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Baked Churros
If you’re craving that warm, comforting, sugary crunch of a fairground treat but don’t want the mess or the fuss of deep frying, you’ve absolutely landed in the right spot! My name is Anna Kowalska, and here I share tried-and-true homemade recipes that you and your family will love. Everything I post is made with heart and flavor, aiming to bring a little joy into your kitchen without demanding hours of your time.
Sometimes, you just need that instant gratification—that sweet, cinnamon-laced reward without all the heavy oil afterward. That’s exactly why I developed this method for **Baked Churros**. Forget complicated doughs; we are using a super simple hack here that gets you that crispy exterior and soft middle in about 20 minutes flat. Trust me, the rich chocolate sauce we whip up alongside these makes them taste like they came straight from a professional kitchen, but they’re ready before you can even decide what movie to watch!
Why You’ll Love These Easy Baked Churros
Seriously, these are my go-to when a craving hits hard but my energy levels are low. We skip all the messy, dangerous deep-frying steps, but somehow, we keep all the flavor. That’s the magic of baking them! You get that perfect cinnamon-sugar coating that just melts in your mouth.
- They bake up golden and crisp in under 10 minutes.
- The ingredient list is ridiculously short—you probably have most of it right now!
- The decadent chocolate sauce has a tiny secret ingredient that makes it pop.
- These **Baked Churros** deliver maximum dessert impact for minimum effort.
Quick Preparation and Simple Ingredients
If you’re looking for a recipe that doesn’t require specialty flours or hours of kneading, this is it. We rely on refrigerated crescent rolls, which are the ultimate time-saver. This keeps the prep time under fifteen minutes, meaning you’re just minutes away from enjoying delicious **Baked Churros**. We’ll dive into the specifics of the chocolate sauce ingredients soon, but trust me, even that part is straightforward!
Essential Ingredients for Your Baked Churros
Okay, let’s talk about what you actually need to make these happen. The beauty of this recipe is that it relies on pantry staples and one easy shortcut. I’ve listed everything below, and I really want you to stick to the measurements, especially for the sauce components, because that little bit of cayenne makes all the difference!
| Component | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated Crescent Dinner Rolls | 1 can (8 oz) | The base dough for the churros |
| Granulated Sugar | 2 tablespoons | For the coating mixture |
| Ground Cinnamon (for coating) | 1 teaspoon | The classic churro flavor |
| Melted Butter | 2 tablespoons | To help the coating stick and add richness |
| Dark Chocolate Chips | ½ cup | The foundation of the dipping sauce |
| Ground Cinnamon (for sauce) | 1 teaspoon | Extra spice boost in the chocolate |
| Cayenne Pepper | ¼ teaspoon | The secret warmth—don’t skip this! |
| Heavy Cream | ¼ cup | To melt the chocolate into a smooth ganache |
Ingredient Specifications and Clarity
When you grab your crescent rolls, make sure they are the standard refrigerated kind, not the flaky layers that come pre-cut. We need those seams so we can press them together for a sturdy base before twisting. For the chocolate, I specify dark chocolate chips because their slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the sugar coating beautifully. If you only have semi-sweet, that works too! And please, use actual heavy cream for the sauce; milk won’t give you that rich, thick texture we’re aiming for.
Equipment Needed for Perfect Baked Churros
You don’t need a deep fryer, which is great news! But you do need a few basics to get the shape right and ensure they bake evenly. A good, sharp pizza cutter or knife is essential for clean cuts, and a silicone spatula makes mixing that chocolate sauce so much easier. Also, make sure you have a sturdy whisk on hand for the final sauce mixing!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Churros
This is where the magic happens, and honestly, it’s so fast you’ll be shocked. Don’t stress about perfection here; we’re aiming for rustic and delicious! Remember, the oven needs to be ready before the dough is cut, so let’s get that heat going right away.
