Baked Churros Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about indulging in warm churros straight from a charming Spanish street vendor, this Baked Churros Recipe brings that experience right into your kitchen—but with a fun, healthier twist. Imagine airy, crisp-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside churros coated in cinnamon sugar, elegantly baked instead of deep-fried, and perfect for dunking in silky white chocolate with a snowy sprinkle of coconut. Grab your mixing bowl, because this is one treat that never lasts long in my house!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of this Baked Churros Recipe is in just how simple the ingredients are—nothing fancy, just pure deliciousness! Each element, from the rich butter to the warming cinnamon, works together to create that perfect churros texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to help you choose and use each ingredient wisely:

• Cold Water (230 ml): Starting with cold water helps keep the dough firm and the churros tender.
• Unsalted Butter (120 g): Adds a lush, creamy richness; always use unsalted so you can control the saltiness.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Just enough to balance out the sweetness and round out the flavors.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Brings warmth and classic churro aroma to every bite.
• Soft Brown Sugar (2 tbsp): Lends a subtle, caramel-like depth that white sugar can’t achieve alone.
• Plain (All-Purpose) Flour (160 g): The sturdy backbone of your churro dough—don’t substitute for anything lighter here!
• Medium Eggs (3): Eggs make the dough puff up and create that light, irresistible center.
• Boiling Water (240 ml): Poured into the oven for steam—it’s the secret to churros that are crisp and tender.
• White Caster Sugar (200 g): This fine sugar creates the perfect, even stick for that classic cinnamon coating.
• Ground Cinnamon (2 tsp): Essential for that warm, aromatic finish every churro deserves.
• Melted Butter (3 tbsp): Brushing it on before the sugar helps the coating adhere and keeps the churros moist.
• White Chocolate (200 g): Melted for dipping; go for good-quality chocolate so that every dunk is pure bliss.
• Desiccated/Shredded Coconut (5 heaped tbsp): Adds texture and a little tropical flair to your dipping adventure.

How to Make Baked Churros Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Begin by preheating your oven to 200C (400F). Line two baking sheets with silicone mats or baking parchment—this ensures your churros will lift off beautifully without sticking and will achieve that even, golden color.

Step 2: Simmer the Wet Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, combine the cold water, unsalted butter, salt, vanilla extract, and brown sugar. Bring everything gently to a boil, letting the butter melt and the sugar dissolve thoroughly. Let it simmer for a minute or two so all those flavors start to mingle.

Step 3: Stir in the Flour

With the heat turned down low, pour in the flour and stir with a wooden spoon. The dough will quickly pull away from the sides and come together into a smooth, thick mass—exactly what you want for that iconic churros texture.

Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs

Take the pan off the heat. Now, stir in the eggs one at a time. The dough will look odd at first, but keep mixing until each egg is completely blended. This step is key for giving your churros that light, airy crumb inside.

Step 5: Pipe the Dough

Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip (Wilton #1M works brilliantly). Pipe lines about 8-10 cm long, leaving a little space between each—these guys will expand as they bake!

Step 6: Add Steam to the Oven

For churros that are crisp yet tender, pour a cup of boiling water into a separate baking tray. Place this in the bottom of your oven—this simple step fills the oven with steam and is a total game-changer in this Baked Churros Recipe.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer your piped churros to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they reach a satisfying, deep golden hue—crisp on the outside, fluffy in the middle.

Step 8: Prepare the Dipping Magic

While those beauties are baking, break the white chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl and melt it in 30-second bursts, stirring between each stint (to avoid any scorched chocolate mishaps). Pour it into a serving dish, then place your desiccated coconut in a separate little bowl for dipping.

Step 9: Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Mix the caster sugar and ground cinnamon together on a large plate. When the churros are hot from the oven, brush them all over with melted butter and immediately roll them in that sweet, fragrant sugar mixture.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Arrange your churros on a platter, and serve with the melted white chocolate and coconut. There’s something unforgettable about the first dip into creamy, coconut-laced chocolate with a crispy, cinnamon-sugar churro—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

How to Serve Baked Churros Recipe

Garnishes

For a touch of elegance, drizzle your finished churros with extra melted white chocolate, then scatter over a bit of desiccated coconut or even a light dusting of extra cinnamon sugar. If you’re feeling playful, a sprinkle of cocoa powder adds a subtle chocolatey note that pairs beautifully with the coconut dip.

Side Dishes

Pair your churros with fresh strawberries, a dish of spiced hot chocolate for dunking, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible hot-and-cold contrast. If you’re serving these for brunch, set out a platter of fresh tropical fruit or yogurt for an extra festive table.

Creative Ways to Present

Take things up a notch by serving your Baked Churros Recipe in parchment cones for a fun, street-food feel. Or, arrange them in a ring around your chocolate dipping bowl for a show-stopping centerpiece. For parties, set up a “churro bar” with bowls of different dips—think caramel, jam, and even dulce de leche!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the churros cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The cinnamon sugar coating may soften a little, but the flavor will remain irresistible.

Freezing

To freeze, lay cooled, uncoated churros in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat, brush with butter, and roll in cinnamon sugar as usual.

Reheating

To regain that just-baked magic, warm leftover churros in a hot oven (about 180C/350F) for 5-8 minutes. Avoid the microwave—it tends to make them soggy! A quick pass under the grill/broiler helps crispen them up, too.

FAQs

Can I make the Baked Churros Recipe dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, pipe out the churros onto a lined tray, and chill them (covered) in the fridge for up to a day before baking. This is perfect for parties or whenever you want churros on demand.

Is it possible to make this Baked Churros Recipe dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap the butter for your favorite plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate for dipping. The texture will still be deliciously light and crisp.

Why do I need to add steam in the oven?

The steam helps the churros rise and develop a wonderfully fluffy center without drying out the outside. It creates a bakery-worthy finish that’s hard to achieve any other way, especially when baking instead of frying.

Can I use a different type of sugar for coating the churros?

If you don’t have caster sugar, superfine sugar works just as well. Regular granulated sugar can be used, but the texture will be a bit crunchier, which some people adore!

What’s the best way to melt chocolate without burning it?

Break the chocolate into even pieces and microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Alternatively, use a double boiler on the stove for gentle, even melting.

Final Thoughts

Baking your own Baked Churros Recipe at home is incredibly fun and deeply rewarding—especially when you share them fresh, warm, and coated in cinnamon sugar with your favorite people. I hope you’re inspired to whip up a batch and create a new tradition around these sweet, irresistible treats. Try it once, and you’ll want to make it again and again!

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