Churro Cronuts: The Irresistible Pastry Mashup You Need to Try

Churro Cronuts are the dessert mashup everyone’s talking about—flaky like a croissant, fried like a donut, and dusted in cinnamon sugar like a classic churro. This indulgent hybrid treat has quickly become a favorite among pastry lovers, food bloggers, and brunch fanatics across the U.S. Whether you’re baking them at home or hunting them down at a trendy bakery, there’s no denying the crave-worthy appeal of this viral creation.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Churro Cronuts—from what makes them so unique and how they differ from traditional donut or churro dough, to pro-level tips, easy recipes, and where to find the best ones near you.

The Rise of Churro Cronuts in the Pastry World

What Are Churro Cronuts?

At their core, Churro Cronuts are a decadent pastry hybrid that combines the structure of a croissant, the preparation of a donut, and the sweet coating of a churro. They’re layered, fried, and then dusted or rolled in cinnamon sugar. Some versions are even filled with custard, chocolate ganache, or fruit-flavored creams. Originally inspired by the viral Cronut®—created by Dominique Ansel in 2013—Churro Cronuts take that brilliance one step further by fusing it with the classic churro.

Unlike traditional donuts, these aren’t made with soft yeast or cake batter. Instead, croissant dough—rich with laminated butter layers—is carefully shaped, deep-fried, and immediately coated in cinnamon sugar. The result? A crunchy, flaky, melt-in-your-mouth explosion of flavor.

And the best part? You don’t need to book a flight to NYC anymore. This pastry evolution is now showing up in bakeries across the country and hundreds of DIY recipe blogs.

The Cronut Revolution: A Brief History

The Cronut craze began in New York City in 2013 when chef Dominique Ansel introduced the world to a new kind of breakfast delight. It wasn’t just a donut or a croissant—it was both. Almost overnight, fans lined up outside his bakery for hours. As the idea spread globally, countless versions emerged, including chocolate-covered cronuts, fruit-glazed cronuts, and eventually, the cinnamon-dusted Churro Cronuts.

The addition of churro flavors added a Latin-inspired twist to the already revolutionary dessert. With the deep cultural roots of churros and the French baking legacy of croissants, this mashup reflects the global love affair with all things sweet and fried.

Today, these hybrids are more than just trendy—they’re becoming mainstay items in modern pastry shops. Foodies are even incorporating them into brunch menus, holiday desserts, and Instagram-worthy food platters. One glance at the sugary spiral of a churro cronut, and you’ll know why.

Learn how to add cinnamon flair with this Churro Cheesecake recipe for another delicious churro-inspired dessert.

Ingredients Behind the Magic of Churro Cronuts

Churro Dough vs. Donut Dough: What’s the Difference?

This might be one of the most common questions people ask when they bite into a churro cronut: Is this just a donut in disguise? The answer is—not quite.

Traditional donut dough comes in two main types: yeast dough, which is light and airy, and cake dough, which is denser and uses baking powder or baking soda. Both are designed for quick frying and are typically softer and less structured than churro or croissant dough.

Churro dough, by contrast, is more like a pâte à choux—the same dough used for eclairs and cream puffs. It’s made by cooking flour in water and butter, then adding eggs. This results in a pipeable batter that puffs up beautifully when fried, creating a crisp exterior and a light interior.

Now, here’s the twist—Churro Cronuts don’t use typical churro or donut dough. They’re made with croissant dough that’s laminated with butter into layers. After frying, this flaky dough gets churro-style treatment: a heavy dusting of cinnamon sugar.

So in short:

Type	Leavening	Texture	Common Use
Churro Dough	Steam	Crisp, light	Churros, eclairs
Donut Dough	Yeast/BP	Airy or dense	Donuts
Cronut Dough	Yeast	Flaky, layered	Cronuts, pastries

This unique composition is what gives Churro Cronuts their signature combination of buttery layers and crispy edges—a true hybrid masterpiece.

What Is Churro Batter Made Of?

