A churro maker is the tool that shapes the dough into the long, ridged sticks that fry up crisp. At home that usually means a cookie-style press or a pastry bag with a large star tip. Both push the dough into hot oil in the right shape, and both are simple, low-cost tools compared with a full machine.
The six tools below cover presses and star tips that home cooks use for churros. We have not used these products ourselves, so confirm the tip sizes, parts and compatibility on the current listing before you buy. Dough is thick, so pick tools with a strong build and a wide opening. Most churro recipes use a choux-style dough, so the tool has to push a thick, sticky paste through a star opening.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Star opening | Ridges help churros cook evenly and hold sugar |
| Strength | Thick dough can crack weak plastic |
| Capacity | A larger barrel means fewer refills |
| Grip | Comfortable handles reduce hand strain |
| Cleaning | Dough sticks, so removable parts help |
Specs at a Glance
| Tool | Type | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilton Cookie Pro Ultra II | Press | Plastic and metal | Includes shaping discs |
| Norpro Cookie Press | Press | Metal and plastic | Disc set included |
| Mirro Cookie Press | Press | Aluminum and plastic | Classic design |
| Ateco 826 Open Star Tip | Piping tip | Stainless steel | Large star opening |
| Wilton 1M Large Open Star Tip | Piping tip | Metal | Wide ridges |
| Ateco Reusable Pastry Bag | Pastry bag | Fabric | For thick dough |
The 6 Best Churro Makers for a Home Kitchen
1. Wilton Cookie Pro Ultra II Cookie Press
A well-known cookie press with a set of shaping discs. A star disc can form ridged sticks, though the barrel size limits how thick the dough can be.
Suits: small batches. Strengths: a familiar brand. Weaknesses: not made for churros specifically. Skip it if you want long, thick churros.
View Wilton Cookie Pro Ultra II on Amazon
2. Norpro Cookie Press
A cookie press with a disc set that gives a choice of shapes. The metal parts feel firmer than all-plastic options.
Suits: varied shapes. Strengths: a sturdy feel. Weaknesses: disc fit takes practice. Skip it if you only make churros.
View Norpro Cookie Press on Amazon
3. Mirro Cookie Press
A classic aluminum cookie press that has been a kitchen staple for decades, with interchangeable plates.
Suits: traditional cooks. Strengths: a proven design. Weaknesses: check the listing for parts. Skip it if you want a modern grip.
View Mirro Cookie Press on Amazon
4. Ateco 826 Open Star Piping Tip
A large stainless steel star tip that cooks use to pipe churro dough. It pairs with a sturdy pastry bag.
Suits: piping by hand. Strengths: a large opening. Weaknesses: you need a bag as well. Skip it if you want a press.
View Ateco 826 Open Star Tip on Amazon
5. Wilton 1M Large Open Star Tip
A familiar large star tip with wide ridges, often used for frosting and also chosen for churro dough by home cooks.
Suits: baking supply drawers. Strengths: easy to find. Weaknesses: the opening may be small for thick dough. Skip it if you want a jumbo churro.
View Wilton 1M Large Open Star Tip on Amazon
6. Ateco Reusable Pastry Bag
A reusable fabric pastry bag that is built to take thick dough without splitting, and it works with the tips above.
Suits: piping churros. Strengths: a tough bag. Weaknesses: needs washing. Skip it if you prefer disposable bags.
View Ateco Reusable Pastry Bag on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Rinse dough off tips and presses before it hardens.
- Pipe onto parchment first, then lower into oil with care.
- Keep oil temperature steady, as the recipe advises.
- Dry metal parts after washing.
- Chill the piped dough for a few minutes before frying if the recipe advises it.
- Keep a pair of kitchen scissors handy to cut the dough at the pan.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling a press or bag with thick dough.
- Piping straight over hot oil, where splatter can burn you.
- Using a thin plastic bag that splits.
- Skipping a star tip and ending up with flat churros.
- Using a tip with a tiny opening that clogs with dough.
- Frying too many churros at once and cooling the oil.
Churro Maker FAQ
Do I need a special churro maker?
No. A sturdy pastry bag and a large star tip are enough for most home cooks.
Why a star tip?
The ridges let the churro cook through and hold cinnamon sugar.
Can a cookie press make churros?
It can, with a star disc, but the barrel size limits thickness.
Is frying at home safe?
Use a deep pot, keep a lid close and never leave hot oil unattended.
The Short Version
For a press, the Wilton Cookie Pro Ultra II. For a sturdier press, the Norpro. For tradition, the Mirro. For a large star tip, the Ateco 826. For a familiar tip, the Wilton 1M. For a tough bag, the Ateco Reusable Pastry Bag. Pick a press or a tip and bag, depending on whether you want ease or length.