Preparing the Dough and Cinnamon Sugar Coating
First things first, we need to get that oven preheated to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this is non-negotiable, trust me, it saves cleanup later! While the oven warms up, make your coating. In a small bowl, mix your 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until they are totally blended. Set that cinnamon-sugar mixture aside; it’s waiting for the warm churros!
Next, gently unroll your can of crescent dough onto a lightly floured surface. You’ll see the perforations separating the triangles. Carefully separate the dough into four equal rectangles, and then press those perforations together firmly to seal them up. We want one solid piece, not four separate triangles!
Assembling and Baking Your Baked Churros
Now, take your melted butter and lightly brush the top of each of those four rectangles. Sprinkle half of your prepared cinnamon-sugar mix over the buttered tops. Then, take the remaining two rectangles and place them directly on top of the first two, butter-side-up. You have essentially stacked them, sandwiching the sugar in the middle! Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, slice this stack into four long strips. You should end up with eight total strips from the whole can.
This next step gives our **Baked Churros** their signature look: take each strip and gently twist it a few times. Don’t pull too hard! Lay them out on your prepared baking sheet, giving them a little space to breathe. Pop them into that 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. You are looking for that beautiful golden-brown color that signals crispness.
Finishing Touches and Making the Chocolate Sauce
As soon as they come out—and I mean right away—brush the tops of the hot churros with any remaining melted butter and immediately sprinkle them with the rest of that glorious cinnamon-sugar mixture. The butter helps it cling perfectly! Now for the sauce! Place your dark chocolate chips, the extra teaspoon of cinnamon, and that tiny pinch of cayenne pepper into a medium bowl.
Heat your heavy cream until it’s steaming hot but not boiling violently. Pour that hot cream right over the chocolate and spices. Let it sit undisturbed for two full minutes; this lets the heat work its magic on the chocolate. Then, grab your whisk and stir gently from the center outwards until everything is smooth, glossy, and utterly irresistible. Serve these warm **Baked Churros** immediately with that rich, slightly spicy chocolate sauce!
Tips for Achieving Expertly Baked Churros
Baking is usually much easier than frying, but we still run into little snags sometimes! Don’t let a small hiccup ruin your dessert night. I learned these tricks the hard way over many, many batches when I was perfecting the timing on these things. The goal here is maximum crispness without burning that lovely sugar coating.
The most common issue people run into is having churros that look done but are actually a little soft inside. If you pull them out and they seem floppy, just pop them back in for another minute or two. Sometimes the oven temperature varies, so watching for that deep golden edge is your best bet! Baking techniques can sometimes be tricky!
Troubleshooting Common Baked Churros Issues
If your churros come out too soft and floppy—meaning they didn’t get that essential crunch—it usually means they needed another minute or two in the heat. Next time, aim for a slightly deeper color! If you find that the cinnamon sugar coating isn’t sticking well after they come out of the oven, it’s almost always because you waited too long to apply it. You must brush them with the second round of melted butter immediately after they leave the oven.
The butter acts like glue! If your sauce separated and looks oily instead of smooth and glossy, don’t toss it! Just reheat the cream slightly and whisk it back into the chocolate mixture very slowly. Usually, a splash of warm milk or even a tiny bit more chocolate chip helps bring that emulsion back together perfectly. Don’t panic; almost every baking problem has a quick fix!
Serving Suggestions for Your Baked Churros
These **Baked Churros** are fantastic all on their own, especially when dipped into that warm, slightly spicy chocolate sauce. But if you’re serving these up for a family gathering or just want to make it feel like a real celebration dessert, I have a few ideas that keep them vegetarian-friendly and absolutely delicious.
Since we already have that rich chocolate going on, sometimes a little contrast is perfect. Try serving them alongside vanilla bean ice cream—the cold creaminess against the warm, crispy churro is just heavenly. If you want fruit, a small dish of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries adds a lovely tartness that cuts right through the sugar.
