Indulge in the delightful crunch and sweetness of Classic Churros with Chocolate Dipping Sauce. These churros are crispy on the outside and wonderfully soft on the inside, rolled in a cinnamon-sugar mixture that adds a perfect touch of warmth and sweetness. Paired with a rich, velvety chocolate dipping sauce, this dessert is an absolute treat for the senses.
Ideal for any occasion, these churros are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The combination of the golden, fried dough and the smooth, bittersweet chocolate creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave you craving more. Serve them warm and watch them disappear as everyone reaches for a second (or third) churro.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Churros:
- 1 cup water (240ml)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28g)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (13g)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
- 1 large egg (50g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Cinnamon Sugar:
- 1/2 cup sugar (100g)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Chocolate Dipping Sauce:
- 3 oz bittersweet chocolate (85g), chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (120g)
Directions:
- Making the Churros:
Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add 1 cup of flour all at once.
- Stir immediately and continuously until the mixture comes together into a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This should happen quickly.
Cool the Dough:
- Remove the dough from the heat and press it down in the pan to cool for about 5 minutes.
Add the Egg and Vanilla:
- After cooling, add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
- Mix well until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You can use a mixer for this step. The mixture will look separated at first but keep mixing until it comes together.
Prepare the Piping Bag:
- Place the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip (Ateco 847 or similar).
- Double layer the piping bag if necessary to handle the thick dough.
- Pipe 5-inch strips of dough onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, using scissors to cut the ends.
Fry the Churros:
- Heat vegetable oil in a pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Fry the churros in batches, keeping the oil temperature between 330-350°F (165-175°C).
- Fry each churro for about 5 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown.
- Drain the churros on paper towels for a few seconds.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
- Mix 1/2 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Roll the churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they are still warm.
- Making the Chocolate Dipping Sauce:
Heat the Cream:
- Heat 1/2 cup of heavy cream in a small saucepan until the edges start to bubble. Do not let it boil.
Combine with Chocolate:
- Pour the hot cream over 3 oz of chopped bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- Let it sit for a minute, then stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Serve:
- Serve the warm churros with the chocolate dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Tips:
- Make sure the oil stays at the right temperature for evenly cooked churros.
- You can adjust the sweetness of the dipping sauce by using different types of chocolate.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 200 kcal per churro (approximate) | Servings: 8 churros
Here are some additional tips and information about this recipe:
Tips for Making the Best Churros
- Consistent Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature between 330-350°F (165-175°C) to ensure the churros cook evenly and don’t absorb too much oil.
- Smooth Dough: Make sure to mix the dough thoroughly after adding the egg and vanilla until it is smooth and elastic.
- Perfect Piping: Use a star tip for piping the dough to create the classic churro ridges, which help hold the cinnamon sugar.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Flavor Twists: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture for an extra flavor dimension.
- Dip Options: While chocolate sauce is a classic, try serving with caramel sauce, dulce de leche, or even a fruit compote for variety.
- Serving Ideas: Churros are perfect for sharing at parties or as a fun family dessert. Pair with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Churros are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat churros in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes to restore their crispiness.
- Freezing: Uncooked churro dough can be frozen. Pipe the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a brief look at the nutritional content per serving (approximate values):
- Calories: 200 kcal per churro
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
Possible Questions About This Recipe
- Can I use a different type of flour?
- All-purpose flour is ideal, but you can try using a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for a slightly different texture.
- How do I know the oil is at the right temperature?
- Use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, ensuring it stays between 330-350°F (165-175°C).
- Can I bake the churros instead of frying them?
- Yes, you can bake churros at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown, but they won’t have the same crispiness as fried churros.
- What if my dough is too thick to pipe?
- If the dough is too thick, you can add a small amount of water, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a pipeable consistency.
- Can I make the chocolate dipping sauce ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the sauce ahead and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
- Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the chocolate sauce?
- You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and butter as a substitute, but the sauce may be slightly less rich.
- How can I prevent the churros from sticking to the parchment paper?
- Lightly grease the parchment paper with a bit of vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
- Yes, but reduce the added salt in the dough to balance the flavors.
- What is the best oil for frying churros?
- Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are good choices for frying churros due to their high smoke points.
- How can I ensure the churros are evenly cooked?
- Fry the churros in small batches and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
Conclusion
These Classic Churros with Chocolate Dipping Sauce are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion. Crispy, sweet, and paired with a rich dipping sauce, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious dessert!