Pumpkin Spice Churros bring a fall-inspired twist to the beloved fried dessert. These crispy, golden churros are infused with warm pumpkin spice flavors and dusted with cinnamon sugar for the ultimate seasonal indulgence. Perfect for autumn gatherings, dessert cravings, or cozy evenings at home, these churros pair wonderfully with a sweet caramel or chocolate dipping sauce.

1. Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Churros

For the Churros:

Water – 1 cup
Unsalted Butter – 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons)
Granulated Sugar – 1 tablespoon
Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
All-Purpose Flour – 1 cup
Eggs – 2 large
Pumpkin Pie Spice – 1 teaspoon

For the Coating:

Granulated Sugar – 1/2 cup
Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
Pumpkin Pie Spice – 1/2 teaspoon

For Frying:

Vegetable Oil – 3–4 cups (enough for frying)

2. Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Spice Churros

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Heat until the butter is melted and the mixture starts to simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and add the flour and pumpkin pie spice all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 1–2 minutes).
Remove from heat and let the dough cool for 5–7 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Eggs

Once the dough has cooled slightly, add the eggs one at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition. The dough will look lumpy at first but will smooth out as you mix.
Transfer the dough to a large piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip.

3. Fry the Churros

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Pipe 4–6-inch strips of dough directly into the hot oil, using scissors to cut the dough at the tip.
Fry the churros in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove the churros with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Coat the Churros

In a shallow dish, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice for the coating.
Roll the warm churros in the spiced sugar mixture until fully coated.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the churros on a serving platter and pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as caramel, chocolate, or even pumpkin spice glaze.
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

6. Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Churros

6.1 Use Fresh Oil for Frying

Fresh oil ensures your churros are crisp and don’t absorb off flavors.

6.2 Let the Dough Cool Before Adding Eggs

If the dough is too hot, the eggs may scramble. Let it cool slightly to achieve a smooth texture.

6.3 Monitor Oil Temperature

Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F. Too hot, and the churros will burn; too cool, and they’ll become greasy.

6.4 Serve Immediately

Churros are best enjoyed fresh, while they’re warm and crispy.

7. Flavor Variations

7.1 Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Churros

Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolaty twist.

7.2 Filled Pumpkin Spice Churros

Pipe cooled churros with cream cheese frosting or pumpkin spice filling for a decadent treat.

7.3 Maple Pumpkin Churros

Serve with a maple syrup glaze or drizzle for a fall-inspired flavor.

7.4 Spicy Pumpkin Spice Churros

Add a pinch of cayenne to the sugar coating for a sweet and spicy kick.

8. Serving Suggestions

Pumpkin Spice Churros are delicious on their own or with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are a few ideas:

Caramel Sauce: The rich, buttery flavor pairs perfectly with the spiced churros.
Chocolate Sauce: A classic pairing that’s always a hit.
Pumpkin Spice Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a pinch of pumpkin spice for a festive drizzle.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream balances the richness of the churros.

10. FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the piping bag in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before frying.

2. Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, pipe the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until golden.

3. Can I use premade pumpkin spice mix?

Absolutely! Premade pumpkin spice mix works perfectly in this recipe.

4. What oil is best for frying?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are ideal for frying churros.

5. Can I freeze cooked churros?

Yes, freeze cooked churros in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until crisp.

6. Can I use a different piping tip?

A star-shaped tip is traditional, but any large piping tip will work.

7. How do I keep churros warm for a party?

Place them in a 200°F oven to keep warm until serving.

8. What if I don’t have a piping bag?

Use a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off or form the dough by hand.

9. Can I make these gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to replace the all-purpose flour.

10. How do I make the sugar coating stick better?

Roll the churros in the sugar coating while they’re still warm.

Pumpkin Spice Churros are the ultimate fall dessert, combining crispy fried dough with warm seasonal spices. Perfect for entertaining or treating yourself, these churros will bring joy and flavor to every bite. Enjoy!