Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, salt, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add the sifted all-purpose flour. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or spatula until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Step 3: Return the saucepan to low heat and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to dry out the dough slightly. This step is crucial for crispy churros. Remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Transfer the slightly cooled dough to a large mixing bowl (or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment). Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated and the dough is smooth and glossy. The dough should be thick but pipeable.
Step 5: In a shallow dish, combine the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating. Set aside. Prepare your frying station: pour 4-6 cups of vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, ensuring it’s at least 3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a candy/deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature. This is key for an easy churros recipe success.
Step 6: Transfer the churro dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (like a 1M or 2D). Carefully pipe 4-6 inch long strips of dough directly into the hot oil. Use kitchen shears to snip the dough from the piping bag. Don’t overcrowd the pot; fry in batches to maintain oil temperature.
Step 7: Fry the churros for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, carefully remove the cooked churros from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. These are getting closer to being an amazing easy churros recipe!
Step 8: While the churros are still warm, immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Serve your fresh, warm churros immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like chocolate or dulce de leche. For any leftover cinnamon sugar mix, you can store it in a Basics Glass Food Storage container for future use.