Traditional Churros - Crispy and Delicious
Churros are a classic treat that combines a crispy, golden shell with a soft, doughy center. Traditionally served with a dusting of sugar and cinnamon, churros are even better when dipped in a rich chocolate sauce. They’re simple to make and perfect for sharing, making them an ideal snack or dessert. This recipe walks you through each step, so you can recreate this popular Spanish street food at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
-
Optional Chocolate Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
Directions
Prepare the Dough. In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, salt, and butter. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the butter is melted. Reduce the heat to low and add the flour, stirring constantly until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 1-2 minutes).
Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla. Remove the pan from heat and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes. Add the vanilla extract, then beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The dough should be smooth and sticky.
Prepare for Frying. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot to 375°F (190°C). While the oil heats, spoon the dough into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip.
Pipe and Fry. Carefully pipe 4-inch strips of dough directly into the hot oil, using scissors or a knife to cut the dough from the tip. Fry a few churros at a time for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, turning them occasionally for even cooking.
Drain and Coat. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the churros to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, roll the churros in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.
Optional Chocolate Sauce. For a decadent dip, heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until steaming, then pour it over chopped dark chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
Serve the churros warm, with or without chocolate sauce.
Recipe tips
The dough may seem thick but should be sticky enough to hold together. If it’s too runny, let it cool slightly before adding more flour. For best results, keep the oil at a steady 375°F (190°C) to ensure the churros cook evenly without becoming greasy. Roll churros in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while they’re still warm to ensure an even coating.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
This classic French dessert is all about creamy, smooth custard topped with a crackling layer of caramelized sugar. With its rich vanilla flavor and satisfying contrast between the creamy custard and crisp sugar crust, creme brulee is perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. Despite its elegant appearance, creme brulee is surprisingly simple to make with just a few ingredients. Follow these steps to create a restaurant-quality creme brulee right in your kitchen.
Cheesecake bars are a deliciously creamy, sweet treat that's easy to prepare and perfect for sharing. These bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, rich cheesecake filling that melts in your mouth. They are ideal for any occasion—whether it’s a snack, a dessert for family gatherings, or a sweet addition to holiday celebrations.
This Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a classic dessert that brings tropical sweetness to your table. With caramelized pineapple slices and cherries on top of a soft, buttery cake, every bite is a delightful mix of rich flavors and textures. The cake is baked with the fruit at the bottom of the pan and flipped after baking, giving it a beautiful golden glaze. It’s perfect for special occasions or a casual treat, and surprisingly easy to make from scratch.
Boston Cream Pie is a delicious classic dessert that layers light, fluffy sponge cake with smooth vanilla pastry cream, all topped with a rich chocolate ganache. Despite its name, this indulgent treat is more cake than pie and is a favorite for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weekend treat, this recipe will have you coming back for more.
Fudge brownies are the perfect combination of rich chocolate flavor and chewy texture. These decadent treats are easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re baking them for a snack, a dessert, or a special occasion, these brownies are sure to satisfy any chocolate craving. The secret to their moist and fudgy center lies in using real butter and high-quality chocolate. Follow these steps for a batch of irresistible brownies that will impress everyone!
Delicate, nutty, and perfectly sweet, these pistachio macarons are a delightful treat for anyone with a love for light, crispy shells and creamy, smooth fillings. Made with ground pistachios and a touch of almond flour, these macarons offer a unique flavor that elevates the classic macaron. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply looking to treat yourself, pistachio macarons are a showstopper that’ll impress with every bite.
Maple Bars are a soft and fluffy treat covered in a delicious maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they bring a rich maple flavor with a hint of sweetness. These donuts are made with yeast, fried until golden, then dipped in a creamy maple glaze that hardens to perfection. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and the end result is always worth it!
This moist and flavorful Carrot Cake is packed with freshly grated carrots, warm spices, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. It's the perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a balance of sweetness and spice, along with a soft texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you're making it for a family gathering or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this carrot cake will never disappoint.
