Let me tell you—these churro donuts are pure joy in every bite. They take everything I love about classic churros and soft, pillowy donuts and roll it into one irresistible treat. The moment you sink your teeth into that crunchy cinnamon-sugar crust and reach the fluffy center, you'll know exactly what I mean.
I’ve made these churro donuts for lazy weekend brunches and festive dessert tables—and they’re always the first to disappear. The magic comes from combining time-honored churro flavors with the cozy, homemade goodness of a traditional donut. Each bite delivers that sweet fried dough texture we all crave, with a golden exterior and soft, melt-in-your-mouth inside.
And the best part? That cinnamon-sugar coating that clings to every nook and cranny. It's simple, nostalgic, and totally addictive.
Whether you're treating yourself or sharing with friends, this churro donuts recipe is the kind of sweet comfort you'll come back to again and again. Go ahead—make a batch and taste why they’ve become a favorite in my kitchen.
Why Churro Donuts Are Taking Over Kitchen Tables Everywhere
I’ve always believed the best desserts are the ones that feel both nostalgic and a little magical—and churro donuts absolutely deliver. They’re the perfect mashup of two dessert favorites: that golden, cinnamon-kissed crunch of churros and the soft, fluffy center we love in donuts. But what sets these apart is the homemade touch—starting with a donut batter from scratch that holds onto every bit of that cinnamon sugar goodness.
Sure, you’ve probably seen churro donuts pop up at places like Dunkin or Krispy Kreme (I’ve tried them too!), but nothing compares to making them fresh at home. When you’re the one controlling the sweetness and spice, and you get to enjoy them warm—straight from the oil—it changes everything.
These churro donuts have quickly become my go-to for cozy Sunday mornings or when I want a dessert that feels extra without all the fuss. They’re a hit at brunch with friends, and there’s something so comforting about pairing them with a quiet coffee break. Simple, warm, and packed with flavor—this is the kind of recipe that makes memories in the kitchen.
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Ingredients
For the Donut Dough:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Butter, melted
- Whole milk
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)
Smart Substitutions: Want to make these gluten-free? Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. For dairy-free options, use almond milk instead of whole milk and coconut oil instead of butter. These swaps work beautifully without changing the texture.
The key to amazing churro donut ingredients is using fresh cinnamon - it makes a huge difference in that final crunchy cinnamon coating. If your cinnamon has been sitting in your spice rack for over a year, treat yourself to a new jar for this recipe.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Preparing Your Workspace and Making the Batter
Set up your deep frying station with a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer. You'll need a candy thermometer to keep that oil at the perfect 375°F. Get your cinnamon sugar mixture ready in a shallow bowl, and line a cooling rack with paper towels.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients - this helps prevent lumps when you add the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined. The mixture should look creamy and unified.
Combining Ingredients and Preparing for Frying
Pour the wet ingredients into the well you created in the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Don't overmix - a few small lumps are perfectly fine and actually preferred for tender donuts.
Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (about ½ inch opening). If you don't have a piping bag, a large zip-lock bag with the corner cut off works too, though you won't get those classic churro ridges. Heat your oil to 375°F. This temperature is crucial for getting that perfect crispy exterior without burning the outside before the inside cooks through.
Piping and Frying the Donuts
Pipe 3-inch circles of batter directly into the hot oil, using kitchen shears to cut the dough from the piping bag. Work in small batches - don't overcrowd the pot or the oil temperature will drop. This keeps each donut cooking evenly and prevents them from sticking together.
Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed up. The donuts should float to the surface when they're nearly done. Use a slotted spoon to carefully flip them halfway through cooking. Watch for that perfect golden color - it's your signal that the inside is cooked through while the outside has developed that ideal crispy texture.
The Cinnamon Sugar Coating Magic
While the donuts are still warm (this is important!), roll them in your cinnamon sugar mixture. The residual heat helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly, creating that signature crunchy coating that makes churro donuts so irresistible. Work quickly but gently - you want to coat them while they're hot enough for the sugar to adhere, but not so hot that it melts completely. This timing creates the perfect balance of crispy coating and tender interior that defines perfect churro donuts.
- Step 1: Preparing Your Workspace and Making the Batter
Set up your frying station and mix dry and wet ingredients in separate bowls.
- Step 2:Combining Ingredients and Preparing for Frying
Fold wet and dry ingredients together and prepare your piping setup.
- Step 3: Piping and Frying the Donuts
Pipe donut circles into hot oil and fry until golden on both sides.
- Step 4:The Cinnamon Sugar Coating Magic
Roll warm donuts in cinnamon sugar for that perfect crunchy coating.
Expert Hints and Tips for Perfect Results
Here's a game-changing tip: let your batter rest for 10 minutes after mixing. This allows the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in more tender donuts with better texture.
Temperature control is everything when deep frying donuts. If your oil gets too hot, the outside burns before the inside cooks. Too cool, and your donuts absorb too much oil and become greasy. A candy thermometer is your best friend here.
For extra flavor depth, add a pinch of nutmeg to your cinnamon sugar mixture. It adds warmth without overpowering the cinnamon.
Dietary Benefits and Serving Suggestions
While churro donuts are definitely an indulgent treat, you can make them slightly healthier by using whole wheat pastry flour for half the all-purpose flour. This adds fiber without dramatically changing the texture.
