Name: Baked Churros with Cinnamon Sugar, Chocolate, and Coconut Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 230 ml (1 cup minus 2 tsp) cold water; 120 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp soft brown sugar; 160 g (1 1/3 cups) plain (all-purpose) flour; 3 medium eggs; 240 ml (1 cup) boiling water (needed just before the churros go in the oven); 200 g (1 cup) white caster sugar (or superfine sugar); 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 3 tbsp melted butter; 200 g (7 oz) white chocolate (broken into pieces); 5 heaped tbsp dessicated/shredded coconut

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 52 reviews

If you’re craving a delightful twist on classic churros, this Baked Churros with Cinnamon Sugar, Chocolate, and Coconut Recipe is an absolute must-try. These churros are perfectly crisp on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, generously coated in a cinnamon sugar blend, and served alongside luscious melted white chocolate and a sprinkle of toasted coconut. Baking instead of frying makes this recipe lighter but every bit as indulgent, combining warm spices with creamy sweetness and a tropical touch. Trust me, once you taste these, they’ll become your go-to treat for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of several white bowls and plates arranged on a wooden surface with a blue cloth partially underneath. There is a white oval plate with a stick of pale yellow butter in the center top, and below it, a small white oval plate holds three white eggs. To the left, there is a clear glass measuring cup with water. On the blue cloth to the right, a white bowl filled with white flour sits near two small white round bowls, one with light brown sugar and the other with amber-colored vanilla extract. The background is a white marbled texture visible through the wooden surface gaps. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward churro heaven. Each element plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma—ensuring your baked churros are deliciously crispy, sweet, and inviting.

Cold water (230 ml / 1 cup minus 2 tsp): Used to create the dough’s base and help it bind smoothly.
Unsalted butter (120 g / 1/2 cup): Adds richness and contributes to a tender crumb texture.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brings a warm, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and chocolate.
Soft brown sugar (2 tbsp): Gives a subtle molasses depth and sweetness in the dough.
Plain (all-purpose) flour (160 g / 1 1/3 cups): The foundation of the churro’s structure, ensuring the right chew.
Medium eggs (3): Vital for binding the dough and providing richness and lift.
Boiling water (240 ml / 1 cup): Steamed inside the oven for the perfect moist yet crispy texture.
White caster sugar (200 g / 1 cup): Used for coating the churros to give that iconic sweet crunch.
Ground cinnamon (2 tsp): Gives that signature warm, spicy aroma and flavor.
Melted butter (3 tbsp): Helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully and adds buttery goodness.
White chocolate (200 g / 7 oz): Melted for dipping, it delivers a creamy sweetness that balances the cinnamon spice.
Dessicated/shredded coconut (5 heaped tbsp): Provides a lovely tropical crunch and flavor contrast.

How to Make Baked Churros with Cinnamon Sugar, Chocolate, and Coconut Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F) with the fan on. Line two baking sheets with silicone mats or baking parchment; these surfaces will prevent sticking and help the churros bake evenly.

Step 2: Create the Dough Base

In a saucepan, combine the cold water, butter, salt, vanilla extract, and brown sugar. Bring it all to a boil, then let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes until the sugar completely dissolves and the butter melts fully. This warm, buttery mixture is the foundation of your churro dough.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour

Lower the heat and, with a wooden spoon, stir in the flour all at once. Keep stirring until the mixture pulls away from the saucepan sides, forming a smooth dough. This step is crucial for developing the right texture that will puff up beautifully when baked.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

Remove your saucepan from the heat, then add the eggs one at a time, stirring just enough to combine each before adding the next. The eggs enrich the dough, give it structure, and add moisture to keep the churros tender on the inside.

Step 5: Pipe Your Churros

Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star-shaped tip (Wilton #1M is ideal). Pipe out 8-10 cm long churros onto your prepared trays, spacing them 2-3 cm apart to accommodate slight expansion during baking.

Step 6: Prepare the Oven Steam Bath

Pour a cup of boiling water into a separate baking tray and place it on the bottom rack of your oven. The steam created will keep your churros delightfully soft inside while allowing the exterior to crisp perfectly.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Place your trays of churros in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they’ll turn a beautiful golden brown, signaling they’re ready for the next stage.

Step 8: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar and Chocolate Dip

While the churros bake, melt the white chocolate gently over a bain-marie or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring between intervals to prevent burning. On a large plate, mix the caster sugar with ground cinnamon. Melt the butter, ready for brushing.

Step 9: Finish Your Churros

Remove the churros from the oven and brush each one generously with melted butter. Then roll them carefully in the cinnamon sugar mix, coating them evenly. Serve alongside the bowls of creamy white chocolate and the shredded coconut for dipping and sprinkling.

How to Serve Baked Churros with Cinnamon Sugar, Chocolate, and Coconut Recipe

A close-up view of several golden-brown churros stacked closely together, each churro covered in a thick layer of coarse sugar and cinnamon granules that add a rough, sparkly texture. The churros have a ridged surface with slightly darker edges, showing a crisp outside. The image focuses tightly on the layers of churros, filling the frame with their warm golden color and sugar crystals. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling a bit more toasted coconut on top right before serving adds crunch and a pop of tropical flavor. You can also dust a little extra cinnamon sugar over the plate for an irresistible aroma.

Side Dishes

These churros pair wonderfully with fresh fruit like strawberries or sliced bananas to add a juicy freshness. A cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or chai complements their warmth and sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve these churros in a tall glass or ceramic cup with the cinnamon sugar dusted inside. Place a small dipping bowl of melted chocolate topped with coconut alongside. Alternatively, lay them in a decorative platter with edible flowers or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra churros, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The coating will keep them flavorful, though they’re best enjoyed fresh for crispiness.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cooled churros in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to one month without losing their magic.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes. This will revive their crisp texture beautifully without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon sugar coating and coconut, offering a richer, slightly bitter contrast if you prefer less sweetness.

Is it okay to fry these churros instead of baking?

While frying gives a different texture and deeper crisp, this recipe is designed specifically for baking to keep it lighter and easier to prep, with great results every time.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure, or add it separately, to mimic the dough consistency.

How do I store leftover melted chocolate?

Leftover melted chocolate can be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Rewarm gently in a bain-marie or microwave before using.

Why is there boiling water in the oven during baking?

The boiling water creates steam inside the oven, which helps keep the churros soft and moist on the inside while ensuring a crisp exterior—a clever trick for perfect baked churros.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say once you try this Baked Churros with Cinnamon Sugar, Chocolate, and Coconut Recipe, you’ll find it hard to go back to traditional frying methods. It’s an easy, rewarding way to enjoy a timeless treat with less mess and all the flavor, perfect for sharing or indulging solo. Gather your ingredients, have fun piping those doughy beauties, and prepare to fall in love bite after bite.