Why Churros Might Just Be the Dessert of Summer

Brie Goldman. Food Stylist: Annie Probst

What’s old is new. Even though churros have been savored for centuries, they’re certainly having a renaissance this summer. By the way, food historians are a bit fuzzy about the origins of the churro, but many believe the cinnamon-sugar-dusted fried dough sticks were first developed in Portugal, Spain, or China, then brought to the Americas by Spanish conquistadors during the 1500s.

Now a staple at many state fairs and beach boardwalk food stands, churros have been among our favorite summer snacks since we were kids. (National Churro day is June 6 for a reason, after all.) But thanks to a whole new cast of products, restaurant menu items, and buzzy social media recipes, a churro food trend is brewing; shining an even brighter spotlight on the cinnamon-sugar sticks.

So press pause on all things PSL until fall officially begins. (And please don’t rush us, Starbucks, August is still summer!) Summer is the season for churros, and here are 10 homemade churro recipes, a few mouthwatering new menu items, and several churro-inspired products you can buy to help spice up your life.

If you’d rather outsource the churro recipe duties, seek out these unique menu items. Since they’re brand-new for this year, you’ll be among the first to try them!

Now that butterscotch and cherry dip have both been retired at most Dairy Queen locations (RIP!), there’s room on the Dairy Queen menu for a new ice cream cone option. New for summer 2023, you can now get your chocolate, vanilla, or twist cone dunked in a churro-flavored dip, then dusted in cinnamon-sugar.

Available as a test menu item at select locations, this Burger King dessert looks a lot like they’re typical fries, but instead of potatoes,