Christmas Tree Churros with Cinnamon
Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Recipes
Delight in the festive spirit with these Christmas Tree Churros, perfectly spiced with cinnamon and shaped like holiday trees!
These Christmas Tree Churros with Cinnamon are a holiday twist on a classic treat. The fun tree shape, combined with the warm flavors of cinnamon and sugar, makes them an irresistible addition to your festive gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Festively shaped to bring holiday cheer
- Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside
- Deliciously spiced with cinnamon and sugar
The Joy of Festive Treats
Christmas is a time for celebration, and what better way to embrace the holiday spirit than with deliciously festive treats? These Christmas Tree Churros not only look delightful but also bring the warmth and joy of the season to your table. With their unique tree shape and sweet cinnamon flavor, they offer a whimsical touch that will impress your family and friends during holiday gatherings.
Making these churros is a fun activity to share with loved ones. Whether you’re baking with kids or hosting a holiday party, the process of shaping the dough into cheerful trees creates lasting memories. The excitement of frying and coating them in cinnamon sugar adds to the festive atmosphere, making it a delightful experience for everyone involved.
Perfect for Any Celebration
While these churros are perfect for Christmas, their delicious flavor and fun shape make them suitable for any festive occasion. Whether it's a birthday party, a school event, or a seasonal gathering, these sweet treats are bound to be a hit. You can even customize the colors of the icing or sprinkles to match the theme of your celebration, making them versatile and appealing to all ages.
These churros also make for a fantastic gift. Consider packaging them in a decorative box or jar, tied with a ribbon, to share the joy of your holiday baking. Homemade treats always carry a special touch, showing your loved ones that you care and appreciate them during this magical time of year.
Tips for Perfect Churros
To ensure your churros come out perfectly every time, make sure to heat the oil to the right temperature. If the oil is too hot, the churros will burn on the outside while remaining raw inside; too cool, and they will absorb too much oil and become greasy. A good thermometer can help you maintain the ideal frying temperature, ensuring a crispy exterior and soft interior.
When piping the churros, take your time to create even shapes. If you're not confident in your piping skills, practice on parchment paper before transferring the dough to the frying oil. Remember, the more consistent the shapes, the more uniform they will cook, leading to a beautiful presentation on your holiday table.
Ingredients
Churro Dough
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Gather all these ingredients for a delightful holiday treat!
Instructions
Prepare the Churro Dough
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Stir in the flour until a dough forms.
Shape the Churros
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe the dough into tree shapes onto parchment paper.
Fry the Churros
Heat oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C). Fry the churros until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. While the churros are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
Serve warm and enjoy the festive flavor!
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any churros left over—though unlikely—they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. However, for the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy them fresh. If you want to prepare them in advance, consider making the dough and shaping them, then fry them just before serving.
Reheating churros can sometimes result in a loss of their delightful crunch. To revive their crispiness, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method will help restore some of their original texture without making them soggy.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Tree Churros are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them with a variety of dips. Chocolate sauce, caramel, or a warm vanilla bean sauce make excellent accompaniments, adding an extra layer of flavor that your guests will love.
For a festive touch, consider garnishing the churros with colored sprinkles or edible glitter after coating them in cinnamon sugar. This not only enhances their appearance but also makes them even more appealing to children and adults alike, adding to the holiday magic.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I bake these churros instead of frying?
Baking is possible, but frying gives churros their traditional crispiness and texture.
→ How do I store leftover churros?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying.
→ What other flavors can I use?
Feel free to experiment with different spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist!
Christmas Tree Churros with Cinnamon
Delight in the festive spirit with these Christmas Tree Churros, perfectly spiced with cinnamon and shaped like holiday trees!
Created by: Anna
Recipe Type: Sweet Baking Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 churros
What You'll Need
Churro Dough
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
How-To Steps
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Stir in the flour until a dough forms. Let it cool slightly before adding the eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe the dough into tree shapes onto parchment paper.
Heat oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C). Fry the churros until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. While the churros are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 3g