You have probably eaten a churro at some point — golden and crispy, coated in cinnamon sugar, maybe dunked in chocolate sauce. They are one of the most universally loved fried treats on the planet. You can find them at amusement parks in California, chocolaterías in Madrid, street carts in Mexico City, and night markets in Seoul.
But where are churros actually from? The answer is surprisingly complicated.
The Spanish Shepherd Theory
The most commonly told origin story places churros in the mountains of Spain, where shepherds supposedly invented them as a simple, portable food that could be cooked over an open fire.
What is well documented is that churros became a widespread street food in Spain by the 17th and 18th centuries. Madrid became famous for its chocolaterías — dedicated shops serving churros con chocolate. Some of these shops have been in continuous operation for over a century.
The Portuguese Connection
Another theory suggests that the Portuguese brought a version of fried dough from China, where a similar food called “youtiao” — long, golden sticks of fried dough — has been eaten for centuries. Portuguese traders and missionaries who spent time in China may have brought the concept back to the Iberian Peninsula.
How Churros Came to Mexico and Latin America
Regardless of their European origins, churros arrived in the Americas through Spanish and Portuguese colonization. As Spain established colonies across Latin America, churros traveled with the settlers.
In Mexico, churros found a natural home. Mexico already had a deep tradition of fried foods and — more importantly — was the birthplace of chocolate. The pairing of churros with Mexican hot chocolate was inevitable and perfect.
Mexican churros evolved to become slightly different from their Spanish ancestors. While Spanish churros tend to be thinner and formed into loops, Mexican churros are typically thicker, straighter, and coated more generously in cinnamon sugar. Mexican churros are also sometimes filled — with cajeta, chocolate, condensed milk, or even Bavarian cream.
Today, churros are one of the most iconic Mexican desserts and street foods.
Churros Around the World
From their Spanish and Latin American roots, churros have spread across the globe:
- Spain: Thin, crispy churros in loops, dipped in thick hot chocolate. Madrid’s Chocolatería San Ginés has served churros con chocolate since 1894.
- Mexico: Thick, straight churros coated in cinnamon sugar, often filled with cajeta or chocolate. See our churros con chocolate guide.
- Brazil: Almost always filled — with dulce de leche being the most popular filling.
- Philippines: Shorter, sometimes flavored with ube or pandan.
- South Korea: A massive trend — shorter, thicker, filled with cream, custard, chocolate, or even cheese.
- United States: A staple at theme parks and fairs. Churro-inspired flavors have expanded into ice cream, cereal, and cookies. Our STELLA Churro Cookie was inspired by this flavor.
The Churro Flavor in Cookie Form
If you love churros but do not always have a deep fryer handy, the churro flavor translates beautifully to cookies. The combination of butter, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla that defines a churro is also the foundation of many galletas mexicanas.
Our STELLA Churro Cookie was created to capture that magic. It is a nut-free cookie with a buttery, cinnamon-sugar profile that evokes the warmth of a fresh churro — without the frying. It is handcrafted, dusted with freshly ground Ceylon cinnamon, and shipped in a beautiful tin.
For a broader taste of Mexican cookie traditions, our Mexican Heritage Cookie Variety Tin includes STELLA alongside other flavors inspired by pan dulce and polvorones.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Origin of Churros
Where are churros originally from?
Churros are most commonly attributed to Spain, where they became a widespread street food by the 17th century. Some historians suggest Portuguese traders may have been inspired by Chinese fried dough.
Are churros Mexican or Spanish?
Churros have Spanish origins but are deeply embedded in Mexican culture. Mexican churros have evolved into their own distinct tradition — thicker, coated in more cinnamon sugar, and sometimes filled.
When were churros invented?
The exact date is unknown. Churros as we know them became popular in Spain during the 1600s and 1700s.
Why are churros star-shaped?
Churro dough is piped through a star-shaped tip, which creates ridges. These ridges increase surface area for more crispy edges and better cinnamon-sugar coverage.
What are churros traditionally served with?
In Spain and Mexico, churros are traditionally served with thick hot chocolate for dipping — called churros con chocolate. In Mexico, they are also served plain with cinnamon sugar or filled with cajeta, chocolate, or condensed milk.
Can I buy churro-flavored cookies?
Yes. Our STELLA Churro Cookie captures the churro flavor in cookie form. Shop all our cookies with nationwide shipping.
