Christmas Tree Churros with Cinnamon
Highlighted under: Sweet Bakes
Delight your holiday gatherings with these festive Christmas Tree Churros, a delicious twist on the classic treat, topped with a warm cinnamon sugar coating.
These Christmas Tree Churros are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Shaped like festive trees and coated in cinnamon sugar, they bring holiday cheer to any dessert table. Perfect for dipping in chocolate or caramel sauce, these churros will become a new holiday tradition!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Festively shaped to bring joy to your holiday celebrations
- Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside
- A delightful mix of cinnamon and sugar for the perfect sweet treat
The Magic of Churros
Churros are a beloved treat that have captured the hearts of many, and during the holiday season, they take on a special charm. The crispy exterior, combined with a soft and fluffy interior, creates a delightful contrast that makes each bite irresistible. When shaped like Christmas trees, these churros become a festive addition to any holiday spread, not just in taste but in presentation as well.
The history of churros dates back centuries, with origins believed to stem from Spain. Traditionally enjoyed with chocolate sauce, this sweet treat has evolved into various forms and flavors around the world. By adding a cinnamon sugar coating, we elevate the flavor profile, making it a perfect match for the warm, cozy vibes of Christmas.
Perfect for Celebrations
These Christmas Tree Churros are not just a dessert; they are an experience. Their unique shape and warm spices contribute to the festive atmosphere of holiday gatherings, making them a hit among both kids and adults. Whether you're hosting a Christmas party or enjoying a cozy family night, these churros are sure to spark joy and create lasting memories.
Serving these churros alongside hot chocolate or spiced cider can enhance the holiday spirit even further. Imagine dipping a freshly fried churro into a warm chocolate sauce while surrounded by loved ones, sharing laughter and stories. This is the essence of holiday celebrations—bringing people together through delicious food.
Tips for the Perfect Churros
To ensure your churros turn out perfectly, maintain the oil temperature at 375°F (190°C). If the oil is too hot, the churros will burn on the outside while remaining raw inside; too cold, and they will absorb excess oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer for accurate readings and adjust the heat as needed.
Additionally, when piping the churros, don't worry about achieving perfection. The rustic shapes add to their charm, and the festive tree design will delight everyone. If you don’t have a star tip, a round one will work too. Just remember, the key is to have fun with the process and enjoy the delicious results!
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Churros
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Oil for frying
For the Cinnamon Sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start cooking!
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in flour until a dough forms.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract until smooth.
Heat the Oil
In a large pot, heat oil to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
Pipe the Churros
Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe churros in the shape of Christmas trees onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Fry the Churros
Carefully place churros in hot oil, frying until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
In a shallow bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Roll warm churros in the mixture to coat.
Serve warm and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!
Storage and Reheating
If you have any leftover churros, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. While they are best enjoyed fresh, you can still savor their deliciousness later. For an easy reheating method, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Avoid refrigerating churros, as this can make them soggy. If you want to prepare them ahead of time, consider frying them right before serving. This way, you can enjoy that delightful crunch and warm center that makes churros so special.
Variations to Try
While the cinnamon sugar coating is a classic that everyone loves, feel free to experiment with different flavors. Try adding cocoa powder to the sugar for a chocolatey twist or even a dash of nutmeg for an extra holiday spice. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the churros for an indulgent touch.
For those looking for a healthier option, consider baking the churros instead of frying them. Although they won’t have the same crispy texture, they can still be delicious. Just pipe the dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Christmas Tree Churros with a variety of dipping sauces to create a fun dessert table. Classic chocolate sauce, creamy caramel, or even a spiced apple dip can complement the flavors beautifully. This not only enhances the experience but also caters to different taste preferences.
For an added touch of festivity, garnish your serving platter with edible glitter or powdered sugar snow to create a winter wonderland effect. Your guests will be impressed by the presentation as much as they are by the taste, making your holiday gathering truly memorable.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the churros ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a day. Fry them just before serving.
→ What can I serve with churros?
Churros pair perfectly with chocolate sauce, caramel, or even a warm fruit compote.
→ Can I freeze churros?
Yes, you can freeze cooked churros. Just make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container.
→ What is the best way to reheat churros?
To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Christmas Tree Churros with Cinnamon
Delight your holiday gatherings with these festive Christmas Tree Churros, a delicious twist on the classic treat, topped with a warm cinnamon sugar coating.
Created by: Anna
Recipe Type: Sweet Bakes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 churros
What You'll Need
For the Churros
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Oil for frying
For the Cinnamon Sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How-To Steps
In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in flour until a dough forms. Let cool for 5 minutes.
Mix in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract until smooth.
In a large pot, heat oil to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe churros in the shape of Christmas trees onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Carefully place churros in hot oil, frying until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
In a shallow bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Roll warm churros in the mixture to coat.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 33g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 3g