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)

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Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Churro Dough

1. Heat the Water, Butter, Sugar, and Salt:
   • In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the water, unsalted butter, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to melt the butter.
2. Add the Flour:
   • Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the pan, forming a smooth ball of dough. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
3. Cool the Dough:
   • Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the dough to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. This is important to prevent the egg from cooking when you add it.
4. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
   • Once the dough has cooled slightly, add the egg and vanilla extract. Stir the dough vigorously until the egg is fully incorporated. The dough will appear sticky and lumpy at first, but keep stirring until it becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 2: Fry the Churros

1. Heat the Oil:
   • In a large, deep skillet or pot, pour enough vegetable oil to reach a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature with a kitchen thermometer or drop a small piece of dough into the oil—it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
2. Pipe the Dough:
   • Transfer the churro dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (this gives churros their classic ridged shape). If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a resealable plastic bag with the corner cut off.
   • Pipe 4-6 inch long strips of dough directly into the hot oil, using scissors to cut the dough as it comes out of the piping bag.
3. Fry the Churros:
   • Fry the churros in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch for about 2-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides.
   • Once the churros are cooked, remove them with a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Coat the Churros in Cinnamon Sugar

1. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar:
   • In a shallow dish, mix the sugar and cinnamon together.
2. Coat the Churros:
   • While the churros are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Dipping Sauce

1. Heat the Cream:
   • In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, but do not let it boil.
2. Melt the Chocolate:
   • Place the chopped bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for about 2 minutes. Stir the mixture until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
3. Serve:
   • Transfer the chocolate dipping sauce to a serving bowl and serve alongside the churros for dipping.

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Cooking Tips:

• Temperature Control: Ensure that your frying oil stays at a consistent 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the churros will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked inside. If it’s too cool, the churros will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
• Piping Bag: For the best results, use a piping bag with a large star tip to get the traditional ridged churro shape. The ridges help the churros cook evenly and hold onto more cinnamon sugar.
• Dough Texture: The churro dough should be thick and smooth after adding the egg. If it seems too stiff to pipe, you can add a tablespoon of water to loosen it up.

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Storage:

• Refrigeration: Churros are best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigerating churros as it can make them soggy.
• Reheating: To reheat churros, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to crisp them up again. Avoid microwaving them, as they will become soft and lose their crispiness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked churros by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freezing them until solid. Transfer the frozen churros to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen by baking them in the oven until warm and crispy.

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Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 70mg
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 19g
• Protein: 5g

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Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I make the churro dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before frying.

2. Can I bake churros instead of frying them? While churros are traditionally fried, you can bake them for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), pipe the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. The texture will be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.

3. What type of chocolate should I use for the dipping sauce? Bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate works best for the dipping sauce as it balances the sweetness of the churros. You can also use dark chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor.

4. Can I use different toppings for churros? Absolutely! While cinnamon sugar is the traditional coating, you can also try dusting churros with powdered sugar or dipping them in caramel sauce, dulce de leche, or even a fruit compote.

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Conclusion:

Classic churros with cinnamon sugar and a chocolate dipping sauce are a delightful treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With a crispy exterior and a soft, tender inside, these churros are easy to make and perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or simply as a weekend indulgence. The combination of warm, spiced churros and rich chocolate sauce is irresistible, making this dessert a favorite among both kids and adults. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the fryer or reheated later, this recipe is bound to bring smiles to the table. Enjoy making this classic treat at home and impress your friends and family with your homemade churros!