Uruguay By Food Enthusiasts · 6 min read

National Dish Uruguay: Churros con Dulce de Leche (Recipe)

Golden fried churros filled with dulce de leche and dusted with cinnamon sugar

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Few treats capture the sweet tooth of Uruguay quite like Churros con Dulce de Leche. These golden, crisp batons of fried dough hide a luscious centre of caramel-like dulce de leche, the country’s beloved milk caramel. Crunchy on the outside, soft and indulgent within, they are the kind of snack that turns an ordinary afternoon into a small celebration. Best enjoyed warm with a strong coffee or a steaming mug of hot chocolate, they bring a taste of Montevideo’s cafés straight to your kitchen.

About Churros con Dulce de Leche

Churros con Dulce de Leche are not only a much-loved snack in Uruguay but have also earned fans far beyond its borders. These golden, crisp delights are best known for their filling: the sweet, creamy dulce de leche. This caramelised milk gives the churros their unmistakable flavour and sets them apart from plainer versions. Uruguayans often enjoy them alongside a cup of coffee or a comforting mug of hot chocolate, making them a fixture of cosy afternoons and gatherings with friends.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

1 cup water
1/2 cup butter
1 cup plain flour
2 eggs
1 pinch of salt
Oil, for deep-frying
Dulce de leche, for filling
Sugar and cinnamon, for dusting (optional)

Shopping for the ingredients

The ingredients for Churros con Dulce de Leche are usually easy to come by. Most supermarkets and delicatessens stock the essentials such as dulce de leche and flour. Be sure to choose fresh eggs and good-quality butter to get the very best flavour. If you cannot find dulce de leche on the shelf, you can either make your own at home or order it from an online shop — it is the same versatile caramel that stars in a Tarta de Dulce de Leche.

Preparing the dish

Before you start making the churros, set out all your ingredients. This makes the cooking process far easier and ensures nothing gets forgotten. Heat the oil in a deep pan or a fryer so it reaches the right temperature for frying the churros to perfection. A cooking thermometer is a handy tool here, helping you keep the oil steady so the dough crisps up beautifully rather than turning greasy.

Step-by-step instructions

Bring the water and butter to the boil in a saucepan.
Add the flour and the pinch of salt, then stir well with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms.
Let the dough cool slightly, then beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
Heat the oil in a pan to around 180°C.
Spoon the dough into a piping bag and pipe 10–15 cm lengths straight into the hot oil.
Fry the churros until golden brown, then drain on kitchen paper.
Dust the churros with sugar and cinnamon and fill them with dulce de leche.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

Making Churros con Dulce de Leche suit special dietary needs is straightforward. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free flour, which is now widely available in most supermarkets. You can also swap in a lactose-free butter or a plant-based butter alternative. These adjustments do not affect the flavour of the churros and mean this delicious dessert can be enjoyed by everyone at the table.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

Vegans can enjoy these churros too, with just a few simple swaps. In place of the eggs, use a mixture of one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water, left to thicken beforehand. Plant-based butter and a vegan dulce de leche complete the dairy-free version. This way the pleasure stays intact without straying from a plant-based diet — much like the dairy-free spirit behind Dulce de Leche Pancakes.

More tips and tricks

For perfect churros, it is important to keep the oil temperature constant. If the oil is not hot enough, the churros turn oily and heavy. Test it with a small piece of dough, which should rise to the surface when the oil is ready. The churros should also be dusted with cinnamon sugar straight after frying, while they are still warm, so the mixture sticks well and coats every crisp ridge.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

Churros con Dulce de Leche are wonderfully versatile and can be tailored to suit your preferences. You might change the filling, for instance, swapping the dulce de leche for a favourite chocolate cream or a fruit filling. For an extra lift, work spices such as cardamom or a splash of vanilla extract into the dough. Little touches like these give the classic recipe a personal twist.

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have certain ingredients to hand, it is no problem at all. You can replace the butter with coconut oil for a hint of tropical flavour. Plant-based milk in place of water is another option, making the churros even richer. Let your creativity run free and shape these treats exactly to your taste — the same playful spirit that makes a batch of Bunuelos De Manzana so much fun to make.

Drink pairing ideas

Plenty of drinks pair beautifully with Churros con Dulce de Leche. A classic coffee — an espresso or a mild cappuccino — is a popular choice that complements the sweetness of the churros. For chocolate lovers, hot chocolate or a chocolate milkshake hits the spot. Fresh juices and fruity smoothies offer a refreshing alternative and round off the whole experience nicely.

Serving and presentation ideas

Presentation is everything, especially with churros. Serve them on a pretty plate and add a small bowl of dulce de leche alongside for dipping. A dusting of icing sugar or cinnamon over the top gives the dish an appealing look. To finish, scatter a few fresh berries or mint leaves as a garnish for a touch of colour and freshness.

A bit of history

Churros have a long history stretching back to the 16th century. Originally made by Spanish shepherds, they quickly found their way into southern European culture. In Uruguay they have become a national treat, often served at celebrations and festivals. Dulce de leche, another key element, also has its roots in the Spanish colonial era and is a cornerstone of South American desserts. Together they form one of the sweetest expressions of Uruguayan cuisine.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Churros con Dulce de Leche

In short, Churros con Dulce de Leche are an irresistible temptation that no sweet table should be without. With their crisp exterior and sweet, creamy filling, they offer a flavour experience cherished both in Uruguay and well beyond. Whether served with an afternoon coffee or enjoyed as a sweet snack on the go, this treat is easy to make and simple to adapt to different tastes. Let this recipe inspire you and savour a little piece of Uruguay right at home.