Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Mix ½ cup sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Warm water and butter in a medium saucepan until butter is totally melted. Add flour, baking powder, 1½ tablespoons sugar, salt, vanilla and orange zest and remove from heat. Stir vigorously as it will start to thicken almost immediately. When dough forms a ball, place in a piping bag with a large star tip.

In a heavy-bottomed pot large enough for the oil to be at least three inches from the top, slowly heat oil to 375°F. Carefully pipe 1½-inch long pieces of dough into the oil, frying for two minutes, until churros are golden brown and floating. With a slotted spoon carefully transfer to a paper towel to remove excess oil.

While the churros are still hot, toss them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated. Serve warm or at room temperature.