Orange Churros is a variation of the traditional Spanish dessert, churros. Churros are a fried dough pastry often served with a hot cup of coffee or chocolate for dipping. Adding orange flavor to the dough gives these churros a unique and delicious taste. They are typically made by mixing orange zest into the churro dough and then shaping it into long, thin ropes before frying them until golden brown.
Some variations may include orange juice or orange blossom water in the dough. Overall, orange churros are a sweet and flavorful twist on a classic dessert that will surely be a hit with anyone who loves churros and citrus flavors.
Jump to:
- What are Orange churros?
- Brief highlight of our Orange churros recipe:
- Orange churros Ingredients
- Tools you'll need
- How to Make Orange Churros
- How to Make Spiced Hot Chocolate
- Substitutions
- Variations
- How to Serve
- How to Store & Re-Heat
- Make-Ahead
- How to Freeze
- Tips for Making The Best Orange Churros
- FAQ
- Related Recipes:
- 📋 Recipe
What are Orange churros?
Orange churros are a delightful twist on classic churros, infused with orange flavor in the dough or through a citrusy dipping sauce or glaze. It's a delicious variation that combines churros' crispy, fried goodness with a refreshing hint of orange.
Brief highlight of our Orange churros recipe:
- Taste: These orange churros are a delightful combination of crispy fried dough with a zesty orange twist. The spiced hot chocolate adds a rich, creamy, slightly spicy element that pairs perfectly with the sweet churros.
- Texture: The churros are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, while the sugar-cinnamon coating adds a delightful crunch. The hot chocolate is smooth and velvety, creating a satisfying contrast with the churros.
- Method: To make the orange churros, you'll create a smooth dough with water, milk, butter, and orange zest, then fry and coat them in a sugar-cinnamon mixture. The spiced hot chocolate combines cocoa, spices, sugar, and milk, resulting in a flavorful and comforting drink.
Orange churros Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
For the Orange Churros:
- Water: Provides moisture to create the churro dough.
- Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and flavor to the churro dough.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a buttery flavor to the dough.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough and balances the sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour: The main dry ingredient that forms the structure of the churros.
- Orange Zest: Adds a citrusy and aromatic flavor to the churros.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of vanilla.
- Canola Oil (or any neutral oil): Used for frying the churros, giving them a crispy texture.
For the Coating:
- Plain White Sugar: Coats the churros, adding sweetness and creating a crispy exterior.
- Ground Cinnamon: Provides a warm and spicy flavor to the churros.
For the Hot Chocolate:
- Whole Milk: The base of the hot chocolate provides creaminess and richness.
- Sugar: Sweetens the hot chocolate to taste.
- 100% Pure Cocoa: Adds a deep flavor of the hot chocolate.
- Bittersweet Chocolate: Enhances the chocolate flavor and contributes to the creaminess.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm and slightly spicy note to the hot chocolate.
- Ground Nutmeg: Adds a hint of nutty and spicy flavor.
- Whole Clove: Imparts a subtle, aromatic spice to the hot chocolate.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the hot chocolate with a touch of vanilla.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Orange Churros
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Mix ½ cup sugar with cinnamon on a small plate, and set aside. Line rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or a baking mat and, in a shallow dish, add the granulated sugar and Set aside. Combine water, milk, unsalted butter, sugar, and salt in a medium nonstick saucepan over medium heat. Cover and bring to a boil. Stir in the flour, mix vigorously with a wooden spoon until it forms a smooth dough, and pull away from the pan for 2 to 5 minutes. Next, stir in the orange zest and pure vanilla extract; continue mixing until no flour bits are left, and all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Spoon mixture into a churro maker or a large pastry bag fitted with a large star tip or a similar device for preparing orange churros.*(You must work fast and don’t let the dough get cool). Pipe the batter into 5-6 inches lengths about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets (the warmer the dough, the easier it is to manipulate when squeezing/pipping it). When the oil reaches 350° F, gently drop a few orange churros in the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crisp.
Once cooked, remove them from the oil and immediately place them in the sugar mixture bowl; roll each fried pastry dough to coat with the sugar mixture fully. Repeat frying 3 to 4 strips of dough at a time. (about 4 to 5 minutes) * Make sure you keep turning the orange churros so they can cook evenly.
How to Make Spiced Hot Chocolate
In a medium saucepan, heat 1¼ liter of the milk. Add the clove. Add the remaining ¼ liter of milk, cocoa, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar in a medium bowl, and whisk well until completely combined. Then pour the cocoa mixture into the saucepan and whisk until well incorporated; increase the heat to medium-low. Keep heating until the mixture reaches a light simmer, but don't bring it to a full-on boil. (Boiling milk changes its protein structure and gives it a different flavor).
