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Choosing the Best Flour, Oils, Sugars, and Cinnamon for Churros

Perfecting churros starts with choosing the right ingredients. The flour, oil, sugar, and cinnamon you use can dramatically affect the texture, flavour, and overall quality of your churros. Whether you want them light and crispy, rich and buttery, or extra fragrant, this guide will help you pick the best ingredients for making delicious churros every time!

Best Flour for Churros

Flour is the base of any churro recipe, and the type you choose affects the texture of your dough.

1. Plain (All-Purpose) Flour – The Classic Choice

• Most traditional churro recipes use plain flour.
• Creates a light, crisp exterior with a slightly chewy centre.
• Easy to work with and widely available.

2. Bread Flour – Extra Chewy Churros

• Higher protein content makes the dough more elastic.
• Produces a chewier texture – great if you like denser churros.

3. Gluten-Free Flour – A Lighter Alternative

• Works well if you have dietary restrictions.
• Choose a blend with rice flour or potato starch for a crisp result.

Best Oils for Frying Churros

Since churros are deep-fried, the oil you use is crucial to getting that perfect crunch.

1. Vegetable Oil – The Go-To Option

• Neutral flavour that lets the churros shine.
• High smoke point, making it ideal for deep frying.
• Affordable and widely available.

2. Sunflower Oil – Light & Crisp

• Similar to vegetable oil but with a slightly lighter taste.
• Works well for extra crispy churros.

3. Peanut Oil – Adds a Slight Nutty Flavour

• High smoke point and gives a subtle richness to the dough.

Best Sugars for Churros

Churros are best when rolled in sugar after frying. But which sugar works best?

1. Granulated Sugar – Classic & Crunchy

• Gives a satisfying crunch with every bite.
• The most common coating for traditional churros.

2. Caster Sugar – Finer Texture

• Creates a more even coating on the churros.
• Dissolves slightly for a lighter, less gritty finish.

3. Brown Sugar – Caramel Notes

• Adds a hint of rich caramel flavour.
• Works well with cinnamon sugar blends.

4. Powdered Sugar – Sweet Dusting

• Adds a sweet dusting effect.
• Provides a fine, fluffy topping.

Best Cinnamon for Churros

Cinnamon sugar is what gives churros their signature warmth and spice. But did you know different types of cinnamon can change the flavour?

1. Ceylon Cinnamon – Delicate & Sweet

• Also called “true cinnamon.”
• Offers a light, citrusy sweetness.
• Perfect for those who prefer a milder spice.

2. Cassia Cinnamon – Bold & Spicy

• The most common type of cinnamon.
• Stronger, more intense flavour – perfect if you love a deep, warm spice.

3. Vietnamese Cinnamon – Extra Potent (also known as Saigon cinnamon or Vietnamese cassia)

• Highly aromatic and slightly peppery.
• A great choice for intensely spiced churros.