For a lighter touch, skip the ice cream and offer a bowl of plain Greek yogurt mixed with a tiny bit of honey. It’s a simple, clean pairing that lets the cinnamon sugar flavor really shine through on your **Baked Churros**.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Baked Churros
Even though these **Baked Churros** are almost impossible to leave uneaten, life happens! If you manage to have leftovers, don’t just toss them in the fridge uncovered; they’ll go soft fast. You need an airtight container to keep the moisture out. They actually taste pretty good at room temperature the next day, but if you want that fresh-from-the-oven crispness, reheating is the way to go.
You want to avoid the microwave, as that just makes them chewy. A quick trip back to a warm oven is your best friend for restoring that crunch. Here’s a quick guide for saving them for later:
| Storage Method | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Airtight Container (Room Temp) | Up to 3 days | Convenience and flavor preservation |
| Freezing (Flash Frozen First) | Up to 1 month | Long-term storage |
To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and pop them into a 300°F oven for about 4 to 5 minutes. That little bit of dry heat crisps them right back up!
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Churros
I get so many questions once people realize how easy these treats are! It’s natural to wonder about substitutions, especially when you’re trying to make something special happen fast. I’ve gathered the most common ones right here so you can whip up your batch of **Baked Churros** with total confidence. Don’t hesitate to experiment once you master the basic technique!
Can I make these Baked Churros without crescent rolls?
That’s a great question, and the short answer is yes, but it requires more work! The beauty of this recipe is the convenience of the pre-made dough. If you really can’t use crescent rolls, you’d need to make a true choux pastry dough, which is a bit more involved. For the *baked* method to work easily, you need something sturdy that holds its shape when twisted. If you skip the rolls, you’re moving away from the “easy dessert” promise, but a homemade choux base baked until crisp would technically work! Choux pastry is a classic base for many desserts.
How do I adjust the spice level in the chocolate sauce?
The cayenne pepper is my little secret weapon for depth, but I know not everyone likes that subtle heat! If you want zero spice, just leave it out completely. If you love a real kick, feel free to double it to a half-teaspoon. You can even swap that cayenne for a tiny pinch of ground chipotle powder for a smokier flavor. Taste the sauce before you serve it, remember, you can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away once it’s blended in!
What is the total time required to make these Baked Churros?
This is my favorite part! These **Baked Churros** are built for speed. You only need about 10 minutes of prep time to unroll the dough, twist the strips, and get the sugar ready. The cooking time is just 8 to 10 minutes in the oven. So, realistically, when you start, you can be dipping your warm churros into chocolate sauce in under 20 minutes total. It’s the fastest dessert win you’ll ever have! If you need other quick ideas, check out my quick and easy recipes collection.
Estimated Nutritional Data for Baked Churros
I always like to give you a ballpark idea of what you’re digging into, but please remember that because we’re using a canned product and variable chocolate, these numbers are just my best guess per serving. Don’t stress too much about the exact count when you’re enjoying a treat!
| Nutrient | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 126 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Protein | 1g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on the ingredients listed and serving size.
Print
Amazing 20-Minute Baked Churros Secrets
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Baked Churros with Chocolate Sauce. Crispy baked churros coated in cinnamon sugar, served with a rich chocolate dipping sauce. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for sauce)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment or silicone liner.
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for the coating and set aside.
- Unroll crescent dough on a floured surface and separate into 4 rectangles, pressing perforations to seal.
- Brush each rectangle with melted butter. Sprinkle 2 rectangles with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then top with the remaining rectangles, butter side up.
- Cut each rectangle stack into 4 strips using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Twist each strip and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake churros for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Brush baked churros with remaining melted butter and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- To make the chocolate sauce, place chocolate chips in a medium bowl with cinnamon and cayenne pepper.
- Heat heavy cream until steaming, then pour over chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes.
- Whisk until smooth and serve immediately with warm churros.
Notes
- Churros are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days or briefly reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 126
- Sugar: Unknown
- Sodium: Unknown
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: Unknown
- Unsaturated Fat: Unknown
- Trans Fat: Unknown
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: Unknown
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: Unknown



