There’s just something magical about biting into warm, crispy churros shaped like festive Christmas trees, especially when paired with rich chocolate dipping sauce. This Christmas Tree Churros with Chocolate Ganache Recipe brings that cozy holiday feeling right to your kitchen—plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Three Christmas tree shaped desserts made of four layers each, stacked in a small cone form. Each layer is a golden brown cinnamon sugar-coated doughnut or pastry with a rough texture. The top three layers of each tree are covered in glossy dark chocolate sauce that drips down the sides. The whole dessert is decorated with red, white, and green round sprinkles and a light dusting of powdered sugar. They are set on a white marbled surface with a green blurry background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Tree Churros with Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Tree Churros with Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Tree Churros with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it turns the classic churro into a festive centerpiece that’s perfect for sharing. Whether it’s for a holiday brunch, dessert table, or a fun family project, these churros add an extra sprinkle of joy to the season.

Festive Design: The Christmas tree shape makes it a showstopper and conversation starter on any holiday spread.
Warm & Crispy Texture: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—the perfect churro bite every time.
Rich Chocolate Ganache: The smooth ganache brings balance and decadence, complementing the cinnamon sugar crust beautifully.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Freezing the piped dough makes prep easy and mess-free, which is a lifesaver during the busy holidays.

Three churros stacked in a tower shape on a white marbled surface with a green wall in the background. Each churro tower has three layers of twisted, golden-brown dough coated in sugar, with the top layer pointed like a small peak. The churro on the right is being covered with thick dark chocolate sauce flowing slowly from a glass pitcher down its golden layers. A small green pine sprig is next to the churro with chocolate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a special role—from the buttery dough that fries up golden and crisp, to the chocolate and cream that create that silky ganache you’ll want to dip everything in. I recommend grabbing fresh eggs and good-quality chocolate to really make the flavors shine.

Flat lay of unsalted butter in a small solid block, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with clear water, a small white bowl containing granulated sugar sparkling under natural light, a fresh vanilla bean pod next to a small white bowl of pure vanilla extract, a mound of all-purpose flour on a clean white ceramic plate, a small white bowl with coarse kosher salt, two large uncracked brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl holding semisweet chocolate chips, another small white bowl with thick heavy cream, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, and a small white bowl with red and green sprinkles alongside white nonpareils, all ingredients fresh and natural arranged in perfect symmetry in balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create the perfect texture for the dough without extra saltiness.
Water: Essential for hydrating the dough and helping it puff up slightly while frying.
Granulated Sugar: Used both in the dough and for tossing the fried churros to give them that iconic sweet crunch.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth of flavor that complements the cinnamon and chocolate.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and the right chewiness.
Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the dough.
Large Eggs: These add moisture and help bind the dough while contributing to its delicate texture.
Vegetable Oil: For frying – its neutral flavor lets the churro’s taste shine while crisping them perfectly.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Melts into a smooth, rich ganache that offers a bittersweet contrast.
Heavy Cream: Makes the ganache luscious and creamy with a silky texture.
Ground Cinnamon: Classic churro flavor that adds spice and warmth, perfect with sugar.
Sprinkles and Nonpareils: These festive decorations add color and a little crunch for fun holiday flair.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing with the decor and dipping options to keep it fresh each year. You can really personalize these Christmas Tree Churros with Chocolate Ganache Recipe by swapping out sprinkles or tweaking the ganache. Don’t be afraid to make it your own festive masterpiece!

Variation: I once added a touch of chili powder to the cinnamon sugar mix for a subtle kick—my guests were pleasantly surprised by the warm heat combined with chocolate.
Dietary Swaps: For a dairy-free ganache, try coconut cream instead of heavy cream and use dairy-free chocolate chips—it still tastes incredible.
Seasonal Flair: Consider swapping the sprinkles for crushed peppermint or edible gold dust if you want to glam it up for a New Year's party.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Tree Churros with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

Step 1: Whisking Up the Perfect Dough

Start by bringing the butter, water, and part of the sugar to a boil in a saucepan. Once bubbling, stir in the vanilla, then quickly add flour and salt. Stir vigorously until the dough comes together and thickens—usually about 30 seconds. Let it cool for 10 minutes so it’s warm but won’t scramble your eggs later.

Step 2: Folding in the Eggs

Using a handheld mixer, beat the eggs in one at a time. This part is where the magic happens—the eggs create the chewiness and structure that make these churros so irresistible. The dough will look smooth and shiny when it’s ready.

