Baked Churro Chips

Introduction

Baked Churro Chips are the perfect balance of crispy, cinnamon-sugar sweetness and just the right amount of spice, offering a lighter yet equally indulgent version of the classic churro. These crispy chips bring together the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a satisfying crunch, making them the ultimate treat for any time of day. They’re golden, warm, and dusted in a deliciously sweet coating that gives you the essence of churros, without the deep-frying.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite at our gatherings. I first tried them as a healthier take on traditional churros, and everyone loved how crispy and perfectly spiced they were. The sweet scent of cinnamon sugar in the air as they bake in the oven fills the house with warmth, making it feel like a special occasion, even if it’s just a casual snack. Each bite is a delightful crunch, followed by that familiar sweet flavor of churros, all without the heaviness of frying.

Baked Churro Chips are great for a fun treat on movie nights, as a snack at parties, or just whenever you’re craving something sweet but light. They’re delicious on their own, but when dipped in a chocolate or caramel sauce, they become even more irresistible. For anyone who loves churros but wants a lighter, easy-to-make version, these baked chips are the perfect choice!

Perfect For:

A healthier twist on a classic churro
Satisfying sweet cravings without frying
Kids and adults alike who love sweet treats
Movie nights or casual gatherings
A quick and easy dessert option
Meal prepping or snacking throughout the week

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Churro Chips are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making them a perfect snack for any occasion. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a favorite:

Healthier Alternative: These churro chips are baked, not fried, so they’re lower in fat and calories while still providing all the sweet, cinnamon-sugar goodness you love.
Quick and Simple: With only a few ingredients and a quick bake time, you can whip these up in under 30 minutes.
Crispy and Crunchy: The thin, crisp texture of the chips makes them perfectly snackable, with just the right amount of crunch.
Versatile: These churro chips can be served on their own, with a dipping sauce, or paired with your favorite ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Kid-Friendly: They’re easy to make with kids and are a fun, simple way to introduce them to baking.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 25 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
Key Nutrients: Carbs: 45g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 8g, Fiber: 2g

Ingredients

For the Chips

4 small flour tortillas (preferably whole wheat for a healthier option)
2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or olive oil
3 tablespoons granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier alternative)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt

For the Dipping Sauce (Optional)

¼ cup vegan chocolate chips or dairy-free chocolate
1 tablespoon coconut oil or almond milk (to thin out the chocolate)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Tortillas

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Stack the tortillas and use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice them into 8 wedges each, like a pizza. You should have 32 tortilla chips total.
Place the tortilla wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Coat the Tortilla Chips

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine.
Brush each tortilla wedge lightly with the melted coconut oil or olive oil.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the oiled tortilla wedges, ensuring each one is well coated.

Bake the Chips

Bake the tortilla wedges in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even baking. The chips should be golden brown and crisp when they are done. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as they can crisp up quickly.
Once the churro chips are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. The chips will crisp up even more as they cool.

Make the Dipping Sauce (Optional)

In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the vegan chocolate chips with coconut oil or almond milk in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
Stir in the vanilla extract if using.
Serve the melted chocolate sauce alongside the churro chips for dipping, or drizzle it over the chips for extra indulgence.

How to Serve

Baked Churro Chips can be served in a variety of ways to suit your cravings or the occasion:

As a Snack: These churro chips are perfect for a light afternoon snack or to satisfy a sweet tooth.
With Dipping Sauce: Serve them with a side of melted chocolate sauce, vegan caramel, or your favorite dip for added indulgence.
With Ice Cream: Pair the churro chips with a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream for a delicious dessert.
For Parties: These chips make a great addition to any party or get-together, served as a fun, shareable snack.
On Their Own: The cinnamon-sugar coating gives these chips so much flavor, they are perfect to enjoy by themselves with no extra fuss.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Baked Churro Chips come out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:

Use Fresh Tortillas: For the best texture, use fresh tortillas that haven’t been sitting around for too long. If they’re stale, they might not crisp up as well.
Brush, Don’t Pour: When applying the coconut oil or olive oil, use a brush or a small spoon to avoid over-applying the oil. This will help keep the chips from getting too greasy.
Customize the Spice: If you like your churro chips extra spicy, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a little kick.
Bake Evenly: Make sure to spread the tortilla wedges in an even layer on the baking sheet and flip them halfway through the baking process. This ensures that every chip gets crispy and golden brown.
Store Leftovers: If you have leftover churro chips, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To re-crisp, bake them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Variations

Here are some fun ways to switch up your Baked Churro Chips:

Apple Cinnamon Churro Chips: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg and swap some of the cinnamon for ground dried apple powder for a more fruity flavor.
Caramelized Sugar Churro Chips: Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper, richer flavor.
Nutty Churro Chips: Top the cinnamon-sugar mixture with finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, before baking for a crunchy texture.
Vegan Cinnamon-Sugar Tortilla Chips: Skip the chocolate dipping sauce and just enjoy the churro chips with the classic cinnamon-sugar coating.
Lemon Churro Chips: Add a little lemon zest to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a refreshing citrus twist.
Gluten-Free Churro Chips: Use gluten-free tortillas to make these chips gluten-free.
Churro Nachos: Layer the churro chips in a baking dish and top them with melted vegan chocolate, a sprinkle of nuts, and a dollop of vegan whipped cream for a churro-inspired nacho dessert.
Pumpkin Spice Churro Chips: Add pumpkin spice to the cinnamon-sugar mix in the fall for a seasonal flavor twist.
Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of dipping the churro chips in chocolate sauce, drizzle the sauce over the chips for a decadent treat.
Coconut Sugar Churro Chips: Use coconut sugar in place of regular sugar for a lower glycemic index option.

Freezing and Storage

Baked Churro Chips are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them for later:

Freezing: To freeze, place the baked churro chips in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Storage: Store leftover churro chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh the chips, bake them in the oven for 3-5 minutes to regain their crispiness.

Special Equipment

You don’t need much specialized equipment to make these churro chips, but these items will help:

Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: For slicing the tortillas into wedges.
Baking Sheet: To bake the chips evenly and prevent sticking.
Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup and to prevent the chips from sticking to the baking sheet.
Pastry Brush: For evenly brushing oil onto the tortilla wedges.
Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the chocolate or preparing the dipping sauce.

FAQ Section

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, corn tortillas can be used for a different texture, though they may be slightly more brittle than flour tortillas.
Can I use store-bought cinnamon-sugar?
Yes, you can use pre-made cinnamon-sugar, but it’s just as easy to make your own with cinnamon and sugar!
What if I don’t have coconut oil?
You can use olive oil or another vegetable oil as a substitute for coconut oil.
How can I make these churro chips lower in sugar?
You can reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-sugar version.
Can I add chocolate chips to the chips while baking?
It’s best to add chocolate after baking so the chips don’t burn. Chocolate chips can be sprinkled on top of the baked chips or used in a dipping sauce.

Conclusion

Baked Churro Chips are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the irresistible combination of cinnamon and sugar. These crispy, golden chips offer a delightful crunch with every bite, reminiscent of the classic churro experience. What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and ease; it’s a quick snack that requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor.

Whether you enjoy them as a sweet snack, a topping for yogurt, or paired with a cup of coffee, Baked Churro Chips bring joy to any moment. They’re also incredibly versatile—try them with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat or with a dash of chili powder for a spicy twist.

Perfect for any occasion, Baked Churro Chips are a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a favorite in your snack arsenal. I can’t wait for you to try them! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag me on social media—I’d love to see your churro-inspired moments. Enjoy every crispy, cinnamon-dusted bite!