While traditional churro batter is simple, it’s also strategic. The magic lies in its high moisture content and ability to hold shape when piped and fried. Here’s a breakdown of a classic churro batter recipe:

• Water – Acts as the base and helps steam the dough during frying.
• Butter – Adds richness and helps with texture.
• Salt – Enhances flavor.
• Flour – Gives structure and thickness.
• Eggs – Bind the mixture and contribute to the final puffiness.

However, when we talk about Churro Cronuts, this batter isn’t directly used. Instead, the churro effect comes from applying cinnamon sugar after frying croissant dough and sometimes injecting it with sweet fillings like dulce de leche or vanilla cream.

This cinnamon-sugar coating mimics the flavor and texture of a traditional churro, but with a layered, buttery base that’s closer to viennoiserie than classic Mexican street food. It’s a fusion that celebrates both flavor profiles in one glorious bite.

The Art and Science of Making Churro Cronuts

Why It Takes 3 Days to Make a Classic Cronut

If you’ve ever tried to make a true Cronut or Churro Cronut from scratch, you might’ve stumbled across the shocking reality—it’s a three-day affair. But there’s a good reason for the wait, and it has everything to do with technique and texture.

Let’s break it down:

Day 1 – Dough Preparation & First Chill

The base of any cronut is a yeasted croissant dough, a laminated dough requiring layers of butter folded between sheets of dough. On the first day, bakers make the dough, allow it to rise, then chill it overnight. This rest time helps build flavor and structure.

Day 2 – Lamination & Rolling

On day two, the cold dough is laminated with butter and folded multiple times to create those signature layers. It’s then rolled out, shaped, and proofed again before heading back into the fridge. Chilling the dough between folds keeps the butter from melting and preserves the crisp, flaky layers.

Day 3 – Frying, Filling, and Coating

Finally, the dough is fried in oil until golden and puffed. Then it’s filled with flavored creams (optional), and dusted generously with cinnamon sugar to give it that churro-style flavor.

Each step is essential for achieving the perfect texture: flaky like a croissant, chewy like a churro, and rich like a donut. Cutting corners may save time, but it sacrifices the integrity of what makes a churro cronut so special.

If you’re looking to speed things up, some home cooks use refrigerated crescent roll dough, which shortcuts lamination but still delivers solid results, especially for first-timers.

Techniques for Achieving the Perfect Crunch and Flake

Whether you’re going the full 3-day route or using shortcut dough, nailing the technique is key. Here are some pro baking tips to get that irresistible texture:

1. Use High-Quality Butter

European-style butter (with a higher fat content) yields richer, more defined layers. This matters in laminated doughs like the croissant base.

2. Keep Everything Cold

Temperature is crucial. Your dough and butter should be chilled throughout the lamination process. Warm butter melts, ruining your layers.

3. Proper Oil Temperature

Fry at 350°F (175°C). Too hot, and the outside burns before the inside cooks. Too cold, and the cronuts absorb oil and become greasy.

4. Don’t Skip Proofing

Allowing the dough to rise before frying ensures a tender interior. For perfect texture, let shaped cronuts proof at room temperature for 1–2 hours.

5. Cinnamon Sugar Timing

Roll your cronuts in cinnamon sugar immediately after frying while they’re still warm. This ensures the sugar sticks evenly.

6. Optional Fillings

Inject cream, dulce de leche, or ganache using a piping bag for an added twist. Always fill after frying and cooling slightly.

Easy Churro Cronuts Recipe You Can Make at Home

Step-by-Step Instructions for Beginners

You don’t need a bakery setup to make mouthwatering Churro Cronuts. With this simplified recipe, you can enjoy all the crisp, flaky, cinnamon-sugar deliciousness from your kitchen—no laminating required.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 2 cans of refrigerated crescent roll dough (or puff pastry)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Optional: pastry cream, Nutella, or dulce de leche for filling

Instructions:

