Patrick Simon May 24, 2026

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Sourdough Churros Recipe

Name: Sourdough Churros
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 1/2 cup water (120g); 6 tablespoons butter (85g); 2 tablespoons sugar (27g); 1/4 teaspoon salt (2g); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (70g); 1/2 cup sourdough discard (140g); 2-3 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (3g); 6 cups neutral frying oil; 1/2 cup sugar (105g); 2 teaspoons cinnamon (4g); 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 cup chopped chocolate

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As the enticing aroma of freshly fried churros fills the air, it’s hard to resist the allure of these crispy, sugary delights. Imagine biting into a warm, golden churro dusted with cinnamon sugar, each bite bringing forth a satisfying crunch followed by a lush, tender interior that melts in your mouth. Perfect for a cozy family gathering or a fun weekend treat, this Sourdough Churros Recipe combines the tangy goodness of sourdough starter with classic churro flavors, offering a unique twist on a beloved classic. Whether served as a dessert or a delightful snack, these churros are sure to bring joy to your table.

Reasons to Adore Sourdough Churros

Whether you’re a churro aficionado or just looking for a fun baking project, this Sourdough Churros Recipe is worth your time and attention for several reasons:

Deliciously Unique Flavor: The addition of sourdough gives these churros a rich depth of flavor that traditional recipes may lack.
Crispy Exterior, Soft Interior: Fried to perfection, you’ll enjoy the delightful contrast of the crunchy outside and soft inside.
Perfect for Sharing: These churros are great for gatherings, sure to impress your friends and family.
Customization Opportunities: Enjoy some chocolate sauce on the side, or experiment with different flavorings for a twist.

For more quick and easy recipes, you might enjoy exploring easy crockpot recipes that fit perfectly into your busy schedule.

Ingredients for Sourdough Churros Recipe

Before getting started, gather the following ingredients, which will blend together to create these tasty treats:

1/2 cup water (120g)
6 tablespoons butter (85g)
2 tablespoons sugar (27g)
1/4 teaspoon salt (2g)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (70g)
1/2 cup sourdough discard (140g)
2-3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (3g)
6 cups neutral frying oil
1/2 cup sugar (105g)
2 teaspoons cinnamon (4g)
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup chopped chocolate

These ingredients work together to create a delicious dough that fries up beautifully, resulting in a delightful dessert.

Step-by-Step Preparation of Sourdough Churros

Creating these churros is simpler than you might think! Just follow these steps for a delightful treat:

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat over medium-high heat and bring to a small rolling boil, stirring occasionally.
Once the butter has melted, take the saucepan off the heat and immediately mix in the flour and sourdough discard. Stir with a wooden spoon until fully incorporated (about 30-60 seconds), then return to heat, stirring until a smooth ball forms (another 30-60 seconds).
Remove the dough from heat and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes.
While the dough is cooling, prepare the cinnamon-sugar mixture. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and ground cinnamon. Set it aside.
Transfer the chilled dough to a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on medium speed. Scrape the bowl’s sides to ensure everything is mixed. You might only need 2 of the 3 eggs, as the dough should be smooth and glossy, slowly falling from the mixer.
Place the churro dough into a pastry bag fitted with a large tip and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours).
After at least 2 hours, heat the frying oil in a large pot over high heat until it reaches 370 degrees F.
Once hot, pipe 4-inch logs of dough into the oil, cutting them with kitchen scissors. Fry 3-4 churros at a time until golden brown, about a minute on each side.
Remove the churros from the oil, placing them on paper towels. While still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Serve warm on their own or with a luscious chocolate sauce!

To make a simple homemade chocolate sauce, chop the chocolate and place it in a bowl. Warm the heavy cream over low heat until just hot, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for one minute before stirring until smooth.

Prep ~ 30 minutes, Cook ~ 15 minutes, Total ~ 45 minutes, Servings ~ 6, Kcal ~ 350 per serving (estimate).

Prep Tips for Sourdough Churros

If you want to get a head start, you can prepare the dough in advance. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, so the flavors can deepen while you store it properly.

Storing and Reheating

After enjoying your churros, you might have some leftovers. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to a month. When it’s time to enjoy them again, warm them gently in the oven to refresh their crispy texture.

Ideal Pairings

These churros are delicious on their own, but here are some fun ideas to complement your Sourdough Churros Recipe:

Serve with homemade chocolate sauce
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Enjoy alongside a steaming cup of coffee
Complement with fresh fruit or berries
Serve with a warm caramel sauce

Flavor Twists and Customizations

Get creative with your churro experience! Here are some flavorful ideas:

Chocolate-Dipped Churros: After frying, dip the churros partially in chocolate for an indulgent treat.
Spiced Variations: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for an aromatic twist.
Stuffed Churros: Pipe chocolate or cream filling into the churros after frying for an extra layer of flavor.
Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus undertone.
Nut Crunch: Roll the churros in crushed nuts along with cinnamon sugar for added texture.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

Adhering to these tips ensures your churros turn out perfectly every time:

Watch the Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain the correct frying temperature of 370°F; too hot could burn, too cool could make them greasy.
Pipe Straight: Use a steady pressure while piping the dough into the oil to achieve uniform churros.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Fry only a few churros at a time to maintain the oil temperature for that crispy texture.
Cool Before Serving: Allow the churros to rest briefly after frying to settle before coating in cinnamon sugar.

Your Questions Answered

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
While you could try whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste, it may alter the texture of the churros. Stick to all-purpose flour for optimal results.
How can I tell if the oil is hot enough?
Dropping a small amount of dough into the oil should make it sizzle and rise to the surface quickly.
Can I make churros in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and fry them when you’re ready to serve.
What should I serve with churros?
Churros are delicious on their own but pair wonderfully with chocolate sauce, ice cream, or caramel for an added treat.
What if my churros aren’t crispy?
Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature.

Final Thoughts

Sourdough Churros Recipe brings a delightful twist to a classic treat. With their crispy exteriors and tender interiors, they’re perfect for any occasion that calls for something sweet. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat your loved ones to these irresistible delights soon! Enjoy every bite as these churros make lasting memories at your table, and don’t forget to share your enjoyment of cooking with others. You can also explore more creative cooking options in the kitchen by checking out air fryer recipes for a healthy twist on your favorites!

Sourdough Churros

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful crispy and sugary churros made with sourdough starter, offering a unique twist on a classic treat.

Instructions

Combine the water, butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat and bring to a small rolling boil, stirring occasionally.
Mix in the flour and sourdough discard until fully incorporated. Return to heat, stirring until a smooth ball forms.
Remove the dough from heat and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes.
Prepare the cinnamon-sugar mixture by combining sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
Transfer the chilled dough to a large mixing bowl and add eggs one at a time, mixing on medium speed until smooth.
Place the churro dough into a pastry bag and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Heat the frying oil in a large pot over high heat until it reaches 370°F.
Pipe 4-inch logs of dough into the oil, frying 3-4 churros at a time until golden brown.
Remove churros from the oil and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Serve warm, optionally with chocolate sauce.