Discover the magic of churros and learn how to make them at home

What Are Churros and Why You'll Love Them

At markets, festivals, in cafés, and food trucks – churros have won the hearts of food lovers worldwide. To some, they are "Spanish donuts," while others know them from American movies as a crunchy snack coated in sugar. But what exactly are churros, and why do they attract so much attention? You might be surprised to learn that making them is surprisingly simple and something you can do at home. You just need the right recipe – and most importantly, understand the magic behind this simple dish.

From Shepherds to Street Stalls

The origin of churros is as intriguing as their taste. Although many think they are a Mexican or American delicacy, the truth is different – churros originate from Spain, specifically from a time when shepherds sought simple, hearty food that they could prepare high in the mountains. Without access to fresh bread, they began improvising with dough made from water, flour, and salt, which they fried over a fire. The result was crispy sticks called "churros" – and today we know that was the beginning of a sweet revolution.

Over time, the recipe was improved and adapted to local tastes. In Spain, they are traditionally served with thick chocolate for dipping, while in Latin America, they are often filled with caramel, vanilla cream, or chocolate. In the USA, they have become an integral part of amusement parks and sports events.

A Delicious Homemade Churros Recipe You'll Love

Although it might sound like a specialty from a pastry shop, the churros recipe is simpler than it seems. It doesn't require any special ingredients, and the result is dangerously delicious. Here is a basic recipe for churros that even a beginner can handle:

Ingredients:

• 250 ml water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 150 g all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• vegetable oil for frying
• sugar mixed with cinnamon for coating

Instructions:

1. In a pot, bring the water to a boil with sugar, salt, and butter.
2. Once the mixture starts to boil, remove it from the heat and add the flour. Stir until you have a compact dough that doesn't stick to the sides of the pot.
3. Let the dough cool slightly, then mix in the eggs – one at a time. The resulting dough should be smooth and shiny.
4. Transfer the prepared dough into a piping bag with a star-shaped nozzle.
5. On hot oil, squeeze strips of dough, frying them until golden brown (about 2–3 minutes on each side).
6. Let the finished churros drain on a paper towel and immediately coat them in the sugar and cinnamon mixture.

Tip: If you want to take churros to the next level, serve them with homemade chocolate sauce made from cream and quality dark chocolate. Trust that this combination will transport you straight to a Madrid café.

Churros as Part of Culture and Tradition

In Spain, churros are not just a sweet treat – they are a symbol of communal breakfasts and evening gatherings. They are commonly served during holidays like the Three Kings Day or during festivities in Seville and Madrid. A typical scene? A group of friends sitting in a café, with a plate of hot churros and a cup of thick chocolate in front of them. It's not just about taste – it's about the experience.

A similar relationship exists with churros in Latin America. For example, in Mexico, it's common to find stalls with fresh churros dishes on every corner, often accompanied by a caramel filling – dulce de leche. In Argentina, vanilla cream is added. And in Colombia? There, smaller-sized churros are preferred, served as a quick snack on the go.

You might now be wondering why this food is so popular across continents. The reason is simple: it combines simplicity, tradition, and an irresistible taste. And when paired with emotions – memories of childhood, traveling, or shared moments with family – churros become more than just food.

When a Healthy Lifestyle Meets a Sweet Classic

In times when more people are mindful of what they eat, a question may arise: Does churros have a place in an eco-friendly and healthy household? The answer is yes – if we know how to approach it. The traditional recipe can easily be modified.

For example, using spelt flour instead of regular wheat flour results in a more flavorful and digestible version. Butter can be replaced with plant-based fat without palm oil, and frying can be done in oil with a high smoke point, ideally ecologically certified sunflower or canola oil. And if you decide to prepare churros in an air fryer or even bake them in the oven, you can enjoy them with much less fat.

An interesting compromise is a homemade vegan churros recipe that contains no eggs or butter. Instead, you can use apple puree, plant-based milk, and coconut oil. The result? Still just as tasty and a bit kinder to you and the planet.

For inspiration: a young family from Brno, striving to live eco-friendly and zero-waste, started making churros at home from organic flour and coconut sugar. The children loved them, and they even began serving them at neighborhood events – with a label "sustainable snacking." "It's not about giving up sweets, but finding ways to prepare them consciously," says mom Petra. And her churros vanish from the plate in a flash.

Why Fall in Love with Churros (and Why You Probably Already Have)

Churros are not just another sweet treat. They are the scent of childhood, the atmosphere of street festivals, the joy of a shared table. And that's why they've gained popularity on all continents – because they taste just as good in a Madrid café as they do in a Czech kitchen on a Sunday afternoon.

Their preparation doesn't require special equipment or long hours in the kitchen. Just a few basic ingredients, a bit of patience, and a willingness to experiment. Whether you opt for the traditional version with sugar and cinnamon or a vegan variant with agave syrup, one thing is certain: churros have the power to bring a smile and bring people together.

So, will you give them a try?