Oatmeal Churros

### **Instructions:**

#### **1. Prepare the Oatmeal Mixture**
Start by blending the rolled oats in a food processor or blender until they become a fine powder. This will form the base of your churros and give them that unique texture.

Once the oats are ground, combine them with the water, coconut oil, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes thick and creamy. If you’d like the churros to hold together better, you can mix in 1/4 cup of flour. This step is optional, but it helps give the churros more structure.

#### **2. Let the Dough Cool**
Once the oatmeal mixture is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. It should become more firm as it cools, making it easier to shape into churros.

#### **3. Shape the Churros**
To create the churro shapes, transfer the dough into a piping bag or a large resealable plastic bag with the tip cut off. Pipe the dough into long, churro-shaped pieces onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can make them as thick or thin as you like, but keep in mind they will puff up slightly during baking.

#### **4. Bake the Churros**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the churros for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn. If you like extra crispy churros, you can broil them for a minute or two at the end of baking.

#### **5. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar**
While the churros are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Once the churros are baked and slightly cooled, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are fully coated.

### **6. Serve and Enjoy!**
Serve your freshly baked Oatmeal Churros warm, either on their own or with a dipping sauce like chocolate, caramel, or fruit preserves. The crunchy, cinnamon-sugar coating combined with the soft and chewy interior makes for a delightful treat.

### **Why You’ll Love Oatmeal Churros:**

– **Healthier Option:** Oatmeal churros are made with oats, which are rich in fiber and beneficial nutrients. They’re a great alternative to traditional churros, which can be high in fat and sugar.
– **Easy to Make:** The process is simple and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or complicated steps. You can whip up a batch of oatmeal churros in just under 30 minutes!
– **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the sweetness level or add in other spices like nutmeg or ginger. You can also experiment with different coatings like chocolate or powdered sugar to suit your preferences.
– **Family-Friendly:** Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet, cinnamon flavor of these churros. Plus, they make a fun and interactive activity for the whole family to enjoy together.

### **Conclusion:**
Oatmeal Churros are the perfect blend of indulgence and health, allowing you to enjoy a classic dessert in a more nutritious way. With their delightful crunch and comforting cinnamon flavor, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Whether for a snack, breakfast, or dessert, these oatmeal churros offer a sweet, wholesome treat that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Give them a try and see why they’re the healthier twist on a favorite classic!