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This homemade baked churro donut recipe transforms the traditional fried Mexican treat into an easy baked version with all the classic cinnamon-sugar goodness. The donuts bake up soft inside with a buttery, sweet and spicy coating that perfectly mimics the beloved street food but in a convenient donut form.
I first created these when my children were begging for churros after visiting a Mexican restaurant. Since then, these donuts have become our weekend tradition, with everyone gathering in the kitchen to help coat them in cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients
- Butter: Adds richness and creates a tender crumb in the donuts
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts moist for days after baking
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the classic churro exterior
- Brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the donuts
- Eggs: Provide structure and binding for the batter
- Milk: Creates a soft, cake-like texture
- Baking powder and soda: Work together for the perfect rise
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile
- All-purpose flour: Forms the foundation of the donut structure
- Ground cinnamon: Is essential for authentic churro flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Equipment:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and thoroughly grease 15 cavities in your donut pans. Make sure to coat all surfaces to prevent sticking after baking.
- Create The Base Mixture:
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until completely combined and slightly fluffy. This creates the rich foundation for your donuts.
- Add The Wet Ingredients:
- Mix in the eggs and vanilla until fully incorporated. Then gradually beat in the milk until the mixture is smooth. The batter may look slightly curdled at this point, but that is normal.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- Stir in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Avoid overmixing which can make the donuts tough. The batter should be thick but smooth.
- Fill The Donut Pans:
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pans or use a piping bag for neater filling. Fill each cavity about 2/3 full to allow room for rising. Tap the pans gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Bake for 9-15 minutes until the donuts spring back when lightly touched. The tops should be lightly golden and a toothpick inserted should come out clean.
- Apply The Churro Coating:
- After cooling in the pan for 5 minutes, brush each donut lightly with melted butter. Combine the cinnamon and sugar in a plastic bag, add the buttered donuts one at a time, and gently shake to coat all surfaces.
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I absolutely love how the cinnamon and sugar coating creates that authentic churro crunch on the outside while maintaining a tender, cake-like interior. My grandmother from Mexico always says these capture the essence of churros but in a more approachable form for home bakers.
Storage Tips
These donuts stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The cinnamon-sugar coating actually helps preserve moisture in the donuts. For longer storage, freeze uncoated donuts for up to 3 months, then thaw, warm slightly, and add the cinnamon-sugar coating just before serving.
Delicious Variations
While these churro donuts are perfect as is, you can elevate them further with a few simple additions. Try filling the center with dulce de leche or chocolate ganache using a piping bag. For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a Mexican hot chocolate inspired flavor. You can also experiment with adding orange or lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.
Serving Suggestions
These churro donuts make a spectacular weekend breakfast or brunch item. For an authentic experience, serve them with hot chocolate or Mexican coffee. As mentioned in the notes, drizzling with cajeta (goat's milk caramel) adds an extra touch of Mexican authenticity. They also make a wonderful dessert when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
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Recipe FAQs
- → What makes these donuts taste like churros?
The combination of buttery coating with cinnamon sugar mimics the signature taste of traditional churros.
- → Can I double the cinnamon sugar coating?
Yes! To achieve a thicker coating like in the pictures, double or triple the coating ingredients.
- → Do I need a donut pan for this recipe?
Yes, a donut pan is recommended to achieve the classic donut shape, but you can also use muffin tins as an alternative.
- → How long should I bake the donuts?
Bake the donuts at 425°F for 9-15 minutes, or until they spring back when lightly touched.
- → What is cajeta, and is it essential?
Cajeta is a caramel-like sauce, similar to dulce de leche. It's optional but adds a delicious sweetness to the donuts.