Step 3: Shaping Your Tree with Piped Dough

Line a baking sheet with parchment and lightly grease it. Trace circles in different sizes to guide your piping—this helps form the layers of your Christmas tree. Using a star tip and piping bag, pipe the dough along the circles leaving spaces as directed: larger circles with a hollow center and smaller completely filled in. Don’t forget a few little dollops to fry separately—they’re perfect for adding dimension or extra treats!

Step 4: Freezing the Dough

Pop the piped dough into the freezer for at least two hours, or overnight if you can. This step is vital—it firms up the dough so it holds its charming shape during frying. I’ve found that skipping this can lead to droopy churros, and nobody wants a sad tree on their plate!

Step 5: Frying to Golden Perfection

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C)—use a deep-fry thermometer if you have one to keep the temperature steady. Fry the churro circles, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crisp. It usually takes around 2 to 2 ½ minutes per side. Drain them on a wire rack and toss immediately in cinnamon sugar for that signature flavor.

Step 6: Crafting the Chocolate Ganache

Meanwhile, make a simple ganache by melting chocolate chips with heated cream. Microwave the cream until just bubbling, pour over chocolate, and let it sit for 30 seconds before stirring to a smooth, glossy finish. This ganache is the perfect dip or drizzle to bring your churro trees to life.

Step 7: Assembly and Decoration

Build your Christmas tree by stacking churros from largest to smallest on a platter. Pour generous spoonfuls of ganache over each tree and add festive sprinkles or nonpareils. This step is so satisfying—the sweet aroma and colorful decorations make it feel like the holidays in every bite.

Top Tip

From my experience, the freezing step is the one that truly guarantees your churros hold their shape and fry evenly. Here are a few more tips I’ve picked up along the way to make your Christmas Tree Churros with Chocolate Ganache Recipe foolproof.

Freeze Thoroughly: Don’t rush this step—frozen churros fry up crisp and keep their festive form better.
Oil Temperature: Keep it steady at 375°F to avoid soggy or burnt churros; too cool and they soak up oil, too hot and they brown too fast.
Piping Precision: Use a star tip to get that classic churro ridged texture—trust me, it makes all the difference in crispiness and coating.
Work in Batches: Fry a few pieces at a time to maintain the oil temperature and avoid overcrowding the pot.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Churros with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

Christmas Tree Churros - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love using red and green sprinkles along with white nonpareils—it’s simple but transforms the churros into holiday stunners. Sometimes, I add crushed peppermint for extra crunch and a seasonal twist. It’s playful and makes your dessert table irresistible to both kids and adults.

Side Dishes

Serve these churros alongside a hot cup of spiced cocoa, warm mulled cider, or even a rich coffee for an extra cozy vibe. I’ve also paired them with fresh fruit compote or whipped cream to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For Christmas parties, I’ve used large platters and sprinkled edible gold glitter over the ganache, adding mini candy canes around the base for a festive look. You can also serve smaller churro trees as personalized servings on dessert plates with a drizzle of ganache and a single cherry on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your churros cool, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them from getting soggy, I place a paper towel in the container—it absorbs excess moisture perfectly.

Freezing

You can freeze fully fried churros after they’ve cooled by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. I usually freeze them for up to a month and thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-fryer crispness, I reheat churros in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Microwave heating tends to soften them too much, so the oven is the way to go!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the churros dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to the point before piping and freezing. Refrigerate it for a day or two, then bring it to room temperature before piping and freezing as the recipe indicates.

What’s the best way to keep churros crispy?

The key is frying at the right temperature and storing them properly. Store cooled churros in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture, and reheat in the oven to revive crispness.

Can I use other shapes besides a Christmas tree?

Absolutely! The piped dough can be shaped with any stencil or freeform design, but freezing before frying is important to maintain the shape. Think stars, snowflakes, or even wreaths!

Is the chocolate ganache difficult to make?

Not at all! It’s as simple as heating heavy cream and pouring it over the chocolate, then stirring until smooth. It’s a quick way to add a luxurious touch that pairs perfectly with the churros.

Final Thoughts

The joy I get from making these Christmas Tree Churros with Chocolate Ganache Recipe never gets old. They’re more than just a treat—they bring people together, sprinkle some festive magic on your table, and even brighten chilly winter days. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them every holiday season. Go ahead, make your kitchen smell like Christmas and bring your family together with this sweet, crispy delight!