Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Churros Recipe

If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, with that irresistible dusting of cinnamon sugar, then you absolutely need to try these Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Churros. They bring all the joy of a classic churro but made completely plant-based, ensuring everyone can indulge. From the simple yet magical dough to the warm sprinkle of cinnamon sugar coating, every bite is a little celebration. Whether you’re making them for a cozy night in or sharing with friends at your next gathering, these vegan churros are guaranteed to delight your taste buds and fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up these unforgettable Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Churros, you only need a handful of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the soft dough base to the crunchy fried exterior and the sweet cinnamon sugar finish, everything works in delicious harmony.

• 1 cup flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and chewiness to the churros.
• 1 cup water: Hydrates and helps cook the flour for that perfectly pliable dough.
• 2 tbsp coconut oil: Adds richness and a hint of tropical flavor, while helping with frying.
• 2 tbsp sugar: Sweetens the dough slightly and works with the cinnamon for the perfect coating.
• 1 tsp cinnamon: Provides warmth and spice that’s essential for classic churro flavor.
• Oil for frying: You’ll need enough neutral oil to deep fry and achieve the crispy outer shell.

How to Make Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Churros

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by bringing the water and coconut oil to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, remove from heat and quickly stir in the flour all at once. Keep mixing vigorously until the dough comes together smoothly with no lumps. This step is key for getting that soft inside texture while ensuring the dough is firm enough to shape.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

While your dough cools a bit, heat a good amount of frying oil in a deep pan or fryer until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Hot oil is crucial here — it ensures the churros puff up beautifully and get that perfect golden crunch.

Step 3: Pipe and Fry

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star-shaped nozzle. Carefully pipe strips of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting once you’ve reached your desired length. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, gently turning the churros until they are golden and crisp on all sides. This usually takes around 2-3 minutes per batch.

Step 4: Cinnamon Sugar Coating

As soon as the churros come out of the oil, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. While they’re still warm, toss them in a bowl of mixed sugar and cinnamon. The warmth is perfect for absorbing the cinnamon sugar, giving you that sweet and spicy finish that defines Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Churros.

How to Serve Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Churros

Garnishes

For an extra touch of delight, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar right before serving. You can also dust them with powdered sugar or add a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness. Fresh mint leaves or edible flowers can elevate the presentation if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

The classic companion to Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Churros is a rich vegan chocolate sauce. The warm, melted chocolate dipping experience is unbeatable and always a crowd-pleaser. You could also offer fruit compotes, caramel sauce, or even a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your churros in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper for easy sharing. Stack them high with small bowls of different dipping sauces on the side. For parties, you could even thread mini churros onto skewers for a fun, bite-sized presentation that’s perfect for snacking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Churros should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to enjoy them within a day. They’ll lose some of their crispiness but will still remain tasty and ready for a quick reheat.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the churros before coating them in cinnamon sugar. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen churros last for up to 2 months and make for a quick treat anytime.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-fryer crunch, reheat the churros in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy. After reheating, toss them again in cinnamon sugar for maximum flavor revival.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying is traditional and gives the best crisp texture, you can bake the churos if you prefer a lighter version. Just pipe them onto a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy but still delicious.

What’s the best oil to use for frying?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil, works best. Coconut oil from the dough adds flavor, but frying in coconut oil can be overpowering and expensive.

Can I make the dough without coconut oil?

Yes, you can substitute coconut oil with other vegan-friendly oils like olive or avocado oil. Coconut oil lends a subtle flavor and richness, but others will work just fine for the dough’s texture.

How do I ensure the churros are soft inside but crispy outside?

The boiling water step with oil before mixing in the flour ensures a cooked dough that’s tender inside. Also, frying at the right temperature is key – too hot and they burn outside; too cool and they’ll absorb too much oil and get greasy rather than crispy.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, a gluten-free all-purpose blend can be used. The texture might vary slightly, but it still makes a great batch of Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Churros. Just be sure your blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binder for structure.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about biting into a warm Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Churro fresh from the fryer — that first crunch followed by a tender, cinnamon-kissed interior is comfort at its finest. This simple recipe is a joy to make and even more pleasurable to share, bringing smiles to everyone lucky enough to taste them. Next time you want an indulgent yet plant-based dessert that feels special and homemade, give these Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Churros a try. Your sweet tooth will thank you!