Sesame Churros: A Twisted Take on a Classic Sweet

Sesame churros are a twist on the classic churro, a popular fried pastry. While regular churros are well-known for their crunchy outside, soft inside, and cinnamon-sugar coating, sesame churros bring a nutty, earthy flavor by adding sesame seeds or paste to the dough or the sugar coating. This combination creates a snack that feels both new and familiar, blending the cozy taste of traditional churros with the bold flavor of sesame.

This guide will explain what sesame churros are, where they come from, what you need to make them, and how to cook them step by step. You’ll also find useful tips, simple equipment lists, advice for changes in flavor or diet needs, and serving ideas. If you’ve ever wanted to try making churros at home with a sesame twist, this walkthrough makes it simple.

What Are Sesame Churros?

Sesame churros are similar to regular churros but use sesame for extra flavor. Instead of only a cinnamon-sugar coating, they include ground or whole sesame seeds in the dough, coating, or both. This updates the classic churro into a special treat with nutty depth and extra crunch.

Origins and Cultural Influence

The exact beginnings of churros are debated. Some believe they were first made by Spanish shepherds as easy, fire-baked bread. Others think churros were inspired by the Chinese youtiao, a fried stick pastry brought to Europe by Portuguese explorers. Over time, churros became a favorite in Spain and spread to many other countries.

Adding sesame shows influence from Asian cuisine, where sesame is common in desserts. Combining Spanish churros with Asian sesame results in a dish that celebrates both traditions. For example, black sesame churros are inspired by Asian desserts while using the churro’s classic shape and texture.

How They Differ from Regular Churros

Mainly, sesame churros include sesame seeds or paste. Regular churros usually come rolled in cinnamon sugar. In contrast, sesame churros get either a coating with ground sesame and sugar, dough with sesame mixed in, or a sesame-based dipping sauce. Black sesame adds extra nutty taste and a striking dark appearance. This not only makes them taste deeper and toastier but also look different from golden-brown traditional churros.

Main Ingredients in Sesame Churros

The base of any churro is the dough, but sesame churros add more ingredients to get their flavor. Each item in the recipe helps make the churros crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, with the signature sesame taste.

Black vs. White Sesame Seeds

Your choice depends on whether you prefer a bold flavor (black) or something more subtle (white).

Basic Dough Ingredients

• Water
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Ground sesame seeds (usually black, for flavor and color)

These ingredients work together to give churros their signature structure. The flour and eggs help the dough shape and puff up, while the sesame brings in its unique taste.

Sugar and Flavor Options

• Classic sugar for coating
• Sugar mixed with ground sesame seeds for extra flavor
• Alternative sugars like brown or coconut for a different sweetness

You can also add a little honey or try other spices, but sesame should be the main taste.

Nutrition Facts and Dietary Notes

Sesame churros, like all fried sweets, are a treat best enjoyed once in a while. Here’s a typical nutritional breakdown for a single serving:

These amounts can change based on your ingredients and preparation.

Allergy Info

• Contains sesame, which can cause allergic reactions.
• Standard recipes also have wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter or cream).
• Always check recipes and ingredients carefully if you have allergies.

There are now some options for gluten-free or vegan churros (see below for tips).

Equipment Needed

Making churros at home is easier than it sounds if you have the following tools:

• Piping bag and star tip: A closed star tip (like Ateco 849, about 0.7-inch opening) gives ridges to your churros and helps them stay crispy.
• Large, sturdy pot or Dutch oven: For deep-frying.
• Cooking thermometer: To check oil temperature (should be 330-350°F / 165-175°C).
• Slotted spoon or spider: To safely place churros in and out of hot oil.
• Wire rack and paper towels: To drain excess oil and keep churros crunchy.

Baking is possible as an alternative, but fried churros have the best texture.

How to Make Sesame Churros: Step by Step

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a pot, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Heat until the butter melts and the mixture begins to simmer.
   • Take off heat, add all the flour at once, and stir quickly to form a ball of dough.
   • Let the dough cool for 5 minutes before adding an egg and mixing in ground black sesame seeds (or use tahini paste).
2. Shape the Churros:
   • Fill your piping bag fitted with a star tip with dough.
   • Pipe churros onto parchment-lined baking sheets (about 3-5 inches/7-13cm long).
   • Freeze piped churros for at least 1 hour first-this helps them keep their shape when frying.
3. Fry:
   • Heat oil in a pot to 330-350°F (165-175°C).
   • Fry a few churros at a time (don’t crowd the pot) for about 5 minutes until deep golden brown.
   • Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a rack lined with paper towels.
4. Coat:
   • While still warm, roll churros in a plate of granulated sugar mixed with extra ground black sesame seeds.
   • Serve warm, alone or with dips.

Helpful Tips

• If the dough is too stiff, it’s tough to pipe; if too soft, churros will lose their shape in oil-measure carefully and mix eggs in by hand.
• Always freeze piped churros before frying so they stay straight and don’t curl.
• Keep your frying oil hot enough, but not too hot-aim for 330-350°F. Adjust the stove as needed.

Storing and Reheating

• Churros taste best eaten right after frying.
• If needed, store for a few hours at room temperature, or up to 2 days in fridge in a closed container.
• Reheat in an oven or air fryer; avoid microwaving as it makes churros limp and soggy.

Variations and Substitutions

Different Sesame Flavors

• Tahini: Add sesame paste to dough or use it for dipping sauces.
• Toasted sesame oil: Add a few drops to the dough or sugar shell for extra aroma (don’t use too much).

Dietary Changes

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for choux dough.
• Vegan: Swap butter for vegan butter and replace eggs with “flax eggs” or a vegan egg substitute. Use plant-based cream and chocolate for dips.

Alternative Sugars and Spices

• Try brown sugar or coconut sugar instead of white for a warmer flavor.
• Add a pinch of ground cardamom or star anise for a hint of spice.

Popular Dipping Sauces

Serving Suggestions

What to Serve with Sesame Churros

• Hot green tea or oolong: the slight bitterness matches the sweetness and richness of churros
• Hot chocolate or Mexican champurrado: for an indulgent companion drink
• Fresh berries, vanilla ice cream, sorbet: a bright, cold contrast
• Arrange churros in baskets lined with parchment or on platters with dipping sauces in small bowls
• Sprinkle more sesame seeds or garnish with mint or edible flowers for a nice presentation

Sesame Churros FAQ

Can you bake churros instead of frying?

Baking is possible (at 400°F / 200°C until golden), but they’ll turn out softer and won’t have the same crispy texture as fried churros. Air fryers work, but the results differ from the classic version. For the real churro feel, frying is best.

What do sesame churros taste like?

They are sweet and crunchy like regular churros, but the sesame gives a strong nutty, earthy flavor. Black sesame adds a deeper taste and color, while white sesame is milder. The coating and dips also add to the flavor profile, making these churros a unique sweet treat.

Can you freeze churro dough or cooked churros?

• Yes, freeze piped churro dough on a tray, then store in a bag or container. Fry straight from frozen.
• Cooked churros can be frozen after cooling completely. Reheat in oven or air fryer, but they may not be as crisp as fresh.

Making churros fresh always gives the best taste and texture, but freezing dough is useful for making ahead.