Baked Cinnamon Churros

Every time our family goes to the Texas State Fair or to the Fat Stock Show & Rodeo, the first treat we buy are Churros. These are long, thin, fried, doughnut sticks, coated in cinnamon and sugar! Oh, SCRUMPTIOUS!!!! Churros are traditionally made from a dough and then squeezed into a long stick shape, fried and rolled in cinnamon & sugar. They are crunchy on the outside and chewy and soft on the inside.

I found a post on Pinterest for a quick recipe that did not involve the long task of making dough, but instead uses plain white sandwich bread. Plus it wasn't fried. I really dislike frying as it is so messy...really messy!
NOTE: this was not as quick a recipe as I had hoped, but it is faster than the traditional method. However, these churros do have the crunchy exterior and chewy centers...
Also, this recipe has a creamy center that could be omitted completely and still be super delicious treat.

Enjoy!


Ingredients:

• 1 loaf (16 ounces) thinly sliced white bread, crusts removed (I used whole wheat but without any seeds, as they will not roll out flat)
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened (I used the 1/2 cream cheese & 1/2 Greek Yogurt blend)
•  ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
•  ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup butter, melted

Directions:

1. Flatten bread by using a rolling-pin. (Some recipes cut off the crust, but I left it on my recipe.)
   
   
   
   
   
2. In a bowl, using a mixer, combine cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract.
   
    
3. In a separate flat dish with sides, stir together the sugar and ground cinnamon; set aside. 
   
4. Spread about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture on each slice of flattened bread.
   
    
5. Roll up the slice of bread and set aside until all the slices are rolled. Now, brush each roll with melted butter. I used a pastry brush and generously brushed on the melted butter.
   
6. Roll the unbaked churros in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. 
7. Place them on an baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper or a non-stick baking pad. I lined mine up and left a small space in between.
   
   
   
8. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until golden brown. 
   

Final Comment:

Churros are typically served in some kind of paper because they are a little greasy and messy.  Take a piece of freezer paper or parchment paper and roll it into a cone shape, twist the bottom point to seal the cone.place the cone into a short drinking glass or a vase if you have it, then set a few of the roll ups inside the cone.  This also add a bit of elegance to your dessert. You will want to set them around the table so your guests take one or two.