Once everything is creamy and smooth, add the chopped chocolate and pure vanilla extract, stir to combine, and take the cocoa off the heat. Remove the clove and divide among mugs; top with marshmallows or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve hot alongside the hot spiced chocolate milk. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- Flour: If you don't have all-purpose flour, you can use a gluten-free flour blend or a mixture of equal parts of cornstarch and rice flour.
- Butter: If you don't have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, but you may need to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe. Alternatively, you can use a non-dairy butter substitute such as margarine or coconut oil.
- Orange zest: If you don't have fresh orange zest, use ½ teaspoon of orange extract or 1 tablespoon of orange juice concentrate.
- Vegetable oil: If you don't have vegetable oil, use any neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or sunflower oil.
- Sugar: If you don't have granulated sugar, you can use granulated sweeteners like coconut or maple.
- Cinnamon: If you don't have ground cinnamon, you can use ground nutmeg or ground cardamom for a different flavor.
Variations
- Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Serve the churros with a warm, rich chocolate sauce for dipping.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the churros for a sweet and sticky twist.
- Orange Glaze: Brush the churros with a glaze made from orange juice and powdered sugar for a brighter, citrus flavor.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Mix the sugar with cinnamon instead of a plain sugar coating for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Nutella Filling: Fill the churros with Nutella or another chocolate hazelnut spread before frying for a decadent treat.
- Fruit Toppings: For a fruity twist, top the churros with fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or bananas.
- Whipped Cream: Serve the churros with a dollop of whipped cream for a light and fluffy contrast to the crispy fried dough.
How to Serve
- With a cup of hot chocolate or coffee: The classic way to enjoy churros is to dip them into a cup of hot chocolate or coffee. The warm, rich liquid contrasts perfectly with the crispy, sweet churros.
- As a dessert: Serve the Orange Churros as a standalone dessert, topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce.
- With ice cream: Serve the churros on top of a scoop of vanilla or orange-flavored ice cream for a refreshing twist.
- At a party: Orange Churros are a fun and easy dessert to serve at parties, especially for large crowds. Set up a dipping station with various sauces and toppings and let guests customize their churros.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Allow them to cool completely to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. It's best to store them in a single layer to prevent sticking. If you need to stack them, place a layer of parchment or wax paper between the churros to prevent them from sticking together.
Keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Properly stored, orange churros can last up to 2 to 3 days. However, for the best taste and texture, it's recommended to enjoy them as soon as possible after frying.
To reheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the churros on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Bake in the preheated oven for about 5 to 7 minutes or until they are heated and crisp. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer to reheat them. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the churros inside for 2 to 3 minutes until they are warmed and crispy. Avoid using the microwave for reheating, as it can make the churros soggy. After reheating, you can roll the churros in cinnamon sugar again if desired, before serving.
Make-Ahead
To make orange churros, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The steps are to Make the churro dough according to your favorite recipe, adding orange zest or extract for flavor. Once the dough is mixed, transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Cover the piping bag with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until ready to fry.
When you're prepared to make the churros, heat a pot of oil to 375°F (190°C). Pipe the churro dough directly into the hot oil, cutting the dough into the desired length with scissors. Fry the churros until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the churros from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Once the churros have cooled, roll them in cinnamon sugar or drizzle them with melted chocolate or orange glaze. Serve the orange churros immediately while they are still warm and crispy. By preparing the churro dough in advance, you can save time when you're ready to fry them while still enjoying freshly made churros.
How to Freeze
Allow the orange churros to cool entirely after frying. Once cooled, place the churros in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they're not touching each other. Next, place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze the churros until they are completely firm (2-3 hours). Once frozen, transfer the orange churros to an airtight container or freezer bag, and seal it tightly, squeezing out as much air as possible. Label the container with the date and contents and return it to the freezer.
When you're ready to serve the churros, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw for 10-15 minutes at room temperature. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the churros on a baking sheet for 5-10 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy. Once reheated, roll the churros in cinnamon sugar or drizzle them with melted chocolate or orange glaze. Serve the orange churros immediately while they are still warm and crispy.
Note: freezing may affect the texture and taste of the churros, so they may not be as good as freshly made ones. However, freezing is a convenient way to make them ahead of time and enjoy them later.
Tips for Making The Best Orange Churros
- Use fresh oranges: For the best flavor, use freshly grated orange zest or freshly squeezed orange juice in your churro dough. Avoid bottled orange juice or pre-packaged orange zest, as they may taste slightly bitter.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing the dough can make the churros tough and dense. Mix the dough until the ingredients are combined and the dough is smooth.
- Let the dough rest: Letting the churro dough rest for 10-15 minutes before frying can help the dough become more elastic and easier to handle.
- Keep the oil temperature consistent: Maintaining a consistent oil temperature of 375°F (190°C) is key to getting crispy, golden-brown churros. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat as needed.
