Pumpkin Churros Recipe: The Perfect Fall Treat

Fall is officially here, and what better way to celebrate than with these amazing Pumpkin Churros! Soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and rolled in sweet cinnamon sugar, these pumpkin churros are the ultimate seasonal treat. Pair them with a cinnamon pumpkin cream cheese dip for an indulgent experience that tastes just like fall. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is as simple as it is delicious.

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Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Churros

These pumpkin churros combine the classic crispiness of traditional churros with a rich, pumpkin-infused dough that’s fragrant with fall spices. They’re:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Perfectly Seasonal: With pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice, these churros are a fall favorite.
• Irresistibly Delicious: Each bite is coated in cinnamon sugar and made for dipping in creamy, pumpkin-spiced cheese dip.

Serve them for dessert, a cozy weekend treat, or even a unique addition to a holiday brunch. And if you’re craving other seasonal flavors, try these Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars for another perfect fall dessert!

Ingredients for Pumpkin Churros

For the Pumpkin Churros:

• 1 cup water
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 quart oil for frying (peanut, canola, or vegetable)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2-3 tablespoons pumpkin purée (to taste)

Necessary Tools for Making Pumpkin Churros

To make these churros effortlessly, gather:

• A deep fryer or deep skillet
• Candy thermometer to keep the oil at the perfect temperature
• Piping bag with a closed star tip for authentic churro shapes
• Stand mixer or hand mixer for a smooth cream cheese dip
• Paper towels for draining the churros after frying

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Churros

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Dip: In a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and pumpkin purée until smooth. Set the dip aside while you make the churros.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, mix ½ cup granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Set this aside for coating the churros later.
3. Mix the Churro Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the water, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Add in the flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to fold the ingredients together until well combined.
4. Prepare for Frying: Transfer the churro dough to a piping bag fitted with a closed star tip. Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 375°F, monitoring with a candy thermometer to ensure consistent temperature.
5. Pipe and Fry the Churros: Pipe 4-inch strips of dough directly into the hot oil, frying 3-4 strips at a time. Cook each churro for about 2 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain and Coat: Remove the churros from the oil, allowing them to drain on a paper towel-lined plate for about 1 minute. While still warm, toss each churro in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pumpkin churros hot with the prepared cream cheese dip on the side. You could also offer salted caramel sauce for an extra-special treat!

What to Serve with Pumpkin Churros

These pumpkin churros pair well with other fall-inspired dishes for a complete autumn menu. For a perfect side dish, try Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese, or add a bit of freshness with this Green Beans Gremolata. These additions bring a balanced variety of textures and flavors to your table!

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Churros

• Keep an Eye on Oil Temperature: Use a candy thermometer to maintain a steady 375°F, which keeps the churros crispy without absorbing too much oil.
• Use a Closed Star Tip: This specific tip creates the perfect ridges for holding onto more cinnamon sugar coating.
• Drain Well: Draining the churros briefly on paper towels before tossing in cinnamon sugar ensures a lighter coating without too much oiliness.
• Serve Immediately: Churros are best enjoyed hot and fresh for that signature crisp exterior and soft inside.

Storage Instructions

Churros are best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. The cream cheese dip can be stored in a separate container in the fridge for up to four days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make the churro dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough up to a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. When ready, transfer to a piping bag and fry as usual.

What can I use instead of a piping bag?
A plastic storage bag with one corner snipped off works in a pinch! However, the classic ridged shape comes from a star tip, so a piping bag is recommended for that authentic look.

Can I bake the churros instead of frying?
Baking will alter the texture but is possible. Pipe the churros onto a lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, until golden and crisp.

Can I freeze churros?
Yes, freeze them before rolling in the cinnamon sugar. Reheat directly from the freezer in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, then coat in cinnamon sugar while warm.

Conclusion

These pumpkin churros are a delightful twist on a classic treat, bringing cozy fall flavors to a crispy, warm dessert that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re enjoying them with family or serving them at a holiday gathering, these churros will be a hit! For more seasonal dessert ideas, don’t miss our Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars!

Ready to try these pumpkin churros? Don’t forget to share your creations with us on Pinterest, and leave a review letting us know how you enjoyed them!

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