Churros with Chocolate 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Churros are the perfect combination of crispy, sweet, and warm, with a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating that adds a comforting touch. The warm, rich chocolate dipping sauce brings it all together, offering a delicious contrast to the crunchy churros. This recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any special equipment aside from a piping bag, making it a fun treat to prepare at home. Churros with chocolate are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them as a breakfast pastry, an afternoon snack, or a decadent dessert.

Ingredients

For the churros:

• 1 cup water

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Vegetable oil for frying

For the cinnamon sugar coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the chocolate sauce:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 3 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the churro dough:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter is melted, and the mixture comes to a simmer.

• Add the flour to the saucepan all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 1-2 minutes). Continue cooking for another minute to dry out the dough slightly.

• Remove from heat and let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough becomes smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract.

2. Prepare the chocolate sauce:

• In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the butter and vanilla extract, and set the sauce aside to keep warm.

3. Fry the churros:

• Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or a large pot over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oil is hot enough to fry the churros, but not so hot that they burn quickly.

• While the oil heats, transfer the churro dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.

• Carefully pipe the dough into the hot oil, cutting the dough into 3-4 inch lengths. Fry the churros in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.

• Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the churros from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

4. Coat the churros with cinnamon sugar:

• In a shallow bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. While the churros are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.

5. Serve:

• Arrange the churros on a serving plate and serve with the warm chocolate dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy immediately while they are still warm and crispy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6

Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Stuffed Churros: For an indulgent twist, pipe dulce de leche, Nutella, or cream cheese into the center of the churros before frying for a stuffed version of this classic treat.

• Spicy Churros: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cinnamon sugar coating for a little extra heat and a unique flavor combination.

• Glazed Churros: Instead of cinnamon sugar, dip the fried churros into a simple sugar glaze for a sweeter, more decadent treat.

• Flavored Chocolate Sauce: Mix in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or chili powder into the chocolate sauce for a spiced version. You can also add a splash of liqueur, like Grand Marnier or Kahlúa, for added depth of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Churros are best enjoyed fresh, as they tend to lose their crispiness over time. However, you can store leftover churros in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.

Reheating: To reheat, place the churros in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore some of their crispiness. You can also microwave them briefly, but they may lose their crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I make churros ahead of time?

Churros are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Fry them just before serving for the best texture.

2. Why are my churros not crispy?

To get crispy churros, make sure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F/175°C). If the oil is too cool, the churros will absorb too much oil and become soggy. Be sure to fry them until golden brown, and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

3. Can I freeze churros?

Yes, you can freeze uncoated churros. Once fried and cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. After they are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them up.

4. Can I use a churro maker instead of piping the dough?

Yes, you can use a churro maker, which works similarly to a pastry bag. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. You’ll still need to fry the churros in hot oil.

5. How do I prevent my churros from getting soggy?

To avoid sogginess, fry the churros at the right temperature and coat them in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm. The sugar coating helps to keep the churros crispy by absorbing any moisture.

6. Can I make churros without egg?

While eggs are essential for creating the right dough consistency and texture in churros, you can try using egg substitutes like flax eggs or chia seeds mixed with water. However, the results may vary slightly in texture and taste.

7. How do I make churros with chocolate sauce more flavorful?

You can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or chili powder to the chocolate sauce for added complexity. Additionally, flavored liqueurs, like Grand Marnier or coffee liqueur, can give the sauce a unique twist.

8. How can I make my churros less greasy?

Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F/175°C) and fry the churros in batches to prevent overcrowding. This ensures that the churros cook quickly and crisp up without absorbing too much oil.

9. Can I make churros without frying them?

While frying is traditional for churros, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown. They may not be as crispy as fried churros, but they will still be delicious.

10. How do I make chocolate sauce thicker?

If your chocolate sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it, or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with a little water to thicken it.

Conclusion

Churros with chocolate are a delightful treat that combines crunchy, sweet, and rich flavors in every bite. With a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this classic Spanish and Latin American snack at home and enjoy it with friends and family. Whether you dip your churros into a velvety chocolate sauce or customize them with a variety of toppings, these golden, crispy delights are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy them fresh and warm for an irresistible dessert experience!