later spreading to Latin America. While there are many variations of churros worldwide, the traditional version involved frying dough in hot oil, a method introduced by the Spanish.
The idea of oven-fried churros is a modern twist on this beloved snack, catering to those who prefer a healthier, less greasy alternative without compromising on taste. The oven-baking method ensures that churros achieve that signature crispiness, but with a significantly lower amount of oil, making them a more accessible and guilt-free option for dessert lovers everywhere.
While the deep-fried version is undoubtedly a classic, oven-frying churros has gained popularity due to its ability to deliver similar texture and flavor while being lighter and more convenient. Whether you’re trying to reduce your calorie intake or simply prefer a less greasy option, this oven-fried churros recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients for Oven-Fried Churros
To make your own oven-fried churros, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Optional: Melted chocolate or dulce de leche for dipping
These ingredients combine to create the perfect churro dough. Each one plays an important role in ensuring your churros are crispy, flavorful, and satisfying. The butter and brown sugar give the dough its richness, while the cinnamon-sugar coating adds that classic sweet touch. And of course, the optional dipping sauces are the cherry on top!
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Oven-Fried Churros
Here’s a detailed, easy-to-follow guide to making oven-fried churros at home:
Step 1: Make the Dough
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring your churros won’t stick during baking.
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 2 tbsp of brown sugar, ½ tsp salt, and ½ cup of unsalted butter. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir the mixture constantly, making sure the butter melts completely and the sugar dissolves. Once it starts to simmer, quickly stir in 1 cup of all-purpose flour. This will form a thick dough ball. Continue stirring and cooking for about 1 minute on low heat to ensure the flour is well incorporated.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Set it aside while you prepare the next step.
Step 2: Incorporate the Eggs
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with 1 tsp of vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Gradually add the egg mixture into the dough, stirring vigorously after each addition. Continue until the dough is smooth and has a mashed-potato-like texture.
Step 3: Pipe the Churros
- Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. The star tip will create the classic ridged texture on the churros.
- Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in 4-6 inch strips, ensuring that there is enough space between each churro to allow for even baking.
Step 4: Bake & Crisp
- Bake the churros in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the churros inside for an additional 10 minutes. This helps the churros dry slightly, which will help them hold their shape and crispiness.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
- In a ziplock bag, mix ½ cup of granulated sugar and 1½ tsp of ground cinnamon.
- Toss the warm churros in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure they are well-coated. This is where the magic happens, as the sweet and spicy sugar sticks to the crunchy exterior.
Delicious Dipping Sauce Ideas
For an extra indulgent treat, serve your oven-fried churros with one of the following dipping sauces:
- Chocolate Ganache: Melt 1 cup of chocolate chips with ⅓ cup of heavy cream for a smooth and rich dip.
- Salted Caramel: Melt 20 caramel squares with 3 tbsp of cream and stir in a pinch of sea salt for a decadent dipping sauce.
These sauces complement the churros beautifully, adding another layer of flavor that will take your homemade churros to the next level!
Tips & Variations for Perfect Oven-Fried Churros
- Extra crispy churros: For a crunchier finish, brush the piped dough with melted butter before baking. This will give your churros a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside light and airy.
- Flavor twists: Get creative by adding ingredients like orange zest or a pinch of espresso powder to the dough for a unique twist. These small additions can completely change the flavor profile of your churros, making them perfect for special occasions or unique dessert platters.
- Mini churros: If you’re hosting a party or simply want to make bite-sized treats, pipe the dough into 2-inch churro bites. These mini churros are perfect for sharing or serving as a snack with a variety of dipping sauces.
FAQs About Oven-Fried Churros
Can I freeze the churro dough?
Yes! You can freeze the churro dough for up to 2 months. Simply pipe the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the churro dough to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, no need to thaw — just bake the frozen churros straight from the freezer.
How do I store leftover churros?
To store leftover churros, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Simply reheat the churros in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for a fresh, crispy result.
Can I use a different type of sugar for the cinnamon coating?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different sugars, such as turbinado sugar or coconut sugar, for a unique flavor and texture in your cinnamon-sugar coating. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly depending on the type of sugar you use.
Conclusion: Why Oven-Fried Churros Are a Must-Try!
These oven-fried churros are a game-changer in the world of churros. They offer all the crispy, cinnamon-sugar goodness of traditional churros but with a lighter, healthier twist. By skipping the deep fryer and opting for baking, you get the same indulgent treat without all the extra fat and mess. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or need a festive dessert for a party, this recipe will impress guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
The oven-fried churros are easy to make, customizable with different flavor variations, and pair perfectly with indulgent dipping sauces. Once you try this recipe, you might never go back to deep-frying churros again. Enjoy this fun, healthier alternative and share the love with family and friends!
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Oven-Fried Churros Recipe: A Healthier and Crispy Delight Without the Fryer!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 12 churros 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A churro is a traditional Spanish and Mexican dessert made from choux pastry dough, deep-fried until golden and crispy, then coated in cinnamon-sugar. Typically served at fairs, amusement parks, and even at street stands, churros have long been a favorite treat. However, if you love the crispy, warm goodness of churros but want to skip the deep fryer, the oven-fried churros recipe is the perfect alternative. By baking the churros instead of frying them, you can still achieve that irresistible texture and flavor without the excess oil.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Optional: Melted chocolate or dulce de leche for dipping
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, salt, and butter. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Once butter melts and mixture simmers, stir in flour quickly until a dough ball forms.
- Cook the dough for 1 minute over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
2. Incorporate Eggs
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with vanilla.
- Gradually add egg mixture to the dough, stirring vigorously until smooth and mashed-potato-like in texture.
3. Pipe the Churros
- Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Pipe 4–6 inch strips onto the baking sheet, leaving space between each.
4. Bake & Crisp
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown.
- Turn off oven and let churros sit inside for 10 minutes to dry slightly and hold shape.
5. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
- Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a ziplock bag.
- Toss warm churros in the mixture until well coated.
Notes
For a fun flavor twist, roll the churros in flavored sugars like vanilla bean, pumpkin spice, or cocoa powder. Serve with warm chocolate sauce, dulce de leche, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert experience!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 churro
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: Low
Keywords: Oven-Fried Churros Recipe
