Pumpkin Churros

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There’s something undeniably cozy about autumn, and this Pumpkin Churros recipe captures the essence of fall in every bite. Imagine the warm, spiced aroma of pumpkin pie mingling with the irresistible scent of fried dough. These pumpkin churros are golden, crisp on the outside, and perfectly tender inside. Tossed in cinnamon sugar and paired with a luscious cinnamon pumpkin cream cheese dip, they are pure decadence. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or indulging in a quiet dessert moment, these churros are the perfect seasonal treat.

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Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make these irresistible pumpkin churros.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Churros:

• 1 cup water
• ½ cup pumpkin purée
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 quart oil for frying (peanut, canola, or vegetable oil)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon (for coating)

For the Cinnamon Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2-3 tablespoons pumpkin purée (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Dip

1. In a stand mixer or large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and pumpkin purée.
2. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the pumpkin purée for your preferred flavor intensity.
3. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar

1. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
2. Stir well and set aside. This mixture will coat the freshly fried churros.

Step 3: Make the Churro Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the water, pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
2. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt to the wet ingredients.
3. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a closed star tip.

Step 4: Fry the Churros

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or deep skillet to 375°F, using a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Proper oil temperature is crucial for achieving crisp churros.
2. Pipe 4-inch strips of dough directly into the hot oil, using scissors to cut the dough as you go. Fry 3 to 4 churros at a time for even cooking.
3. Fry the churros for about 2 minutes per side, turning them once, until they are golden brown.
4. Remove the churros with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain for about a minute.
5. While still warm, toss the churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the churros warm with the cinnamon pumpkin cream cheese dip or a salted caramel sauce on the side.
2. Enjoy their crisp, spiced exterior paired with the creamy, tangy sweetness of the dip—a match made in dessert heaven!

Flavors, Textures, and Aromas

These pumpkin churros are a sensory delight. The first bite offers a satisfying crunch as the cinnamon sugar coating crackles under your teeth. Then, the soft, slightly spiced dough melts on your tongue, delivering the warm notes of pumpkin pie spice and the subtle sweetness of pumpkin purée. The creamy dip balances the experience with its velvety texture, tangy cream cheese base, and hints of cinnamon and pumpkin. Together, they create an indulgent treat that is as comforting as it is delicious.

Tips for Success

• Oil Temperature: Maintaining a consistent oil temperature of 375°F is key. Too hot, and the churros may burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil, becoming greasy.
• Dough Consistency: The churro dough should be thick and pipeable. If it’s too runny, it won’t hold its shape during frying.
• Piping Bag Tip: A closed star tip creates the signature ridges of classic churros, which not only look appealing but also help hold the cinnamon sugar.
• Batch Frying: Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this lowers the oil temperature and results in unevenly cooked churros. Fry in small batches for the best results.

Variations and Ingredient Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free churros.
• Spices: Customize the spice mix by adding nutmeg, ginger, or cloves for a unique flavor twist.
• Dips: Try serving these churros with chocolate ganache, maple cream cheese dip, or a butterscotch sauce for variety.
• Sugar Coating: Mix in a pinch of cardamom or a dash of cocoa powder with the cinnamon sugar for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Dessert Platter: Pair these pumpkin churros with a selection of seasonal treats like caramel apples, mini pumpkin pies, or spiced hot chocolate.
• Brunch: Serve alongside coffee or chai tea for a festive autumnal brunch.
• Party Favorite: Arrange them in a basket lined with parchment paper and let guests dip them in their preferred sauces.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pumpkin churros are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up a dessert that’s bound to impress. The combination of crispy churros and creamy dip embodies the cozy flavors of fall, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply craving a seasonal treat, these churros deliver a delightful experience that’s hard to resist.