A warm, homemade apple pie is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. The buttery, flaky crust holds a filling of tender, spiced apples, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Whether served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, this apple pie will bring comfort and joy to any table. Follow this simple, step-by-step guide to baking a delightful apple pie that your family and friends will love!
Nothing beats the rich, fudgy goodness of homemade brownies! These chocolatey treats are perfect for a dessert, snack, or to share with friends. They're soft, moist, and bursting with the perfect balance of cocoa and sweetness. You can make them with basic pantry ingredients, and in no time, you'll have a batch of decadent brownies to enjoy!
Red Velvet Cupcakes are a decadent treat, known for their moist, fluffy texture and striking red color, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. The subtle cocoa flavor paired with a tangy buttermilk base makes these cupcakes a delightful indulgence, perfect for parties or as an everyday treat. If you love a hint of chocolate with a vibrant twist, these cupcakes will be a hit. This recipe is simple to follow and yields bakery-quality results.
Pecan Pie is a classic dessert, perfect for special occasions or just when you want to treat yourself with a rich, nutty, and buttery delight. This pie is filled with a gooey, caramel-like filling, packed with crunchy pecans, and encased in a flaky crust. It's a simple yet indulgent recipe, ideal for fall gatherings or holiday dinners. Follow this easy-to-make recipe and enjoy the irresistible combination of sweetness and crunch!
Nothing says comfort like a warm, homemade Chicken Pot Pie. This classic dish features tender chunks of chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce all nestled beneath a flaky, golden pie crust. It’s a family favorite that's hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cozy dinner. If you're looking to make a comforting meal from scratch, this recipe will guide you through every step. Plus, you can easily adapt it to use whatever veggies you have on hand!
This hearty and comforting Chicken and Rice Soup is perfect for those cold days when you crave something warm and nourishing. With tender chicken, fragrant vegetables, and fluffy rice all simmered together in a flavorful broth, it’s a dish that’s both simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're fighting off a cold or just want a wholesome meal, this soup is sure to warm your soul.
If you're craving a quick, bold snack with a kick, these spicy peanuts are perfect for you! Coated with a blend of spices and lightly roasted, they deliver just the right amount of heat and crunch. This recipe is simple to prepare, ideal for parties, movie nights, or as a flavorful snack throughout the day. You can adjust the spice level to your taste and experiment with different seasoning combinations. Get ready for a snack that's both delicious and addictive!
Cornstarch gravy is an easy and versatile sauce, perfect for adding rich flavor to your favorite dishes. Whether you're making it for mashed potatoes, roasted meats, or even vegetables, this simple recipe uses cornstarch as a thickener to create a smooth, glossy gravy without flour. It's quick to make and delivers a silky, flavorful sauce every time. The best part? You can customize it by using chicken, beef, or vegetable broth, depending on what you’re serving it with.
This Vegan Mushroom Gravy is a rich, flavorful, and comforting sauce that's perfect for all kinds of meals, from mashed potatoes to roasted veggies. Made with hearty mushrooms and savory spices, it’s a fantastic dairy-free, plant-based gravy that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. With its smooth, earthy flavor, this gravy will elevate any dish it’s paired with, and it’s quick to prepare, making it a versatile recipe for any occasion.
Potato Leek Soup is a comforting, creamy dish perfect for chilly days or when you crave something warm and soothing. The combination of tender potatoes and mild leeks creates a velvety texture, while a hint of garlic and fresh herbs enhances the flavor. This soup is easy to prepare and makes for a satisfying meal, whether you're serving it as a starter or the main course.
There's nothing like a warm, freshly baked blueberry muffin to start your day or enjoy as a snack. These muffins are soft, fluffy, and packed with juicy blueberries. Perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even a sweet treat for lunchboxes. Made with simple ingredients, they’re a breeze to whip up, even for beginner bakers. You'll love how light and flavorful they are, with just the right amount of sweetness and a burst of berry goodness in every bite!
This hearty black bean soup is rich in flavor and packed with nutrients. It’s a perfect meal for chilly days, offering a warm, comforting dish that’s easy to make. The beans are simmered with aromatic vegetables and spices, giving the soup a deep, savory taste. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for guests, this black bean soup is a versatile, healthy option that's both filling and delicious. Plus, it's naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.
