In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to help the butter melt completely.
Once the mixture reaches a boil, promptly remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a cohesive ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan—this should take about 1-2 minutes.
Allow the dough to cool for approximately 5 minutes. This step is crucial to ensure that the eggs don’t cook when added in the next step.
Add the eggs one at a time to the cooled dough, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the egg is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract. By the end, your dough should be smooth, thick, and slightly shiny.
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, pour enough vegetable oil to reach about 2 inches in depth. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C), which will ensure the churros fry perfectly.
Place a star-tip attachment on your piping bag and fill it with the churro dough. If you don't have a piping bag, a sturdy resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off will work too!
Carefully squeeze strips of dough directly into the hot oil, using scissors to cut them to your preferred length. Fry the churros for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy.
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the churros from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Roll the warm churros in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are evenly coated and glistening.
Serve the churros warm for the best taste and texture. Pair them with chocolate sauce or dulce de leche for a delightful dipping experience.
Notes
Serve warm with chocolate sauce or dulce de leche for dipping.