1. Prep the Dough
   • Roll out your crescent dough on a floured surface. If using puff pastry, let it thaw slightly and then roll it out to about ½ inch thickness.
   • Fold the dough in half once to simulate layering, then use a round cutter (or glass) to cut out donut shapes. Use a smaller cutter for the center.
2. Chill the Dough
   • Place cut shapes on a parchment-lined tray. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help them puff during frying.
3. Heat the Oil
   • Fill a deep pot with 2–3 inches of vegetable oil. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to keep the temperature stable.
4. Fry the Cronuts
   • Fry 2–3 at a time, flipping once, for 1–2 minutes per side. They should puff and turn golden brown.
   • Transfer to a wire rack lined with paper towels.
5. Cinnamon Sugar Coating
   • While still warm, toss the cronuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar until fully coated.
6. Optional Filling
   • Use a piping bag to inject fillings into the center of the cronuts. Flavors like vanilla pastry cream, caramel, or fruit jam work beautifully.
7. Serve Fresh
   • Churro Cronuts are best enjoyed the same day for maximum crispiness.

Pro Tip: For a crisper finish, briefly bake the fried cronuts in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes. This helps remove any excess oil and locks in flakiness.

Recommended Tools and Kitchen Tips

Here’s a quick table of essential tools to make your process smoother:

Tool	Why You Need It
Rolling Pin	To evenly flatten dough
Round Cookie Cutters	For clean cronut shapes
Deep-Fry Thermometer	Maintain oil temperature
Wire Rack	Prevents soggy bottoms post-frying
Piping Bag	Easy, mess-free filling

This quick version is ideal for parties, brunch spreads, or an indulgent weekend breakfast. And if you’re up for a challenge, try making laminated dough from scratch—your patience will pay off.

Churro Cronut Variations and Flavor Combinations

Stuffed, Iced, and Topped: Flavor Profiles That Work

One of the most exciting things about Churro Cronuts is their flexibility. Once you’ve nailed the base, the possibilities for flavor are endless. Whether you’re aiming for rich and indulgent or fruity and fresh, here are some tried-and-true combinations that take your cronuts from good to unforgettable.

Popular Filling Ideas:

• Dulce de Leche – Adds a silky, caramel-like richness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon sugar.
• Vanilla Bean Custard – A bakery classic that never fails. Smooth, creamy, and luxurious.
• Mexican Chocolate Ganache – Rich chocolate infused with cinnamon and a touch of chili for a subtle kick.
• Strawberry or Raspberry Jam – Adds a bright, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the coating.
• Cream Cheese Frosting – A soft, tangy interior that cuts the oil and sugar for balance.

Tip: Inject fillings after the cronuts have cooled slightly. If they’re too hot, the filling may melt or seep out.

Creative Icing and Toppings:

Icing Type	Flavor Profile
Classic Glaze	Sweet, neutral, versatile
Cinnamon Vanilla Glaze	Doubles down on churro flavor
Maple Icing	Adds warmth and autumn vibes
Dark Chocolate Drizzle	Rich and elegant
Espresso Glaze	Perfect for coffee lovers

For topping textures, think toasted coconut, chopped pecans, or even crushed Oreos. These additions give each bite a crunchy surprise that plays beautifully with the crisp layers inside.

Check out this amazing twist from Dallas bakeries, dubbed the “Churrnut,” which includes caramel drizzle and chocolate Abuelita glaze.

Creative Sauces: Caramel, Chocolate, and Fruit Compotes

A Churro Cronut on its own is fantastic, but dipping it into a homemade sauce? Game changer. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most complementary sauces you can serve on the side or drizzle over the top:

Homemade Caramel Sauce

Ingredients:

• Sugar
• Butter
• Heavy cream
  This rich and silky sauce pairs effortlessly with cinnamon sugar and buttery pastry.

Mexican Chocolate Sauce

A mix of dark chocolate, cinnamon, a touch of cayenne, and cream. Thick and spicy-sweet—perfect for a churro mashup.

Berry Compote

Simmered raspberries or strawberries with a little sugar and lemon juice. Offers a fruity, tart contrast that keeps the sweetness from overwhelming.

