Name: Baked Cinnamon Sugar Churros with 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 (for steam in 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· 4.1 from 36 reviews

If you are craving a dessert that brings the fun and flavor of a classic carnival treat right to your kitchen, this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Churros with Chocolate and Coconut Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine golden, crisp-on-the-outside yet soft-on-the-inside churros, rolled in fragrant cinnamon sugar, and paired with luscious melted white chocolate and the tropical crunch of desiccated coconut. Unlike traditional fried versions, these churros are baked to perfection, making them a lighter, more approachable way to indulge that same beloved flavor. Whether you’re serving them for a crowd or a cozy night in, this recipe promises a deliciously dreamy experience you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven clear glass containers arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. The largest container on the top left holds a light yellow liquid. Below it is a smaller container with white granulated sugar. To the right of the sugar container is another small container with a clear liquid, and beside that is a tiny container with a white powder, likely salt. On the top right is a medium-sized container filled with clear water. Below it, in the center, is a tiny container of a reddish powder, possibly a spice. On the bottom right, a medium container holds white flour, lightly textured. All containers are transparent, showing the ingredients clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward churro magic, and the great news is you likely have most of these pantry staples on hand. Each component plays a vital role from delivering the perfect golden crust to the soft, rich interior, and the final dazzling touches that bring it all together.

230 ml cold water: The base liquid that hydrates the dough and controls its texture perfectly.
120 g unsalted butter: Adds buttery richness and helps create a tender crumb inside the churros.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavor beautifully.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Provides a warm, inviting aroma and depth of flavor to the dough.
2 tbsp soft brown sugar: Introduces subtle caramel notes that complement the cinnamon sugar coating.
160 g plain (all-purpose) flour: The structural backbone of the churros, giving them their shape and chew.
3 medium eggs: The secret to that soft, moist interior texture that melts in your mouth.
240 ml boiling water: Used during baking to create steam for perfectly soft interiors and crispy outsides.
200 g white caster sugar: Forms the sweet, fine grain coating for rolling the churros.
2 tsp ground cinnamon: The spice that defines churros with its warm, earthy glow.
3 tbsp melted butter: For brushing on freshly baked churros, helping the cinnamon sugar stick and adding richness.
200 g white chocolate: Perfectly sweet and creamy for dipping and drizzling.
5 heaped tbsp dessicated/shredded coconut: Adds a wonderful tropical texture and flavor to complement the chocolate.

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

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

Start by preheating your oven to 200C (400F) with a fan setting. Line two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Cook the Dough Base

Combine the cold water, butter, salt, vanilla, and brown sugar in a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer for a couple of minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved, then reduce the heat to low to prepare for the flour addition.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour

Stir in the flour vigorously using a wooden spoon. Watch closely as the dough vanishes from the sides and forms a smooth, cohesive ball. This stage is crucial for developing the perfect texture.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

Remove the pan from heat, then add the eggs one at a time, stirring gently after each addition. The dough will become silky and somewhat glossy—avoid overmixing to keep that tender crumb you’re aiming for.

Step 5: Pipe the Churros

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip like Wilton #1M. Pipe straight lines about 8 to 10 cm long onto your prepared baking trays. Be sure to leave some space between each churro because they puff up slightly while baking.

Step 6: Add Steam to the Oven

Place a separate shallow tray filled with 1 cup of boiling water on the bottom rack of your oven. This steam traps moisture that enhances the churros’ softness inside while letting the outside crisp nicely.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake your churros for 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown color. The aroma at this stage will be irresistible!

Step 8: Prepare the Chocolate and Coconut

While the churros bake, melt the white chocolate carefully using a bain-marie or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Place your shredded coconut in a small serving dish.

Step 9: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar

Combine the caster sugar and ground cinnamon on a large plate. This simple yet essential coating will give your churros their classic irresistible flavor.

Step 10: Finish the Churros

Remove the churros from the oven and brush each one with melted butter. Then, roll them immediately in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated and glistening with sweetness.

Step 11: Serve with Chocolate and Coconut

Serve the warm churros alongside bowls of melted white chocolate and shredded coconut for dipping and sprinkling, bringing an extra dimension of flavor and texture to every mouthful.

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

A pile of golden brown churros is stacked with their ridged texture visible, coated in a fine layer of cinnamon sugar giving a slightly rough, grainy look. The churros rest on crinkled white parchment paper scattered with extra cinnamon sugar. Behind the pile, there is a small white bowl filled with creamy light yellow dipping sauce and a few stacked blocks of pale yellow chocolate in the blurred background. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar on top just before serving adds a fresh burst of sweetness and keeps your presentation inviting. Toasted coconut flakes also work beautifully, enhancing the toasty flavor and offering a little crunch.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines as a stand-alone dessert, but if you want to build a fun spread, consider serving it with a fruity salsa, like mango chili or strawberry, to contrast the sweet richness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs perfectly, creating a delightful warm-cold contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your churros in a circular pattern on a large tray with small bowls of melted chocolate and coconut at the center for a communal feel. Alternatively, sprinkle the coconut over drizzled chocolate on a dessert platter for an elegant touch that feels both festive and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any churros left after the initial enthusiasm, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them from getting soggy, include a paper towel in the container to absorb any moisture.

Freezing

Churros freeze well! Lay them out on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to one month without compromising taste or texture, perfect for prepping ahead for your next craving.

Reheating

To revive your baked churros, warm them in a preheated oven at 180C (350F) for 5 to 7 minutes until they regain crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy and less enjoyable. Re-crisping your churros restores their delicious texture beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Absolutely! Dark or milk chocolate makes a fantastic alternative and gives a richer, less sweet contrast to the cinnamon sugar coating. Feel free to use whichever chocolate you prefer—or even try a mix for variety.

Is it necessary to use a piping bag with a star tip?

While the star tip gives churros their classic ridged texture, you can use any large piping tip or even a ziplock bag with a corner cut off if needed. Just note that the ridges help hold the cinnamon sugar, enhancing flavor and crispness.

Why do I add boiling water to the oven?

Placing boiling water in the oven creates steam, which keeps the churros soft and moist inside while the outside crisps up. Without this step, you risk ending up with dryer churros lacking that tender contrast.

Can I make these churros dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use a dairy-free chocolate for dipping. You won’t lose much in flavor, and they’ll still be a tasty treat.

How long do the churros keep their best texture?

Freshly baked churros are at their best immediately or within a few hours. Stored properly, they stay enjoyable for up to two days, but after reheating, you’ll get the closest experience to fresh out of the oven.

Final Thoughts

I’m genuinely excited for you to try this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Churros with Chocolate and Coconut Recipe because it brings such a joyous mix of flavors and textures with less fuss than frying. They’re perfect for sharing, and their golden, cinnamon-scented crunch paired with creamy chocolate and coconut feels like a little celebration with every bite. You’re going to love the ease and the smiles this dessert inspires—go ahead and treat yourself!