Spanish Churros with Chocolate

Indulge in the classic Spanish delight of homemade churros. These fried dough pastries are irresistibly crispy on the outside, wonderfully soft and fluffy on the inside, and generously coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mix. Paired with a rich, velvety chocolate dipping sauce, they are the perfect treat for a special breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave something sweet.

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Whether you're starting your day with a sweet breakfast or finishing a meal with an impressive dessert, these churros bring a taste of Spanish tradition to your table. The process is straightforward and rewarding, resulting in a treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• Dough
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 2 ½ tbsp (35 g) unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• For Frying
• 2 cups (475 ml) vegetable oil (for deep frying)
• Cinnamon Sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Chocolate Dipping Sauce
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 100 g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 tbsp (12 g) unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp (12 g) granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Step 2

Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides (about 2 minutes).

Step 3

Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat well until the dough is smooth and glossy.

Step 5

Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.

Step 6

Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).

Step 7

Pipe 4–6-inch strips of dough into the hot oil, cutting with scissors. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.

Step 8

Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels.

Step 9

Mix cinnamon and sugar in a shallow dish. Roll warm churros in cinnamon sugar to coat.

Step 10

For the chocolate sauce, heat cream and sugar in a small saucepan until just simmering. Remove from heat, add chocolate, butter, and salt. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth.

Step 11

Serve churros warm with chocolate dipping sauce.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the crispiest results, avoid overcrowding the pan by frying the churros in smaller batches. This helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures each piece cooks evenly to a perfect golden-brown.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a delightful citrus twist, add a little orange zest to the chocolate dipping sauce. It brightens the rich chocolate flavor and adds a fresh aroma.

Serviervorschläge

Churros are best enjoyed immediately after frying while they are still warm and crispy. Serve them alongside the freshly made, smooth chocolate sauce for the ultimate dipping experience.

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Now you have everything you need to recreate this beloved Spanish pastry. Enjoy the process of making and sharing these delicious homemade churros with family and friends!

Common Questions

→ What makes churros crispy on the outside?

The high-temperature frying process (350°F) creates an immediate golden crust while the steam inside keeps the interior tender. Using a star-shaped piping tip increases surface area for extra crispiness.

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dough and store it in a piping bag in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before frying for the best texture.

→ What's the best oil for frying churros?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or sunflower work best due to their high smoke points and lack of flavor interference. Peanut oil also adds a subtle richness if no allergies are a concern.

→ Why do I need to let the dough cool before adding the egg?

Adding egg to hot dough would cook it immediately and prevent proper incorporation. The 5-minute cooling period allows the temperature to drop enough for the egg to blend smoothly, creating that glossy, pipeable texture.

→ Can I bake churros instead of frying?

Baking produces a softer, pastry-like result rather than the classic crispy exterior. If you prefer baked, pipe onto a parchment-lined sheet, brush with oil, and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, though the texture will differ significantly from traditional versions.

→ How do I store leftover churros?

Churros are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 day in an airtight container. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore some crispiness—avoid microwaving as they become soggy.