Cream Cheese Dip

A mix of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk creates a tangy dipping sauce that’s smooth and indulgent.

Balance your pastry indulgence with something fruity like this Caramel Apple Slices guide—a great companion to rich cronuts.

Where to Find the Best Churro Cronuts

Famous Bakeries That Serve Churro Cronuts

As this dessert mashup continues to explode in popularity, more bakeries are adding their own unique spins on the Churro Cronut. From small-town cafes to trendsetting patisseries, these flaky, cinnamon-sugar treats are popping up nationwide.

Top Spots Known for Churro Cronuts:

• Dominique Ansel Bakery (NYC) – While not a churro cronut, this is the original Cronut home. Flavors rotate monthly, and lines form daily.
• LA’s Sylvia Yoo Creations – Famous for churro-inspired desserts like churro ice cream sandwiches, she’s bridged the pastry world with street dessert culture.
• Dallas’ Churro Craze – D Magazine put this pastry on the map with their cinnamon-sugar coated “Churrnut,” often served with chocolate abuelita or caramel sauce.
• Local Food Festivals – Many state fairs and pop-up dessert trucks are experimenting with this hybrid, especially in food-forward cities like Austin, Portland, and Miami.

Are Dunkin’ Donuts and Krispy Kreme in the Game?

Let’s dig into the chain-level curiosity people often have—can you grab a Churro Cronut at your nearest donut shop?

Does Dunkin Donuts make cronuts?

Currently, Dunkin’ Donuts does not offer cronuts or churro cronuts as part of their regular menu. However, limited-time items do rotate, and they’ve experimented with hybrid treats before. Some locations may carry special cronut-inspired products during promotional seasons.

Are Krispy Kreme donuts yeast or cake? (FAQ)

Krispy Kreme’s classic donuts are yeast-based, giving them a light, airy interior that melts in your mouth. While they’re experts in glazes and fillings, they haven’t ventured into the laminated, layered world of cronuts yet. Still, seasonal offerings vary, and it’s always worth checking.

So for now, if you’re craving an authentic churro cronut experience, your best bet is a specialty bakery or your kitchen. That said, don’t be surprised if big brands start rolling out their versions soon—the demand is there.

Nutritional Insights and Dietary Tips

Calories and Nutrition Breakdown

Churro Cronuts are undeniably delicious, but they’re also a calorie-packed indulgence. Between the fried dough, layers of butter, sugar coating, and optional fillings, they’re more of a dessert splurge than a daily treat.

Here’s a general breakdown for one standard Churro Cronut (homemade with crescent dough, no filling):

Nutrient	Amount (approximate)
Calories	380–450 kcal
Total Fat	25g
Saturated Fat	10–12g
Carbohydrates	38–45g
Sugar	18–22g
Protein	4–5g
Sodium	320–400mg

Note: Filled and iced versions can go up to 600–700 calories per piece depending on size and topping.

While these stats might raise an eyebrow, don’t let them stop you from enjoying one occasionally. Like any dessert, moderation is key.

Gluten-Free, Vegan, or Keto: Possible Substitutes

With dietary preferences evolving, many home bakers and chefs are getting creative. Here’s how to tweak your churro cronuts to meet different dietary needs—without sacrificing too much flavor or texture.

Gluten-Free Adaptations:

• Use gluten-free puff pastry or croissant dough (available in some specialty stores or online).
• Be extra cautious during frying; gluten-free dough tends to be more delicate.
• Avoid pre-made crescent rolls unless labeled gluten-free.

Vegan-Friendly Options:

• Swap butter for vegan baking sticks or margarine when laminating.
• Use plant-based crescent dough (Pillsbury’s original crescent rolls are accidentally vegan).
• For fillings, use coconut cream, cashew-based custards, or dairy-free chocolate ganache.
• Fry in vegetable or sunflower oil only.

Keto or Low-Carb Hacks:

While a full-on cronut might be hard to recreate for keto diets, you can mimic the flavors:

• Use almond flour-based fathead dough for a chewy base.
• Roll in monk fruit sweetener + cinnamon instead of sugar.
• Bake instead of frying for a lower-fat version.

