Baked Churros

Golden, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, baked churros are a healthier twist on the classic fried treat. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and sugar, these churros retain the rich flavor and satisfying texture without the excess oil. Whether served with a side of chocolate sauce or enjoyed on their own, these delightful pastries are easy to make and ideal for entertaining or indulging your sweet tooth at home. Baking instead of frying makes them a less messy and more accessible dessert to prepare. Let’s dive into this guilt-free version of a beloved classic!

Ingredients:

• For the Churros:
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 6 tbsp (85 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp (15 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• For the Coating:
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Optional Dip:
  • Melted chocolate or caramel sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Make the Dough: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture begins to simmer. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the flour all at once using a wooden spoon. Stir vigorously until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
3. Cool and Add Eggs: Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until the dough is smooth and slightly glossy.
4. Pipe the Churros: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 4- to 6-inch strips of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each churro. If needed, use a knife or scissors to cut the dough cleanly at the tip.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the churros are puffed and golden brown.
6. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While the churros are still warm, combine the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Roll each churro in the mixture until fully coated.
7. Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as melted chocolate or caramel.

Tips:

• For extra crispiness, place the baked churros under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
• If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.