I grew up loving warm churros and cold ice cream together. This easy recipe makes crispy churros coated in cinnamon sugar and pairs them with any ice cream you like. They come together fast and taste like a treat you’d get at a fair. Try them for dessert, a party, or a cozy night in. For another simple frozen treat idea, see this 2-ingredient ice cream sandwich recipe: 2-ingredient ice cream sandwiches.
Why these churros and ice cream are a winner
You get warm, crunchy churros and cool, creamy ice cream in every bite. The churros are lightly sweet and cinnamon-coated, and the ice cream adds a silky contrast. They are quick to make from simple pantry ingredients and impress guests without fuss.
Simple step-by-step for making Churros and Ice Cream
Below is an easy, clear process to make the dough, fry the churros, and finish them for serving.
What you need
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Ice cream (your choice)
How to cook and finish
- In a saucepan, combine water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and salt; bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in flour until smooth.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer dough to a piping bag and pipe 4 to 6-inch strips into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Remove churros, drain on paper towels, and roll in a mixture of 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon.
- Serve warm churros with your choice of ice cream.
Best ways to serve these churros and ice cream
Serve the churros warm with a scoop or two of your favorite ice cream. Chocolate, vanilla, dulce de leche, or cinnamon ice cream all work well. You can also add chocolate sauce, caramel, or fresh berries. If you want a full dessert spread, consider serving with a simple main like creamy smothered chicken and rice to turn the night into a full meal.
How to store leftover churros and ice cream
- Churros: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
- Ice cream: Keep ice cream in the freezer and use within its normal best-by time. If you combine churros and ice cream in a dish, eat right away so churros stay crunchy.
Useful tips for great churros and ice cream
- Dry the dough slightly: After you mix the flour into boiling water, stir well so the dough becomes smooth and holds together.
- Use a piping bag with a star tip for classic ridged churros.
- Keep the oil temperature steady at 375°F (190°C) so churros cook through and stay crisp.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry a few at a time.
- For a quick dessert party idea, pair fried churros with multiple ice cream flavors and toppings. For another hearty meal idea to serve before dessert, try this related recipe: creamy smothered chicken and rice.
Simple variations you can try
- Chocolate-dipped: Dip one end of cooled churros in melted chocolate.
- Filled churros: Pipe pastry cream, dulce de leche, or jam into the center after frying.
- Baked version: For a lighter result, you can pipe the dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 425°F until golden, though texture will differ from fried churros.
- Spice the coating: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cocoa to the cinnamon-sugar mix.
Approximate nutrition per serving
This is a rough estimate for one serving (2–3 small churros plus a scoop of ice cream):
- Calories: about 350–450 kcal
- Fat: 15–25 g
- Carbohydrates: 45–55 g
- Protein: 3–6 g
Actual values vary by portion size, ice cream choice, and frying oil.
Family-friendly serving ideas
- Make a churro bar: place several ice cream flavors and toppings (sprinkles, chocolate sauce, fruit) so everyone builds their own.
- Serve smaller churros for kids and add a small cup of dipping sauce.
- Turn it into a party activity: let guests roll warm churros in cinnamon sugar and pick their ice cream.
What pairs well with churros and ice cream
- Drinks: coffee, hot chocolate, or a sweet dessert wine.
- Sauces: chocolate ganache, warm caramel, or berry compote.
- Other desserts: fresh fruit or a light custard balances the richness.
Common questions and answers
Q: Can I make the churro dough ahead of time?
A: You can make the dough and keep it covered at room temperature for a short time, but frying is best within a few hours. The texture is best fresh.
Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Yes, you can bake piped churros at 425°F until golden. They will be lighter and less crisp than fried ones.
Q: What ice cream flavor goes best with churros?
A: Vanilla, cinnamon, dulce de leche, or chocolate all pair well. Pick your favorite or offer a few choices.
Q: How do I keep churros crispy after frying?
A: Drain on paper towels, roll quickly in cinnamon sugar, and serve immediately. Reheat in the oven to crisp them up again if needed.
Conclusion
If you want to try churros from a specialty shop, check out this local favorite: Santo Dulce Churros in Miami. For more churro-style treats and food ideas, see Churro Bros. If you’d like a homemade twist with churro flavors in ice cream, here’s a great recipe for Homemade Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream.
Crispy Churros with Ice Cream
Ingredients
Churro Dough
- 1 cup water For boiling.
- 2 tablespoons sugar For mixing into the dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Main ingredient for churros.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil For frying.
Coating
- 1/2 cup sugar For rolling churros.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon Add more for extra flavor.
Ice Cream
- 4 scoops ice cream Your choice of flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a saucepan, combine water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and salt; bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in flour until smooth.
Cooking
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer dough to a piping bag and pipe 4 to 6-inch strips into the hot oil.
- Fry until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Remove churros, drain on paper towels, and roll in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.
Serving
- Serve warm churros with your choice of ice cream.
