Churro chips take me back to the little moments that made me fall in love with desserts.
I remember standing in my kitchen, craving something sweet but simple. Just a pita, a bit of oil, cinnamon, and sugar—that’s all it took. One bite later, I was smiling, reminded of fairs, family, and comfort. It wasn’t fancy, but it felt special. Like so many of my favorite desserts, it stirred something deeper than just a sweet tooth.
Now, I make churro chips when I want a fast, cozy treat that brings joy without the fuss. And I can’t wait to show you how.
Table of Contents
What Are Churro Chips?
A Fun Twist on a Classic Favorite
Churro chips are crisp, golden triangles made from pita or tortilla bread, either fried or baked, then generously dusted with cinnamon sugar. They capture all the cozy flavor of classic churros—minus the fuss of dough-making or deep-frying mess.
Why You’ll Fall in Love
Quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and built from simple pantry ingredients, churro chips are the perfect fix for sudden sweet cravings. Serve them as a snack, dip them in chocolate, or pile on your favorite toppings—they’re as versatile as they are irresistible.
PrintChurro Chips Recipe: The Easiest, Crispiest Sweet Snack You’ll Love
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Description
You won’t believe how fast these come together—just 5 minutes and you’ll have a batch ready to serve up to 8 people. These crispy, golden chips are fried to perfection and generously coated in cinnamon sugar for a totally addictive sweet snack. Want a lighter option? Check the Notes section for baked churro chip instructions!
Ingredients
- 2 Pita bread pockets or tortillas or another thin flatbread of your choice
- Extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup granulated white sugar, more to your liking
- 2 to 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon, more to your liking
Instructions
1. Split the pita into single layers:
Lay each pita flat on a cutting board and carefully slice through the seam with a sharp knife to separate it into two thin rounds. (If you’re using tortillas or single-layer flatbread, you can skip this step.)
2. Cut into triangles:
Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, slice each round into 8 even triangles.
3. Fry until golden and crispy:
Heat about ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add a few triangles at a time—don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry until one side is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side for just a few more seconds. The process should take less than a minute per batch.
4. Drain excess oil:
Transfer the fried chips to a paper towel–lined plate to drain and crisp up slightly.
5. Add cinnamon sugar:
While the chips are still hot, sprinkle generously with a mix of sugar and ground cinnamon. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For Baked Churro Chips:
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Start by following the first step as usual, then lightly brush both sides of the pita or tortilla with extra virgin olive oil. Cut into 8 triangles and arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Once out of the oven, dust with cinnamon sugar while still warm, and enjoy!
Serving Ideas:
Churro chips are perfect on their own, but even better with dips like caramel sauce, melted chocolate, or honey-sweetened Greek yogurt. For a fun twist, serve with vanilla ice cream or turn them into churro “nachos” by adding fruity toppings and a drizzle of syrup.
Storing Leftovers:
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. Store in a cool, dry spot like your pantry or countertop.
- Prep Time: 2 Min
- Cook Time: 3 Min
- Cuisine: SPANISH
Nutrition
- Calories: 67.5 kcal
- Sugar: 6.3g
- Sodium: 75.3 mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.03g
- Carbohydrates: 15.6g
- Fiber: 1.4g
- Protein: 1.4g
Keywords: Churro chips
What Are Churro Chips Made From?
Simple Ingredients, Maximum Flavor
You don’t need a pantry full of fancy ingredients to make churro chips. That’s what makes them so lovable. At their core, they’re made from:
- Pita bread or flour tortillas (or any thin flatbread you have)
- Olive oil (or any other light oil for frying or brushing)
- Cinnamon
- Sugar
That’s it. No fancy equipment, no complicated steps—just a handful of simple ingredients that come together in minutes to make something crispy, warm, and irresistibly delicious.
Pita vs. Tortilla: What Works Best?
Both pita and tortilla work beautifully, but here’s the difference:
Bread Type | Texture After Cooking | Best Use |
---|---|---|
Pita Bread | Slightly thicker, heartier crunch | Great for dipping or stacking with toppings |
Flour Tortillas | Light, ultra-crispy finish | Perfect for quick snacks or lighter bites |
Personally, I reach for pita because it’s what I always have on hand. Plus, it gives the chips just enough substance to hold up under dips or ice cream.
How to Make Fried Churro Chips at Home
Quick & Crispy: Frying Made Simple
If you have 5 minutes, you have enough time to whip up some fried churro chips. This is my go-to method when I want something fast and extra crispy. Here’s how I do it:
- Prep the Pita:
- Split your pita into two flat rounds.
- Cut each round into 8 triangles with a sharp knife or kitchen scissors.
- Heat the Oil:
- Pour approximately ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil into a medium skillet.
