Churro Waffles – Crispy, Sweet, and Cinnamon-Sugar Perfect

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The first time I had a churro waffle, it wasn’t at a trendy café—it was at a county fair, where cinnamon sugar clung to my fingers and every bite felt like a warm hug. I remember turning to my friend and saying, “This is what waffles were meant to be.” Ever since, churro waffles have become a weekend ritual in my kitchen—crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and coated in that unmistakable cinnamon-sugar shell.

It’s a recipe born from joyful fusion: the nostalgic street-snack flavor of churros wrapped into the golden grid of a waffle. If you’re someone who loves a treat that’s equal parts cozy and fun, these churro waffles are for you.

The Sweet Waffle That Took Me Back to the Fair

I grew up savoring both homemade waffles and cinnamon-sugar toast—but combining the two? That was a game-changer. The first time I made churro waffles at home, I used my standard batter and added a touch more vanilla and butter. After pulling them off the waffle iron, I brushed them with melted butter and dipped them into a cinnamon-sugar mix. One bite, and I was instantly transported.

Now I make them for Sunday brunch, often with something fresh and fruity on the side like fruit salsa and cinnamon chips or serve them as part of a full breakfast & brunch table with coffee and tropical custard toast.

What Makes Churro Waffles So Irresistible?

It’s that golden crunch. The sweet aroma. The warm spice of cinnamon paired with a buttery bite. Churro waffles hit every craving note—crispy, soft, sweet, and comforting. And best of all? They’re quick to make, easy to freeze, and perfect for both kids and grown-up palates.

Ingredients & Prep Tips

Making churro waffles at home is simpler than you think—and the payoff is huge. The right batter and coating technique give you that crisp exterior, soft center, and perfectly sweet shell that defines this dish.

What You Need for Perfect Churro Batter

You don’t need special ingredients to get that churro flavor—just a few pantry staples and one essential trick: brushing the waffles with butter and coating them after baking.

Churro waffle batter basics:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1¼ cups milk (or plant-based alt)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup melted butter (plus more for brushing)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For coating:

• ½ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

This simple mix gives you a light, fluffy waffle with just enough structure to hold up to the buttery, cinnamon sugar coating. It’s similar in vibe to the golden finish on cottage cheese ice cream—that balance of richness and texture makes all the difference.

Tips for That Signature Cinnamon Sugar Crunch

The key is not to add cinnamon sugar into the batter—it’ll burn in the waffle iron. Instead, brush the cooked waffles with melted butter, then dip or sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm. This method mimics the exact feel of a churro coating.

Want something fresh on the side? These waffles pair beautifully with fruit salsa and cinnamon chips—the tartness balances out the sweetness and adds color to your plate.

Step-by-Step Instructions

These churro waffles come together in just 15 minutes—and deliver that nostalgic, crispy-sweet satisfaction every time. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, dessert, or a late-night treat, these steps make it foolproof.

Batter to Iron: Let the Magic Happen

Step 1: Make the batter.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, combine milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour the wet into the dry and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—your waffles will stay fluffier this way.

Step 2: Preheat your waffle iron.
Set your waffle iron to medium-high heat. Lightly grease with oil or butter. This helps you get that crisp finish that defines homemade churro waffles.

Step 3: Cook the waffles.
Scoop the batter onto the iron and close. Cook for 3–5 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Resist the urge to peek too early—they need time to set and develop that lovely texture.

Sugar Coating & Toppings to Try

Step 4: Coat in cinnamon sugar.
While still warm, brush each waffle with melted butter. In a shallow bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon, then dip or sprinkle the mixture evenly over each waffle. Do this quickly so it sticks properly.

Step 5: Serve and top.
Top with whipped cream, a scoop of cottage cheese ice cream, or drizzle with maple syrup. For brunch spreads, serve with tropical custard toast or even something savory like pickle in a blanket for contrast.

Your kitchen will smell like a cinnamon-sugar dream—and everyone will think you spent way more time than you did.

Variations & Pairings

One of the best things about churro waffles is how easy they are to customize. Whether you’re making them for a themed brunch, kids’ sleepover, or just need a sweet pick-me-up, you’ve got options.

Chaffles, Mickey Waffles & Fun Brunch Twists

If you’re a fan of quirky breakfasts, you’ve probably heard of chaffles—waffles made with cheese and egg. While they’re low-carb and savory, churro waffles are their sweet, fluffy cousin. Both work in a brunch spread, but churro waffles win the comfort-food crown.

Want to replicate that theme-park vibe? Try mini waffles in a Mickey-shaped waffle iron. While you can’t always find churro Mickey waffles in stores, this homemade version tastes even better—especially warm, fresh, and coated in cinnamon sugar.

To change things up:

• Use whole wheat flour for extra texture
• Add a dash of orange zest or nutmeg to the batter
• Fold in mini chocolate chips for a dessert version
• Top with caramel or dulce de leche for serious indulgence

These ideas work just as well in a spread that includes key lime pie overnight oats or creamy overnight weetabix for contrast.

What to Serve with Churro Waffles

Churro waffles are bold, so you want to pair them with something light, tart, or protein-packed. Here’s what I love:

• Tangy fruit like berries, kiwi, or pineapple
• Greek yogurt with honey and chopped nuts
• A side of fruit salsa and cinnamon chips
• Fresh coffee or tahini iced coffee to balance sweetness
• For something quirky and salty, try pickle in a blanket on the side—it’s weirdly perfect

You can also cut the waffles into strips and serve as dunkers for a yogurt dip or chocolate sauce at brunch parties. However you plate them, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.

FAQs About Churro Waffles

Conclusion

Churro waffles bring a little magic to your kitchen—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and wrapped in warm cinnamon sugar. They’re fun, fast, and totally crowd-pleasing. Whether you serve them solo or as part of a full brunch, they’ll steal the show.

Pair them with fruit salsa, overnight oats, or even a dollop of cottage cheese ice cream for a twist. However you top them, one thing’s for sure—there won’t be leftovers.

Want more recipes inspiration and to connect with like-minded home cooks? Join our vibrant Facebook group, Today’s Recipe, Tomorrow’s Favorite, and share your best brunch creations!

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