A churro is a long, ridged stick of fried dough, crispy on the outside and soft inside, typically rolled in cinnamon sugar while still warm. Churros originated in Spain and became popular throughout Latin America and the southwestern United States.

Street vendors and cafes often serve churros fresh from the fryer, sometimes with chocolate sauce or dulce de leche (a caramel-like sauce) for dipping. The dough gets squeezed through a special star-shaped tip before frying, creating the distinctive ridges that make the outside extra crunchy and help the cinnamon sugar stick.

In Spain, people traditionally eat churros for breakfast, dipping them in thick hot chocolate. In Mexico and other Latin American countries, churros might be filled with chocolate, caramel, or sweet cream. Theme parks and state fairs in the United States have made churros a popular treat, often serving them in paper cones.

Making churros requires skill: the oil must be hot enough to fry them golden brown without burning, and they taste best when eaten fresh and warm. The combination of a crispy exterior, soft interior, and sweet coating makes churros a beloved treat across many cultures.