The Origin Story of Churros: A Sweet Journey Through Time

Churros, the crispy, golden pastries dusted with sugar and often dipped in chocolate, are a beloved treat worldwide. But where did they come from? The origins of churros are wrapped in mystery, blending history, culture, and culinary evolution into one delicious tale.

A Tale of Two Origins

There are two main theories about the birth of churros. Some say they originated in China, while others believe Spanish shepherds created them.

The Chinese Youtiao Connection

One theory traces churros back to China’s youtiao, a fried dough stick commonly eaten for breakfast. Portuguese sailors, who were active in the spice trade during the 16th century, are believed to have encountered youtiao and brought a version of the recipe back to Europe. However, since youtiao is typically savory and served with soy milk, it’s thought that Europeans altered the recipe by making the dough sweeter and shaping it into the ridged form we recognize today.

The Spanish Shepherds’ Creation

Another theory suggests that Spanish shepherds invented churros as a practical alternative to fresh bread. High in the mountains, they couldn’t bake bread easily, so they crafted a simple dough from flour, water, and salt, then fried it over an open fire. These early churros were named after the Churra sheep, a breed with curved horns resembling the snack’s shape.

The Sweet Evolution

Once churros became popular in Spain, they spread across Latin America and beyond, evolving along the way. Spanish explorers brought churros to Mexico and other colonies, where they became infused with local flavors like cinnamon, caramel, and dulce de leche. In Spain, they were often enjoyed with thick, rich chocolate caliente—a tradition still beloved today.

Over time, different regions put their spin on churros. In Mexico, they became longer and filled with sweet fillings like cajeta or chocolate. In Argentina, they are commonly enjoyed with dulce de leche. In the Philippines, a similar treat called bicho-bicho emerged, influenced by Spanish churros but with a local twist.

Churros Today: A Global Delight

From street vendors in Madrid to theme parks in the U.S. and markets in Latin America, churros have become a global phenomenon. Whether dipped in chocolate, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, or stuffed with gooey fillings, churros continue to be a symbol of warmth, indulgence, and cultural fusion.

So, next time you bite into a crispy churro, remember—you’re tasting a piece of history that has traveled across continents and centuries, bringing sweetness to generations worldwide.