These sweet treats pair beautifully with Mexican hot chocolate, café de olla, or your favorite morning coffee. For a special brunch spread, serve them alongside fresh fruit and yogurt to balance the richness.
The portion size is perfect for sharing - each donut is satisfying without being overwhelming, making them ideal for parties where people want to try multiple desserts.
Creative Variations and Substitutions
Baked Churro Donuts
Want to skip the deep frying? You can make baked churro donuts using a donut pan. Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden. Brush with melted butter before rolling in cinnamon sugar for that crispy coating.
Air Fryer Churro Donuts
For air fryer churro donuts, pipe the batter into your air fryer basket (lined with parchment) and cook at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Mini Churro Donut Recipe
Make churro bites by piping smaller circles - perfect for parties! Reduce cooking time to 1-2 minutes per side.
Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Churro Donuts: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients
- Orange Churro Donuts: Add orange zest to the batter and cinnamon sugar
- Spicy Churro Donuts: Add cayenne pepper to your cinnamon sugar mixture
Equipment
A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or deep fryer works best for maintaining oil temperature. If you're serious about making these regularly, a dedicated deep fryer with temperature control makes the process much easier.
A piping bag with a star tip creates those classic churro ridges that help hold the cinnamon sugar coating. A candy thermometer is non-negotiable for perfect frying temperature.
For baked versions, invest in a good donut pan - the wells should be deep enough to create proper donut shapes without overflow.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Fresh churro donuts are always best, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. To refresh them, pop them in a 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes.
The batter can be made up to 4 hours ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before piping and frying.
You can freeze the shaped, unfried donuts on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the cooking time.
The Secret That Changed My Churro Donuts Forever
I’ll never forget the first time I made churro donuts from scratch—it was a chilly Sunday morning, and the kitchen smelled like cinnamon and memories. But something wasn’t quite right. Some donuts came out too dark, others too pale. It wasn’t until I tested one, really paying attention to how quickly it browned, that I discovered the magic: the oil temperature is everything. If it sizzles too fast, they’ll burn before the inside cooks.
If it lingers too long, they soak up oil and lose that crisp magic. Once I found that perfect balance—just under 4 minutes of golden frying—it felt like I’d unlocked a secret family recipe. Now, every batch of churro donuts I make is tender inside, crispy outside, and coated in joy. Don't skip this step—it’s the heart of making them unforgettable.
FAQ
Does Krispy Kreme have churro donuts?
Yes, Krispy Kreme has released limited-time churro donuts in the past, combining their signature doughnut base with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating. Availability can vary by season or location, so check your local shop or promotions for current offerings.
What is the difference between churros and doughnuts?
Churros are typically piped into hot oil using choux-like dough, creating ridged, crunchy sticks coated in cinnamon sugar. Doughnuts are round, fluffier, and often made with yeast or cake batter. Churro donuts combine the best of both textures and flavors.
What is churro dough made of?
Traditional churro dough is a simple mix of water, flour, butter, and eggs—similar to pâte à choux. It’s cooked on the stovetop, piped, then fried until golden, creating that signature crunchy outside and soft interior perfect for cinnamon sugar.
Is churro donut from Dunkin' good?
Dunkin’s churro donut has received mixed reviews—it’s praised for its warm cinnamon sugar flavor, but some say it lacks the fresh crunch of homemade versions. For the best experience, try making churro donuts from scratch to enjoy them warm and crisp.
Bring the Magic Home with Churro Donuts and More Sweet Treats
There’s something so special about making churro donuts from scratch—the sizzling of the dough in hot oil, the cozy scent of cinnamon sugar filling the air, and that first bite of warm, fluffy, crispy perfection. These aren’t just any donuts—they’re a little moment of joy you create right in your own kitchen.
And if you're anything like me, once you fall in love with these churro donuts, you'll want to keep the sweet streak going. Try my indulgent Chocolate Frosted Donuts for a rich, classic twist or whip up a batch of Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies when you're craving something fruity, creamy, and just as crowd-pleasing.
Trust me—these recipes aren’t just about satisfying your sweet tooth. They’re about creating memories, sharing joy, and finding comfort in every homemade bite. So keep that apron handy… the next delicious adventure is only a recipe away.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this churro donuts recipe:
Homemade Churro Donuts Recipe
Equipment
- Deep Fryer or Pot For frying the donuts
- Candy Thermometer Essential for monitoring oil temp
- Piping Bag Fitted with large star tip (½ inch)
- Mixing bowl Large, for dry ingredients
- Cooling rack Lined with paper towels
Ingredients
For the Donut Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour can use gluten-free blend
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon use fresh if possible
- ⅓ cup butter melted
- ¾ cup whole milk or almond milk
- 2 large eggs room temp
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt balances sweetness
For Frying
- 6–8 cups vegetable oil enough for deep frying
Instructions
- Set up your frying station and cinnamon sugar bowl.
- Whisk dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Mix wet ingredients in a separate bowl until smooth.
- Fold wet into dry—do not overmix.
- Rest batter 10 minutes for better texture.
- Transfer to piping bag with star tip.
- Heat oil to 375°F and maintain using thermometer.
- Pipe 3-inch rings into hot oil. Fry 2–3 mins per side.
- Transfer to paper towels, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
- Serve warm for best texture and flavor.
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