Baked Gluten-Free Churros Recipe

Who says you have to give up on crispy, cinnamon-sugar-dusted churros when eating gluten-free? I’m a firm believer that dietary restrictions should never mean missing out on life’s sweetest moments, especially when they involve warm, fluffy pastries. This baked gluten-free churros recipe is my solution for a guilty pleasure that feels anything but guilty. It’s the perfect project for a fun weekend baking session with the kids or for when you’re craving a taste of the fair without the deep fryer. The best part? Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible. Let’s create some magic together.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Baked Gluten-Free Churros

Seriously, what’s not to love? These churros are a total game-changer.

• No Frying Required: That’s right! We’re baking these to golden perfection, making them a lighter option that’s way less messy.
• Surprisingly Simple: If you can boil water and stir, you’re more than halfway there. It’s a simple process that feels fancy.
• 100% Gluten-Free Goodness: Made with a trusty 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, these churros are safe for those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.
• Customizable Fun: Dip them in chocolate, caramel, or enjoy them just as they are. They’re your churros, your rules.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Let’s keep things simple. You probably have most of this in your pantry already! The key is using a good quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. If your blend doesn’t have it, you’ll need to add about 1/2 teaspoon.

Print

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill)
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Essential Equipment

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this! Just a few basics:

• A medium saucepan
• A sturdy wooden spoon
• A piping bag fitted with a large open-star tip (like a 1M tip)
• A large baking sheet lined with parchment paper

How to Make Baked Gluten-Free Churros: A Step-by-Step Guide

Don’t be intimidated by the piping bag—I promise it’s easier than it looks and so much fun!

Step 1: Create the Dough

In your saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and quickly add the gluten-free flour all at once. Stir vigorously with your wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan. This should take about a minute. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for about 5-7 minutes. You don’t want to scramble the eggs in the next step!

Step 2: Incorporate the Eggs

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract. The dough will be thick and sticky, which is exactly what we want for perfect baked gluten-free churros.

Step 3: Pipe and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon the dough into your prepared piping bag. Pipe 4-5 inch strips onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Use scissors or a knife to snip the dough from the tip. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Try not to open the oven door too early, as this can cause them to deflate!

Step 4: The Cinnamon Sugar Shower

While the churros bake, mix the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. As soon as the churros come out of the oven, gently roll each one in the cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm. This helps the coating stick beautifully.

Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Churros Ever

A few lessons from my kitchen to yours to guarantee success:

• Room Temperature Eggs are Key: This helps them incorporate smoothly into the warm dough without cooking. If you forgot, just place the cold eggs in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes.
• Don’t Under-Bake: We’re going for a crisp exterior. If they seem a little soft, give them another minute or two in the oven.
• Serve Immediately: Churros are truly best eaten the day they are made, especially when they’re still slightly warm. They tend to lose their crispness over time.

Delicious Ways to Serve Your Churros

This is the best part! While they are fantastic on their own, turning them into a dessert spectacle is always a good idea. I love serving them with a side of rich homemade chocolate sauce for dipping. For a real showstopper, set up a churro bar with different dips like dulce de leche, strawberry sauce, or even a creamy vanilla bean sauce. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the churro dough ahead of time?

You can! Prepare the dough and pipe it onto the baking sheet. Instead of baking, cover the sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the fridge, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

How should I store leftover baked gluten-free churros?

Store any leftover churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Be aware that they will soften. To re-crisp them, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes.

Can I freeze these churros?

Absolutely. Once baked and cooled completely (but before coating in sugar), freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, then roll in the cinnamon sugar.

My dough was too runny to pipe. What happened?

This usually means the dough wasn’t cooked long enough in the saucepan. Make sure you stir until it forms a cohesive ball that pulls away from the sides. Different gluten-free flour blends can also absorb liquid differently, so you might need to add an extra tablespoon of flour if your dough seems too wet.

Nutrition Information

Approximate values per churro (recipe makes about 12): Calories: 150, Fat: 8g, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 2g. (Disclaimer: This is an auto-generated estimate. For precise dietary needs, consult a nutrition calculator with your specific brands.)

There you have it—a foolproof path to delicious, crispy baked gluten-free churros that will satisfy your sweet tooth without any of the fuss of frying. This recipe is a testament to the fact that with a little creativity, you never have to miss out. I’d love to hear how your churro-making adventure goes! If you’re looking for another fantastic gluten-free treat, you have to try these gluten-free lemon bars. Now, go forth and bake up some joy!