Easy Churros with Chocolate Sauce
Churros are the quintessential sweet treat that brings a sprinkle of joy to any occasion. These golden-brown, crispy pastries are not only delightful to eat but also incredibly fun to make! With a few simple ingredients and some straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of Easy Churros with Chocolate Sauce that will impress your family and friends. Picture this: warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated churros, perfectly paired with a rich, velvety chocolate sauce. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that will transform your kitchen into a little corner of a Mexican fiesta!
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
This Easy Churros with Chocolate Sauce recipe is a keeper for several reasons. Firstly, it utilizes basic pantry ingredients, making it both accessible and cost-effective. Secondly, the churros can be made in under an hour, perfect for those spontaneous dessert cravings. Lastly, the combination of crispy churros with creamy chocolate sauce is simply divine, making it a hit for any gathering—be it a family night, a birthday celebration, or even just a cozy evening at home.
What Goes In
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the churros and forms a delightful coating.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the sugar coating.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the churro dough, providing structure.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the dough itself.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the churros puff up during frying.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Adds moisture to the dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely flavor into the churros.
- 1 cup boiled water: Hydrates the dough and helps it come together.
- 3 cups+ vegetable oil for frying: Ensures a crispy exterior.
- 4 oz dark baking chocolate, chopped: Creates a rich chocolate sauce for dipping.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the chocolate sauce creamy and luscious.
Equipment Breakdown
- 1 cloth pastry bag or heavy-duty plastic pastry bag: Essential for piping the churro dough.
- 1 large open star pastry tip (such as Wilton #2110/1M): Helps create the signature ridged shape of churros.
- Large pot or deep fryer: Necessary for frying the churros to golden perfection.
- Mixing bowl: For combining the churro dough ingredients.
- Whisk or spoon: To mix the ingredients evenly.
- Slotted spoon: Useful for removing churros from hot oil.
- Paper towels: For draining excess oil from the churros.
Method: Easy Churros with Chocolate Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, mix together the 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Set aside; this will be the delightful coating for your churros once they’re fried.
Step 2: Make the Churro Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 cup boiled water. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
Step 3: Pipe the Churros
Transfer the churro dough into the cloth pastry bag fitted with the large star tip. Heat the 3 cups+ vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully pipe 4-6 inch long strips of dough into the hot oil, cutting the ends with scissors. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 4: Coat the Churros
Using a slotted spoon, remove the churros from the oil and let them drain on paper towels for a moment. While they’re still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Sauce
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the 4 oz chopped dark baking chocolate and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange the warm churros on a serving platter with a bowl of the chocolate sauce for dipping. Gather your loved ones, and indulge in this delectable treat!
Tailor It to Your Diet
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or almond milk in place of heavy cream for the chocolate sauce.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar in the churro dough and coating to taste.
- Vegan: Replace the egg (if using) in other recipes with a flaxseed egg and use plant-based chocolate.
Steer Clear of These
When making your churros, avoid the following:
- Overcrowding the frying pot, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy churros.
- Using cold water in the dough, as it can affect the texture and consistency.
- Skipping the cinnamon-sugar coating; it’s what makes churros truly delightful!
- Frying at too high a temperature, which can burn the churros before they cook through.
Save for Later: Storage Tips
For the best churros, serve them fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness. The chocolate sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week; simply reheat gently before serving.
Easy Churros with Chocolate Sauce Q&A
Can I make the churro dough in advance?
While it’s best to use the churro dough fresh, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before piping and frying.
What should I do if my churros are soggy?
Soggy churros are often a result of too much moisture in the dough or frying at too low a temperature. Ensure your oil is hot enough and avoid over-mixing the dough.
Can I use a different type of chocolate for the sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolates for a unique twist on the sauce.
How can I make my churros more flavorful?
You can incorporate additional flavors into the churro dough, like citrus zest or almond extract, or add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar coating for a warm twist.
Time to Try It
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and make your very own Easy Churros with Chocolate Sauce! This delightful recipe is sure to bring smiles to your loved ones and create unforgettable memories. So grab your ingredients and equipment, and get ready to indulge in the warm, crispy goodness of homemade churros dipped in rich chocolate. Happy cooking!
Easy Churros with Chocolate Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Coating. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- Step 2: Make the Churro Dough. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and boiled water. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
- Step 3: Pipe the Churros. Transfer dough into the pastry bag fitted with the star tip. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Pipe 4-6 inch long strips into hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Step 4: Coat the Churros. Remove churros from oil using a slotted spoon and let drain on paper towels. While warm, roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
- Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine chopped dark baking chocolate and heavy cream. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Step 6: Serve and Enjoy! Arrange warm churros on a platter with chocolate sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For gluten-free churros, use a gluten-free baking blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- To make dairy-free chocolate sauce, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.
- Store leftover churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