Don’t miss our 20+ healthy dessert recipes—it’s all about smart choices, not sacrifice.

Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Own Churro Cronuts

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Making Churro Cronuts at home can be surprisingly simple, but even a tiny misstep can ruin the texture or flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a DIY dessert rookie, avoid these common pitfalls to make sure your pastries turn out flaky, crispy, and full of churro charm.

1. Using Warm Butter During Lamination

Mistake: Soft or melted butter during layering.
Fix: Always chill both dough and butter. Work quickly and chill between folds.

2. Overcrowding the Fryer

Mistake: Frying too many cronuts at once drops oil temperature and causes sogginess.
Fix: Fry 2–3 at a time. Use a thermometer to maintain 350°F (175°C).

3. Skipping the Proofing Step

Mistake: Not letting the dough rise after shaping.
Fix: Proof for 1–2 hours in a warm, draft-free place. The rise is key to achieving a light interior.

4. Waiting Too Long to Coat in Sugar

Mistake: Coating cooled cronuts in cinnamon sugar.
Fix: Roll them in sugar while still warm so it sticks evenly.

5. Inconsistent Dough Thickness

Mistake: Uneven rolling leads to uneven frying.
Fix: Aim for a uniform ½ inch thickness across the dough.

How to Store and Reheat Without Losing Texture

Fresh Churro Cronuts are best on the day they’re made, but with proper storage, you can still enjoy them for a couple of days afterward.

Storage Tips:

• Store unfilled cronuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If filled, refrigerate but place parchment between layers to avoid sogginess.
• Avoid plastic wrap touching the pastry—it traps moisture and ruins the crunch.

Reheating Tips:

• Use a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to revive crispiness.
• Do not microwave—you’ll get limp, oily dough.
• After reheating, lightly re-roll in fresh cinnamon sugar for that just-fried feel.

You can also freeze unfilled cronuts. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving. Don’t forget to freshen up the coating if you’re prepping ahead.

Make your brunch sweeter with this buttery twist, like in our Croissant French Toast—a natural match for Churro Cronut fans.

FAQs About Churro Cronuts

Is churro dough the same as donut dough?

No, churro dough is made from pâte à choux—water, butter, flour, and eggs—while donut dough is typically yeast- or cake-based. They have very different textures and preparation methods.

Does Dunkin Donuts make cronuts?

Dunkin Donuts does not currently offer cronuts or churro cronuts on its standard menu. However, select locations may release hybrid-style items seasonally or in limited editions.

Why does it take 3 days to make a Cronut?

A true Cronut requires laminated dough, similar to croissants, which involves folding butter between layers of dough and letting it rest and chill between steps over 2–3 days to develop texture and flavor.

What are cronuts made of?

Cronuts are made from croissant dough that is layered with butter, cut into donut shapes, fried, and usually filled or glazed. They combine the flaky layers of a croissant with the fried qualities of a donut.

What is churro batter made of?

Churro batter is typically made with water, butter, flour, salt, and eggs. It’s a cooked dough that’s piped into hot oil and fried until golden, then rolled in cinnamon sugar.

Are Krispy Kreme donuts yeast or cake?

Krispy Kreme’s classic glazed donuts are yeast-based, giving them a light, airy texture. They also offer cake donuts, but the most iconic ones are yeast-raised.

Conclusion: Why Churro Cronuts Deserve a Spot in Your Kitchen

Churro Cronuts aren’t just another pastry—they’re a fusion of flavor, culture, and culinary creativity. With their golden, flaky layers and sweet cinnamon crunch, they deliver the best of croissants, donuts, and churros in a single, unforgettable bite. Whether you’re indulging at a trendy bakery, trying out the shortcut version with crescent dough, or committing to the full 3-day lamination process, one thing is certain: they’re worth every second.

From their viral presence on social media to their increasing popularity at brunches and bakeries across the U.S., Churro Cronuts have carved out a spot in the modern dessert scene—and they’re here to stay.

Print