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A stack of golden brown vanilla bean churros on a white plate, dusted with white powdered sugar

Vanilla Bean Churros

This variation infuses the classic churro with the rich and luxurious flavor of pure vanilla bean for a subtle yet decadent treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Mexican, Spanish
Servings 15
Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Medium saucepan
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • 1 Large pastry bag fitted with a large star tip
  • 1 Deep fryer or large pot
  • 1 Tongs or slotted spoon
  • 1 Paper towel-lined plate
  • 1 Shallow dish for cinnamon-sugar mixture (optional)
  • 1 Small, sharp knife

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Cup Water
  • 1/4 Cup Unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 Tbsp Granulated sugar
  • 1/4 Tsp Salt
  • 1 Cup All-purpose flour
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 1 vanilla bean pod
  • Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
  • 1/2 Cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 Tsp Ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Infuse the Dough: In a saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla bean pod (split lengthwise and seeds scraped out). Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
  • Add Flour: Reduce heat to low. Immediately add flour and stir vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a ball.
  • Incorporate Egg: Remove pan from heat. Transfer dough to a large bowl and let cool for 5 minutes. Discard vanilla bean pod. Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
  • Heat Oil: Fill a deep fryer or large pot with 2 inches of oil. Heat to 360°F (180°C). Use a candy thermometer for accuracy.
  • Pipe and Fry: Transfer dough to the pastry bag. Pipe 4-5 inch ropes of dough directly into the hot oil. Use a knife or scissors to cut the dough. Fry in batches until golden brown, flipping once.
  • Drain and Coat (Optional): Remove churros with tongs or a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. If desired, immediately roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Notes

Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of dulce de leche.
Storage Guidance: Best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day.
Recipe Notes:
  • Pure Vanilla: Use a high-quality vanilla bean pod for the best flavor.
  • Vanilla Alternatives: If vanilla bean is unavailable, substitute with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract added to the dough with the egg.
  • Skip the Cinnamon: Allow the vanilla flavor to shine by skipping the cinnamon-sugar coating.
Please Note: Ingredient costs and calorie counts can fluctuate. These are intended as general guides.
Keyword Churro, Churros recipe, Vanilla bean churro, vanilla bean churro recipe, vanilla churro, vanilla churros