This Chicken Stir-Fry is a quick and delicious meal, packed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you want a wholesome homemade meal. With vibrant veggies and lean protein, this stir-fry will leave you feeling satisfied without the heavy carbs. Serve it over rice or noodles, or keep it light with a side of steamed vegetables.
A classic Meatball Sub is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese in a warm, toasty sub roll. This recipe is perfect for a hearty lunch or a quick weeknight dinner. You'll get juicy, flavorful meatballs topped with gooey mozzarella, all packed into a crunchy sandwich. Simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.
Gazpacho is a classic chilled Spanish soup perfect for warm days when you need something light, refreshing, and flavorful. This recipe captures the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and a touch of garlic blended together to create a smooth and tangy soup. It’s quick to prepare and bursting with fresh, wholesome ingredients that make it an ideal starter or light meal. The beauty of gazpacho is that it's not just delicious but also incredibly healthy.
Who can resist the warm, gooey comfort of freshly baked cinnamon rolls? This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through making soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls from scratch. Perfect for breakfast or as an indulgent snack, these rolls are filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze. Whether you're an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress.
Flatbread is one of the simplest and most versatile breads you can make. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of soft, chewy flatbreads perfect for wraps, dipping, or eating on their own. Whether you’re making lunch, dinner, or just a snack, this easy recipe can be adapted with your favorite herbs and toppings for a personal twist.
Shrimp Scampi is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with a buttery garlic sauce, white wine, and a hint of lemon. Served over pasta or with crusty bread, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests. The vibrant flavors of fresh parsley and the mild heat from red pepper flakes make it both comforting and slightly indulgent. Best of all, it's ready in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to for busy cooks who want to impress with minimal effort.
This Thai Peanut Salad is fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor. The crunchy vegetables pair perfectly with the creamy, savory peanut dressing. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that brings together the richness of Thai cuisine in a way that anyone can make at home. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a side to complement your meal, this salad has it all. The peanut dressing is the star, tying together crisp veggies, fresh herbs, and roasted peanuts for a deliciously tangy and nutty finish.
The classic Gin and Tonic is a refreshing and zesty cocktail perfect for unwinding or adding a touch of sophistication to any gathering. With just a few ingredients, it’s simple to make, yet bursting with bright citrus and botanicals. This recipe highlights the balance between the gin’s aromatic profile and the quinine in tonic water, complemented by a fresh lime wedge for extra zest. It’s a versatile drink, ideal for warm-weather sipping or as a go-to party drink year-round.
Sausage balls are a simple yet satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. With a delicious mix of savory sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and tender biscuit mix, these bite-sized treats are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. They’re great as appetizers, snacks, or even for breakfast. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something tasty, sausage balls are a quick and easy option that will impress.
This rich, savory Instant Pot Gravy is perfect for your holiday dinners or whenever you’re craving something comforting. With the Instant Pot, you can make flavorful, silky gravy in just a few minutes, using only a handful of ingredients. Say goodbye to lumps and uneven textures—this easy method yields consistently smooth results every time. Whether it's for a Thanksgiving turkey, mashed potatoes, or any other dish needing a comforting touch, this gravy will quickly become your go-to!
A fresh, vibrant Garden Salad is a perfect addition to any meal, or a light, satisfying dish on its own. Crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and colorful bell peppers come together in this easy-to-make salad, finished with a simple homemade vinaigrette. This healthy, versatile dish brings the flavors of a summer garden to your table, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing lunch. Customize with your favorite vegetables or add-ons like cheese or croutons for extra flavor.
Popcorn is a quick and easy snack that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re watching a movie, need a light snack, or want something crunchy to satisfy your cravings, this homemade popcorn recipe is just what you need. With just a few ingredients and a few minutes, you’ll have freshly popped kernels that are deliciously crisp and ready to be enjoyed. This recipe is simple enough for anyone to make, yet it delivers the classic taste of popcorn that everyone loves.