- Heat over medium-high until shimmering.
- Fry the Chips:
- Add a few triangles at a time, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
- Fry until one side turns golden brown, then flip and cook for just a few more seconds.
- Each batch takes less than a minute.
- Drain and Dust:
- Place fried chips on a paper towel-lined plate.
- While still hot, generously sprinkle with a cinnamon and sugar blend.
That’s it! Warm, crispy, and completely addictive.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chips
- Use medium heat—too hot, and they’ll burn fast.
- Season while hot—so the cinnamon sugar sticks beautifully.
- Cook in small batches to ensure even cooking and maintain crispiness.
Fried churro chips are at their best when served fresh, warm, and with lightly crisped edges.
How to Make Baked Churro Chips (Oven Version)
A Lighter Way to Enjoy it
If you’re craving churro chips but want something a little lighter, baking is your best friend. It skips the oil splatter but still delivers that crispy, cinnamon-sugar goodness.
Here’s how to make baked churro chips in under 10 minutes:
- Prep Your Bread:
- Cut pita or tortillas into triangles, just like you would for frying.
- You can split pita into flat rounds for extra crispness.
- Oil and Arrange:
- Brush both sides of each triangle with extra virgin olive oil.
- Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet—don’t overlap.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F.
- Flip the chips halfway through baking (around 3–5 minutes in).
- Total bake time: 5 to 10 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
- Dust and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Let cool just enough to eat—they crisp up even more as they cool.
Method | Benefits | Texture |
---|---|---|
Frying | Fast, super crispy | Extra crunchy, slightly oily |
Baking | Lighter, no mess | Crispy with a toasted flavor |
If you’re serving a crowd or want to make a bigger batch with less oil, baking is the way to go. It’s also easier to multitask while the chips are in the oven.
Flavor Variations for Churro Chips
Take Your Churro Chips to the Next Level
Cinnamon and sugar may be the classic combo, but they are a blank canvas for dessert lovers. Whether you want to add a punch of flavor, a touch of indulgence, or something playful for guests—these ideas will spark your creativity.
Fun Add-Ins for the Cinnamon Sugar
Want to spice things up? Try mixing these into your cinnamon-sugar blend before dusting:
- Vanilla sugar – adds a soft, creamy sweetness
- Cocoa powder – gives your chips a chocolatey twist
- Pumpkin spice – cozy fall flavor in every bite
- Nutmeg or cardamom – for a warm, aromatic upgrade
Mix and match based on the season or your mood!
Sweet Dips to Pair With
One of the best things about churro chips is how well they dip. Here are a few favorites to try:
Dip | Flavor Profile | Perfect For |
---|---|---|
Caramel sauce | Buttery & rich | Classic churro feel |
Melted chocolate | Deep & decadent | Chocolate lovers |
Greek yogurt + honey | Tangy & sweet | Light, creamy contrast |
Flavored tahini (vanilla or chocolate) | Nutty & smooth | Gourmet-style snack |
Fun Ways to Top Them
Want a show-stopping dessert? Use churro chips as the base for “dessert nachos”:
- Pile on chopped strawberries or bananas
- Drizzle with chocolate tahini or melted Nutella
- Add a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
- Sprinkle with crushed nuts or mini marshmallows
Suddenly, your humble 5-minute snack becomes a party-worthy dish.
Best Ways to Serve Churro Chips
Simple or Dressed Up—Always Delicious
One of the best things about it is how versatile they are. You can enjoy them straight from the pan, dip them into something rich and creamy, or even turn them into a plated dessert that wows.
Serve Them Fresh with a Sweet Dip
Freshly made churro chips are warm, crisp, and sugary—basically made to be dipped. Serve them with:
- Caramel sauce for a traditional churro vibe
- Chocolate ganache for an indulgent treat
- Vanilla yogurt sweetened with honey for a lighter option
- Berry compote or jam for fruity flavor
Build a Dessert Nacho Board
Turn your chips into a stunning, shareable snack. On a large platter:
- Layer your churro chips like nachos
- Drizzle with chocolate or vanilla tahini
- Add fruit like sliced bananas, strawberries, or berries
- Top with whipped cream or mini scoops of ice cream
- Sprinkle chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut flakes
This is a fun way to serve dessert at parties, especially when you want something interactive and easy to assemble.
Add Ice Cream for Instant Dessert Magic
Another no-fuss favorite? Toss some churro chips into a bowl and top with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- A light dusting of cinnamon sugar
- A drizzle of chocolate or caramel
The contrast of warm chips and cold ice cream is unbeatable—and you didn’t even turn on the oven.
