Jack In The Box Churros Recipe

Jack in the Box churros are always a big hit, especially with kids! Last week, I hosted a kids’ fair at my house and brought some from the Jack in the Box restaurant. Crispy, golden, and covered in cinnamon sugar—they disappeared in minutes. The kids wanted more, but the fair was muddy, and running out to grab another batch wasn’t an option.

That’s when I had an idea—why not make them at home? I whipped up a batch, and they turned out just as crispy and tasty as the ones from Jack in the Box. The kids loved them! The best part? They were fresh, warm, and straight from my kitchen.

Now, I’m excited to share this easy copycat Jack In The Box Churros Recipe so you can make them anytime.

Why Do Jack In The Box Churros Taste So Good?

Jack In The Box churros are a favorite because of their perfect mix of crunch and sweetness.

1. Crunchy Outside – The churros are fried until golden brown, giving them a crispy texture.
2. Soft Inside – The dough stays light and fluffy inside, making every bite delicious.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Coating – A sweet and slightly spiced layer that makes them extra tasty.
4. Chocolate Dipping Sauce – A rich, smooth chocolate sauce that makes it even better.

What You’ll Need for the Churros

• 1 cup water (240ml) – The base for the dough.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (42g) – Adds richness and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (26g) – Sweetens the dough.
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances the flavor.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g) – Gives the churros their texture.
• 3 medium eggs – Helps bind the dough together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a hint of sweetness.
• Vegetable or canola oil for frying – You’ll need about 8 cups for deep frying.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1 cup granulated sugar – For that classic churro sweetness.
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice.

Chocolate Dipping Sauce:

• 1 1/2 cups Mexican chocolate (or a blend of dark and milk chocolate) – Gives the sauce its deep chocolate flavor.
• 3/4 cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce smooth and creamy.

Substitutions & Variations

1. Butter Substitute: Use margarine or coconut oil.
2. Flour Substitute: Try whole wheat flour for a denser texture.
3. Egg-Free Option: Replace with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water.
4. Different Coatings: Swap cinnamon sugar for powdered sugar or cocoa powder.
5. Dipping Sauces: Instead of chocolate, try caramel or strawberry sauce.

Kitchen Appliances Needed

• Medium saucepan – For cooking the dough.
• Mixing bowl – To combine ingredients.
• Hand or stand mixer – Helps mix the dough smoothly.
• Piping bag with a star tip (Ateco 847 recommended) – For shaping the churros.
• Scissors – To cut the dough strips.
• Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot – For frying.
• Candy thermometer – Ensures the oil stays at the right temperature.
• Paper towels – To drain excess oil.

How to Make Jack In The Box Churros Recipe

Step 1 | Prepare the Chocolate Sauce

Combine 1 1/2 cups of Mexican chocolate and 3/4 cup of heavy cream in a saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth. Add a tablespoon of cinnamon and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2 | Cook the Churro Dough

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 3 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Bring it to a boil, then remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of flour. Mix until a dough forms.

Step 3 | Add the Eggs

Let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Then, add your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.

Step 4 | Heat the Oil

Pour canola oil into a deep pot or fryer and heat it to 375°F (190°C).

Step 5 | Pipe the Churros

Scoop the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe 4 to 6-inch strips of dough directly into the hot oil. Fry in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 6 | Coat the Churros

Once fried, place the churros on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While still warm, roll them in a mixture of 1 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon.

Step 7 | Serve with Chocolate Sauce

Dip your churros in the prepared chocolate sauce and enjoy.

Pro Tips for Perfect Churros

Dough Success

• Weigh your flour (120g) for accuracy—too much can make tough churros.
• Let the dough cool slightly before adding eggs to prevent scrambling.
• The dough should be thick enough to hold its shape when piped.

Frying Perfection

• Keep oil between 330-350°F for even frying. Too cool makes soggy churros; too hot burns them.
• Use a deep pot to prevent oil from bubbling over.
• Test with a small piece of dough first—it should float and bubble immediately.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot.
• Roll in cinnamon sugar while still warm for the best coating.

Churro Serving Ideas

1. Cinnamon Sugar Only: Enjoy them plain with just a cinnamon sugar coating.
2. Chocolate Dipping: Serve with a side of chocolate sauce for dipping.
3. Fresh Fruit: Pair with sliced strawberries or bananas for a sweet and healthy twist.
4. Whipped Cream: Top with whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Proper Storage & Reheating Tips

Storage Process

To keep your churros fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to store them for a longer period, freezing is the best option. Simply place the churros in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to one month.

Reheating Process

When it’s time to enjoy your churros again, reheating them properly will help restore their crispy texture.

The best method is using an oven—bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until they turn crispy.

An air fryer is another great option, heating the churros at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.

If you prefer the stovetop, warm them in a dry pan over low heat for a few minutes.

However, avoid using the microwave, as it tends to make churros soft and soggy rather than crispy.

Conclusion

Making Jack In The Box Churros Recipe at home is easier than you think, and the result is absolutely delicious. With this recipe, you can enjoy these crispy, sweet treats whenever you want.

I hope you try this recipe and share your cooking experience with us! Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more tasty recipes and cooking tips.