Baked Churros Recipe

Baked Churros Recipe is a delightful treat that combines the flavors of traditional churros with the convenience of baking. These churros are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration. Their versatility allows for a variety of dipping sauces, such as chocolate ganache or caramel, which enhances their appeal. With this recipe, you can enjoy the indulgence of churros without the hassle of frying!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No frying required! This baked version simplifies the process while maintaining all the delicious flavors.
• Healthier Option: Enjoy your favorite treat with less oil and fat, making these churros a guilt-free snack.
• Versatile Dipping Sauces: Pair them with chocolate ganache or caramel sauce for an extra layer of flavor that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, movie night, or holiday gathering, these churros will impress your guests.
• Customizable Sizes: Make small bites or longer churros depending on your preference and needs.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this Baked Churros Recipe, make sure you have the right tools. Proper equipment ensures a smoother cooking experience and better results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Large pastry bag with star tip
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cookie sheets

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer: Helps in mixing the batter efficiently and saves time, ensuring a smooth dough.
• Pastry Bag: Allows you to pipe churros in different shapes and sizes easily for a fun presentation.

Ingredients

Baked Churros are so easy to make with no frying! They taste just as good as fried churros but are healthier and easier to make. We loved dipping them in chocolate ganache!

For the Dough

• 2 cups (474ml) water
• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs

For Coating

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon

How to Make Baked Churros Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line three cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough Mixture

1. In a medium saucepan, combine water, softened butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Heat over medium heat until the butter melts; stir occasionally until it reaches a boil.

Step 3: Combine Flour

1. Remove the pan from heat.
2. Stir in all-purpose flour using a wooden spoon until a thick paste forms. This step should be done off the heat to cool down the mixture slightly.

Step 4: Mix in Eggs

1. Transfer the dough into a stand mixer bowl and let it sit for about 1 minute.
2. Attach the paddle attachment and add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to avoid cooking them.

Step 5: Pipe the Churros

1. Place churro batter in a large pastry bag fitted with a star tip.
2. Pipe churros onto cookie sheets in desired sizes; this recipe makes about 60 three-inch long churros.

Step 6: Bake

1. Spray churros lightly with nonstick cooking spray to promote browning.
2. Bake for 20-30 minutes, rotating pans if needed, until they are baked through and lightly golden brown.

Step 7: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

1. Allow churros to cool slightly before handling.
2. Melt remaining ½ cup butter. In another bowl, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon.
3. Dip each churro in melted butter then roll it in cinnamon sugar before serving.

Step 8: Prepare Dipping Sauce

To make chocolate ganache:
1. Combine 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream with 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Heat for one minute; whisk until smooth.

To make caramel sauce:
1. Place 20 unwrapped caramel squares and 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream in another microwave-safe bowl.
2. Heat for one minute; stir until smooth, reheating as needed.

Enjoy your delicious Baked Churros fresh out of the oven!

How to Serve Baked Churros Recipe

Baked churros are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether you want a simple snack or an elegant dessert, there are plenty of serving suggestions to elevate your baked churros experience.

With Chocolate Ganache

• Dip each churro into warm chocolate ganache for a rich and indulgent flavor.

Sprinkled with Cinnamon Sugar

• Roll the churros in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar right after baking for a classic churro taste.

Served with Caramel Sauce

• Pair your churros with homemade caramel sauce for an extra sweet treat that complements their flavor.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange baked churros alongside other desserts like brownies or cookies for a fun and varied dessert spread.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side for those who enjoy creamy textures with their sweets.

How to Perfect Baked Churros Recipe

To make sure your baked churros turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh butter and eggs contribute to better flavor and texture in your churros.
• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on the churros as they bake; overbaking can lead to dry textures.
• Cool slightly before serving: Allowing them to cool just enough prevents burns but keeps them warm.
• Experiment with shapes: Try piping different shapes and sizes for visual appeal; twist or spiral shapes look especially enticing.
• Adjust seasoning: Feel free to tweak the cinnamon sugar ratio according to your taste preference.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Churros Recipe

Baked churros pair well with a variety of side dishes that enhance their sweetness. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad complements the sweetness of the churros while adding freshness.

2. Ice Cream
   Vanilla or chocolate ice cream makes for a delicious pairing, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.

3. Chocolate Fondue
   Offer warm chocolate fondue as another dipping option; it adds an interactive element to your dessert experience.

4. Homemade Fruit Compote
   A tart fruit compote can balance the sweetness of the churros, adding complexity to each bite.

5. Mexican Hot Chocolate
   Serve a warm cup of Mexican hot chocolate for a cozy beverage that pairs beautifully with the flavors of the churros.

6. Dulce de Leche
   This creamy caramel-like sauce is perfect for drizzling over or dipping the churros, enhancing their richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Baked Churros can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common mistakes that can hinder the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Bold phrase: Not Preheating the Oven – Failing to preheat your oven can lead to uneven baking. Always ensure your oven reaches 350°F before placing the churros inside.

• Bold phrase: Overmixing the Dough – Mixing the dough too much after adding eggs can result in tough churros. Mix just until combined for a light texture.

• Bold phrase: Incorrect Piping Technique – If you don’t pipe the churros properly, they may not hold their shape. Use a star tip and apply even pressure while piping to create beautiful shapes.

• Bold phrase: Skipping the Nonstick Spray – Not spraying your churros can cause them to stick to the baking sheet. A light coating of nonstick spray ensures easy removal and better browning.

• Bold phrase: Overbaking – Baking for too long can dry out your churros. Keep an eye on them and remove when they are lightly golden.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Baked churros will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Baked Churros Recipe

• Place cooled churros in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Baked Churros Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 15-20 seconds at a time until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm in a pan over low heat, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Baked Churros Recipe that might help you!

Can I make Baked Churros gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free baked churros.

How do I store leftover Baked Churros?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze them for longer storage.

What dipping sauces go well with Baked Churros?

Baked churros pair wonderfully with chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or even fruit dips for variety!

Can I customize my Baked Churros Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add flavors like orange zest or coconut extract, or try different toppings like sprinkles.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Churros Recipe is not only healthier but also incredibly easy to make. With its delightful taste and crunchy exterior, it’s perfect for any gathering or as a sweet treat. Customize your churros with different dips and toppings for added flair—your creativity is the limit!