How to Store Churro Chips for Freshness
Best Storage Methods for Crispy Results
Churro chips are at their absolute best right after cooking—warm, crisp, and coated in cinnamon sugar. But if you’ve got leftovers (or made a big batch), proper storage is key to keeping that satisfying crunch.
Here’s how to do it:
- Let them cool completely before storing. Trapping steam makes chips soggy.
- Use an airtight container or Ziploc bag to prevent moisture from getting in.
- Keep them at room temperature, on the counter or in a pantry.
- Keep them out of the fridge, as the moisture can make the chips go soft.
Stored this way, your churro chips will stay crisp and tasty for about 2 days.
Quick Re-Crisping Tip
If your chips lose their crunch after a day or two:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F
- Lay the chips out in a single, even layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 3–5 minutes to bring the crisp back
- Let cool for 1–2 minutes before serving
Just be careful not to burn the sugar!
Are Churro Chips Healthier Than Traditional Churros?
A Lighter Take on a Classic Favorite
Classic churros are undeniably delicious, but they’re also deep-fried dough tubes—rich, heavy, and made from batter. Churro chips, on the other hand, offer a lighter, simpler alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Here’s why churro chips can be a healthier pick:
- No batter required — you’re using pre-made pita or tortillas
- Lighter oil use — especially when baking or lightly brushing before frying
- Fewer calories — thin flatbread crisps up without soaking up as much oil
- Lower sugar — you control how much cinnamon sugar goes on top
Whether you fry or bake them, churro chips let you enjoy that familiar cinnamon-sugar flavor in a much more manageable portion.
Method | Calories (approx.) | Fat | Sugar | Texture |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fried Churro Chips | ~68 per serving | Higher (due to oil) | Medium | Crispy & rich |
Baked Churro Chips | ~55 per serving | Lower | Medium | Light & crispy |
Compared to traditional churros, which can run over 150–200+ calories per stick—churro chips are a smart, satisfying swap.
Easy 5-Minute Churro Chips Recipe
The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need
This simple recipe is fast, flexible, and perfect for when that cinnamon-sugar craving hits. Whether you’re using pita, tortillas, or flatbread—you’ll have homemade churro chips ready in no time.
Ingredients:
- 2 pita bread pockets (or tortillas/thin flatbread of your choice)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup white granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2–3 tablespoons ground cinnamon (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
1. Slice the Bread:
Split the pita in half at the seam to create 2 flat rounds. Cut each round into 8 triangles. If using tortillas, just slice them directly—no need to split.
2. Frying Method (Quick & Crispy):
- Heat ¼ cup oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry a few triangles at a time, turning once, until golden brown (about 30–60 seconds per batch).
- Set them on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up the excess oil.
- Immediately sprinkle with cinnamon sugar while hot.
3. Baking Method (Lighter Option):
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Lightly brush olive oil on both sides of each triangle.
- Bake on a sheet pan for 5–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Take them out of the oven and immediately sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
Pro Tips:
- Serve warm for max flavor and crisp.
- For dessert nachos, top with fruit, ice cream, and drizzle sauces.
- Store extras in an airtight container up to 2 days—refresh in oven if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Churro Chips
Can you buy churros from the supermarket?
Yes, many grocery stores carry frozen or pre-made churros in the bakery or freezer section. However, they often require reheating, and they don’t compare to the warm, fresh flavor of homemade treats like churro chips, which you can make in just minutes with simple ingredients.
What flavor are Masa Churro Chips?
Masa Churro Chips are typically flavored with a blend of cinnamon and sugar, just like traditional churros. Some variations may include hints of vanilla or even chocolate, depending on the brand. They’re usually crunchy and sweet, perfect for snacking.
What are Mexican churros made of?
Traditional Mexican churros are made from a simple choux-like dough of flour, water, butter, and eggs. The dough is piped into hot oil, fried until golden, and rolled in cinnamon sugar. They’re often served with chocolate sauce or dulce de leche.
What is churro batter made of?
Churro batter is usually made with water, flour, a bit of butter or oil, and sometimes eggs. It has a light, airy consistency similar to pâte à choux (cream puff dough). Unlike churro chips, which use pita or tortillas, traditional churros require fresh batter and a piping bag for frying.
Churro Chips Are the Sweetest Shortcut You’ll Ever Make
Whether you’re craving something sweet after dinner or want a fun snack to serve friends, they are a no-fuss, foolproof dessert. With just a few pantry staples like pita, cinnamon, and sugar, you can whip up a crispy, comforting treat in minutes—no dough, no drama.
I’ve made these dozens of times, and each batch brings back memories of warm desserts, joyful cravings, and sweet, simple satisfaction. Try them fried or baked, plain or topped like nachos—you can’t go wrong.