- Use a star tip: Piping the dough through a star tip will give the churros their classic ridged appearance. Use a large star tip for thick churros or a small one for thin, crispy ones.
- Roll the churros in cinnamon sugar: While still warm, roll the churros in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a classic, sweet coating. You can add a bit of orange zest to the sugar mixture for extra flavor.
- Add a glaze: For an extra pop of orange flavor, drizzle the churros with a glaze made from powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and a bit of orange zest.
FAQ
Can I use orange extract instead of orange zest to make orange churros?
You can use orange extract instead of orange zest to flavor your churro dough. However, remember that the flavor may not be as strong or fresh as using orange zest, so you may need more extract.
Can I make churros with gluten-free flour?
You can make churros with gluten-free flour, but you may need to adjust the recipe. Gluten-free flour absorbs more liquid than regular flour, so you may need to add more liquid to the dough. You may also need to adjust the frying time and temperature to get the right texture.
How do I make orange churros without a piping bag?
If you don't have a piping bag, use a plastic zip-top bag instead. Fill the bag with the churro dough and cut off one corner to create a small opening. Squeeze the dough out of the bag and into the hot oil.
Can I make orange churros ahead of time and reheat them later?
Yes, you can make orange churros ahead of time and reheat them later. See the previous answers for tips on how to store and reheat churros.
Can I make vegan orange churros?
You can make vegan orange churros using plant-based milk and vegan butter in the dough. You can also use vegetable oil to fry the churros. Just be sure to check the ingredients of any toppings or glazes to ensure they are vegan-friendly.
Can I make spiced hot chocolate without using sugar?
You can make spiced hot chocolate without sugar using a sugar substitute such as stevia, honey, or maple syrup. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the hot chocolate may be slightly different.
Related Recipes:
📋 Recipe
How to Make Orange Churros with Spiced Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
For the Orange Churros:
- 250 g water
- 250 g whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅛ tsp. Kosher Salt
- 350 g all-purpose flour , sifted
- Zest from 1 orange
- 15 ml 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- Canola Oil or any neutral oil , to fry
For the Coating:
- ½ cup plain white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Hot Chocolate:
- 1½ liter whole milk
- 100 g sugar , to taste
- 50 g 100% pure Cocoa
- 100 g bittersweet chocolate , chopped
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 whole clove
- 15 ml 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
For the Orange Churros:
- On a small plate, mix ½ cup sugar with cinnamon, and set aside. Line rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or a baking mat and, in a shallow dish, add the granulated sugar and Set aside.
- In a medium nonstick saucepan over medium heat, combine water, milk, unsalted butter, sugar, and salt. Cover and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the flour, mix vigorously with a wooden spoon until it forms a smooth dough, and pull away from the pan for about 2 to 5 minutes. Next, stir in the orange zest and pure vanilla extract; continue mixing until there are no flour bits left and all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Spoon mixture to a churro maker or a large pastry bag fitted with a large star tip or a similar device for preparing orange churros.*(You must work fast and don’t let the dough get cool).
- Pipe the batter into 5-6 inches lengths about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets (the warmer the dough, the easier it to manipulate when squeezing/pipping the dough).
- When the oil reaches 350° F, gently drop a few orange churros in the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crisp. Once cooked, remove them from the oil and immediately place them in the sugar mixture bowl; roll each fried pastry dough to coat with the sugar mixture fully.
- Repeat frying 3 to 4 strips of dough at a time. (about 4 to 5 minutes) * Make sure you keep turning the orange churros so they can cook evenly.
How to Make Spiced Hot Chocolate
- In a medium saucepan, heat 1¼ liter of the milk. Add the clove. In a medium bowl, add the remaining ¼ liter of milk, cocoa, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar, and whisk well until completely combined.
- Then pour the cocoa mixture into the saucepan and whisk until well incorporated; increase the heat to medium-low.
- Keep heating until the mixture reaches a light simmer, but don't bring it to a full-on boil. (Boiling milk changes its protein structure and gives it a different flavor).
- Once everything is creamy and smooth, add the chopped chocolate and pure vanilla extract, stir to combine, and take the cocoa off the heat. Remove the clove and divide among mugs, top with marshmallows or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve hot alongside the hot spiced chocolate milk. Enjoy!
Notes
- With a cup of hot chocolate or coffee: The classic way to enjoy churros is to dip them into a cup of hot chocolate or coffee. The warm, rich liquid contrasts perfectly with the crispy, sweet churros.
- As a dessert: Serve the Orange Churros as a standalone dessert, topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce.
- With ice cream: Serve the churros on top of a scoop of vanilla or orange-flavored ice cream for a refreshing twist.
- At a party: Orange Churros are a fun and easy dessert to serve at parties, especially for large crowds. Set up a dipping station with various sauces and toppings and let guests customize their churros.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
