Luna Grace June 3, 2026

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our Disclosure for details.

Sourdough Churros Recipe

Name: Sourdough Churros
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 1/2 cup water (120g); 6 tablespoons butter (85g); 2 tablespoons sugar (27g); 1/4 teaspoon salt (2g); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (70g); 1/2 cup sourdough discard (140g); 2-3 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (3g); 6 cups neutral frying oil; 1/2 cup sugar (105g); 2 teaspoons cinnamon (4g); 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 cup chopped chocolate

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Sourdough churros are the perfect treat for any occasion, offering a delightful combination of crispy texture and soft interior. Imagine a warm, golden-brown churro dusted with cinnamon sugar, served fresh from the fryer, while rich chocolate sauce awaits for dipping. These churros are not only delicious but also an excellent way to utilize your sourdough discard, transforming it into something extraordinary. They’re perfect for gatherings, cozy family nights, or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee. You may also find 4 Ingredients For Natural Mounjaro Recipe useful.

Reasons to Love Sourdough Churros Recipe

This sourdough churros recipe stands out for several reasons:

Unique Flavor: The sourdough adds a subtle tang that perfectly complements the sweetness of the churros.
Crispy Again: With the right technique, you’ll achieve a wonderfully crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.
Quick and Fun to Make: Frying churros is an enjoyable cooking process, making it a fun activity for friends and family.
Versatile Serving Options: They can be served as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast, paired with various dips.

These churros provide an engaging way to elevate your cooking skills while indulging in a beloved treat.

Gather These Ingredients

To craft these delicious sourdough churros, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. Each plays a significant role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

1/2 cup water (120g)
6 tablespoons butter (85g)
2 tablespoons sugar (27g)
1/4 teaspoon salt (2g)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (70g)
1/2 cup sourdough discard (140g)
2-3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (3g)
6 cups neutral frying oil
1/2 cup sugar (105g)
2 teaspoons cinnamon (4g)
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup chopped chocolate

Depending on your preferences, you might consider using natural alternatives for the chocolate or sugar. Experimenting with flavors can also make for a unique delight.

Step by Step

Making sourdough churros is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Follow these steps carefully to ensure perfect churros:

In a medium saucepan, add 1/2 cup water, 6 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Heat to medium-high and bring to a small rolling boil, stirring occasionally.
Once all of the butter has melted, take the pot off the heat, then immediately add 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup sourdough discard to the wet ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated (about 30-60 seconds). Return the pot to the heat and continue to stir the dough until a smooth ball forms (about 30-60 seconds).
Remove the dough from the heat and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes.
While the dough cools, prepare the cinnamon-sugar mixture by combining 1/2 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Set it aside.
Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix one egg at a time into the dough at medium speed, stopping to scrape the sides to ensure everything is incorporated. You may only need to add 2 of the 3 eggs for the right consistency. The dough is ready when it is smooth, glossy, and slowly falls from the mixer.
Pipe the dough into a pastry bag with a large tip and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours but up to 24 hours.
After at least 2 hours, heat 6 cups of neutral frying oil in a large pot on high heat until it reaches 370 degrees F.
Once the oil is hot, pipe about 4-inch logs into the hot oil, then cut them with kitchen scissors. Fry about 3-4 churros at a time until each side is golden brown (about a minute for each side).
Remove the fried churros from the hot oil and place them on paper towels. Quickly toss each churro in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Serve warm either alone or with a luscious chocolate sauce. For the chocolate sauce, chop 1 cup of chocolate and place it in a small bowl. Warm 1/2 cup of heavy cream in a small saucepan or microwave, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for about a minute, then stir until smooth.

Prep ~ 30 minutes, Cook ~ 15 minutes, Total ~ 45 minutes, Servings ~ 12 churros, Kcal ~ 250 per churro (estimate).

Prepare in Advance

You can prep the dough ahead of time and keep it stored in the refrigerator for a hassle-free cooking experience later. Once piped into the pastry bag, the churro dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to pipe them into the hot oil when you are ready to fry, ensuring they stay fresh and delicious.

How to Store Leftovers

If you find yourself with any leftover churros, they can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. For longer preservation, freeze them for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, gently reheat them in the oven or an air fryer until warmed through and crispy.

Ideal Pairings

Sourdough churros are versatile and pair wonderfully with various accompaniments:

Rich chocolate sauce for dipping
Fresh berries or berry compote
Vanilla or caramel sauce
Whipped cream for a light touch
Ice cream for an indulgent dessert

Flavor Twists and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your churros. Here are a few variations to try:

Add different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for a unique flavor twist.
Replace half the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder for a chocolatey version.
Infuse the churro dough with citrus zest for a refreshing twist.
Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt after dipping in cinnamon-sugar for a sweet-and-salty concoction.
Alternatively, swap out the sugar in the coating with coconut sugar for a slightly healthier option.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

For the best results, keep these tips in mind:

Ensure the oil temperature is accurate before frying to achieve optimum crispness; a candy thermometer is handy.
Don’t overcrowd the pot while frying; this can lower the oil temperature and lead to greasy churros.
Give the churros a moment to cool on paper towels to remove any excess oil before coating in cinnamon-sugar.

Your Questions Answered

Can I use whole wheat flour?
- Whole wheat flour can change the texture slightly, but you can substitute it in equal amounts for a healthier option.
What should I do if the dough seems too thick?
- If the dough feels too heavy, you can add a bit of warm water or an additional egg to achieve the desired consistency.
Can I make churros ahead of time and freeze them?
- Yes! Fry them, let them cool completely, then freeze. You can heat them directly from the freezer.
Is there a gluten-free option available?
- You could try a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might differ from traditional churros.
Do churros need to be served immediately?
- They are best when fresh, but if you make them in advance, store them properly and reheat gently for enjoyment.

Wrapping Up

Sourdough churros are a delightful snack that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Their unique flavor profile and crispy texture make them irresistible, especially when served with chocolate sauce for dipping. This recipe not only utilizes sourdough discard but also provides an engaging cooking experience. Gather your ingredients, and give this wonderful treat a try soon! For those looking for more creative uses for sourdough in their cooking, check out related recipes like these delicious options for great inspiration.