Churro Waffles with Cinnamon Sugar

Oh my goodness, I still remember the first time I tasted churro waffles at this little diner in San Diego – it was like someone took everything wonderful about warm, sugary churros and married it to the crispy-yet-fluffy magic of perfect waffles. I came home that morning and immediately started experimenting in my kitchen because I just had to recreate that heavenly combination.

What makes these so special? Imagine golden waffles with that signature crisp exterior giving way to a tender inside, all coated in that irresistible cinnamon-sugar mixture that forms little crackly pockets of sweetness. The best part? They work for literally any occasion – lazy Sunday breakfast when you’re feeling fancy, or as a showstopping dessert with chocolate sauce for dipping. My kids go absolutely wild when they smell these cooking in the morning, and honestly, so do I!

Why You’ll Love These Churro Waffles

Listen, these aren’t just any waffles – they’re a total game-changer. Let me tell you why they’ve become my family’s obsession:

• That perfect crunch-meets-fluff texture: The waffle iron creates those glorious crispy edges while keeping the centers soft and pillowy – just like your favorite churro stand!
• Ready in under 25 minutes: From mixing bowl to plate faster than you can say “¡delicioso!” (Perfect for those mornings when hunger strikes hard.)
• Kid-approved magic: My picky eater actually begs for these. The cinnamon-sugar coating makes them feel like dessert for breakfast.
• Endless topping possibilities: Dip ’em in chocolate, pile on fruit, or go classic with whipped cream – they’re basically a blank canvas for your sweet tooth.

Trust me, once you try these, regular waffles will seem downright boring.

Ingredients for Churro Waffles

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! The magic here is in the simple ingredients – nothing fancy, just pantry staples transformed into something extraordinary. I like to separate everything into dry and wet ingredients because it makes the mixing process so much smoother (plus it’s how my abuela taught me). Here’s what you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled – no packing!)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar (just enough to sweeten the batter)
• 1 tbsp baking powder (this gives our waffles that perfect lift)
• 1/2 tsp salt (trust me, it balances the sweetness beautifully)

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups milk (whole milk makes them extra rich, but any works)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter if you’re feeling indulgent)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature blends better)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (the good stuff – it makes a difference!)

For the Churro Coating:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for that signature crunch)
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (don’t skimp – this is the star!)

How to Make Churro Waffles

Alright, let’s get cooking! I promise this process is easier than it looks – just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be biting into crispy, cinnamon-sugar heaven before you know it.

Mixing the Batter

First things first – preheat that waffle iron! I like mine at medium-high (about 375°F if yours has temperature settings). While it’s heating, grab your biggest mixing bowl and whisk together all the dry ingredients – flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure they’re well combined.

In another bowl (or I sometimes use my trusty 4-cup measuring cup), whisk together the milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Now here’s the key – pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. I mean it – stop stirring when you stop seeing dry flour! A few lumps are totally fine; overmixing makes tough waffles, and we want that perfect tender crumb.

Cooking the Waffles

Lightly grease your waffle iron (even if it’s nonstick – better safe than sorry!). Pour about 1/2 cup batter into the center – it’ll spread as you close the lid. Now listen for the sizzle – that’s the sound of magic happening!

Cooking time varies by waffle iron, but mine usually takes 3-4 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when steam stops pouring out and the waffles are golden brown with crisp edges. Don’t peek too early – let them get that perfect crust! Transfer to a wire rack immediately so they stay crisp while you cook the rest.

Coating with Cinnamon Sugar

Here’s where the churro magic happens! While the waffles are still warm (but not scorching hot), brush both sides generously with melted butter. Mix your cinnamon and sugar in a shallow dish – I like to use a pie plate for easy dipping.

Now press each buttered waffle into the cinnamon sugar, flipping to coat both sides. The warmth helps the coating stick beautifully. For extra decadence, I sometimes sprinkle more cinnamon sugar right on top – because why not? Serve immediately while they’re still crisp and warm. Oh, and fair warning – these disappear FAST!

Tips for Perfect Churro Waffles

After making these dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), I’ve picked up some tricks that take them from good to “oh-my-gosh-give-me-the-whole-stack” amazing:

• Wire rack is your best friend: Never let finished waffles sit on a plate – they’ll steam and lose that perfect crispness. A wire rack keeps air circulating underneath.
• Double the cinnamon sugar: I always make extra because someone (usually me) ends up sneaking spoonfuls. More coating means more crunch!
• Serve IMMEDIATELY: These are at their absolute best straight from the waffle iron when the sugar coating is still crackly.
• Undercook slightly if making ahead: They’ll crisp up perfectly when reheated in the toaster later.

Oh! And keep napkins handy – these beauties are gloriously messy!

Serving Suggestions for Churro Waffles

Oh, the possibilities! These waffles shine brightest when served piping hot with fun accompaniments. My absolute favorite way? Drizzled with warm chocolate sauce (I microwave Nutella with a splash of milk for instant bliss). For brunch, pile them high with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream – the tart fruit cuts through the sweetness perfectly. Kids love ’em with caramel dipping sauce, while adults go wild when I add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Honestly? They’re incredible straight off the waffle iron too – no toppings needed!

Storing and Reheating Churro Waffles

Okay, let’s be real – leftovers rarely happen with these waffles in my house! But if you somehow have extras, here’s how to keep them tasting fresh: Store cooled waffles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them between parchment paper – they’ll keep for a month. When reheating, skip the microwave (it makes them soggy) and pop them straight in the toaster or oven until crispy again. They’ll taste nearly as good as fresh!

Churro Waffles Variations

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, let’s get creative! My favorite twist? Adding 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for chocolate churro waffles – they’re incredible with marshmallow fluff. For a caramel twist, swap half the cinnamon sugar with brown sugar. Feeling tropical? Try coconut sugar in the coating and top with toasted coconut flakes. And oh! Drizzling warm dulce de leche over the top? Absolute heaven. The possibilities are endless!

Nutritional Information for Churro Waffles

Just so you know, these numbers are estimates – actual values depend on your specific ingredients and how generous you are with that cinnamon sugar coating! Per waffle: about 420 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated), 50g carbs (2g fiber), and 7g protein. Not exactly health food, but oh-so-worth-it for special treats!

Frequently Asked Questions

I get asked about these churro waffles ALL the time – here are the most common questions that pop up:

Can I make the batter ahead?
Absolutely! Mix everything except the baking powder the night before (just cover and refrigerate). In the morning, stir in the baking powder right before cooking – this keeps those waffles nice and fluffy.

Is there a gluten-free version?
You bet! I’ve had great success swapping the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Just add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum if your mix doesn’t include it – helps with texture.

Why did my waffles stick to the iron?
First – make sure your iron’s properly heated before adding batter. Second, don’t skimp on greasing! I brush mine with oil between every batch. Also, resist opening too soon – let them release naturally.

Can I use pancake mix?
Sure can! Use 2 cups dry mix and skip the baking powder/sugar/salt. Just add the wet ingredients and cinnamon sugar coating as usual.

How do I keep them crisp for a crowd?
Pop finished waffles on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven until serving. The low heat keeps them warm without softening that perfect crunch!

Ready to Make Churro Waffles?

What are you waiting for? Grab that waffle iron and get cooking – I can practically smell the cinnamon sugar already! Trust me, once you taste that first crispy, golden bite, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for plain waffles. Don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me when you make them – I love seeing your churro waffle masterpieces!

Print