Name: Churros With Chocolate Dipping Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; Vegetable oil, for frying; 1/2 cup granulated sugar + 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup whole milk; 4 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped; 1 tbsp sugar (optional); 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Churros are surprisingly easy to make at home with basic pantry ingredients. The contrast between the crunchy outside and soft interior, plus the richness of the chocolate sauce, makes this dessert incredibly satisfying. They’re great for parties, holiday gatherings, or just as a fun weekend project. Freshly made churros beat store-bought or frozen versions every time.

Ingredients

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

For the churros:

Water
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Salt
All-purpose flour
Large eggs
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Cinnamon sugar (for coating)

For the chocolate dipping sauce:

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate (chopped or chips)
Heavy cream
Whole milk
Sugar (optional)
Vanilla extract

Directions

In a saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce heat and add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth.
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
Pipe 4–6 inch strips of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting them off with scissors. Fry in batches until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Immediately toss in cinnamon sugar while warm.
To make the chocolate sauce, heat cream and milk in a small saucepan until just simmering.
Remove from heat and stir in chocolate until melted and smooth. Add sugar and vanilla if desired.
Serve churros warm with the chocolate sauce on the side for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 20 churros.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Filled Churros: Pipe dulce de leche or Nutella into the center using a filling tip after frying.
Spiced Sugar Coating: Add nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for a spiced flavor twist.
Chocolate Churros: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate version.
Churro Bites: Pipe and cut smaller pieces for bite-sized snacks.
Flavored Chocolate Sauce: Add orange zest, chili powder, or espresso powder to the chocolate for extra depth.

Storage/Reheating

Churros are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To reheat, place churros in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it softens the texture.
Chocolate sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave until smooth.

FAQs

Can I make churro dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made a few hours in advance and kept covered at room temperature. Pipe and fry when ready.

What kind of oil is best for frying churros?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or any neutral oil with a high smoke point is ideal.

Can I bake churros instead of frying?

Yes, but they won’t be as crispy. Pipe them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.

Why are my churros doughy inside?

They may be undercooked or the oil may not have been hot enough. Make sure the oil stays around 350°F (175°C).

Can I use a zip-top bag instead of a piping bag?

Yes, use a sturdy freezer bag with the corner snipped off, but the traditional ridges come from using a star tip.

How do I keep churros warm for serving?

Place them on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven to keep warm while you fry the rest.

Can I freeze churros?

Yes, freeze unfried dough strips on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.

What kind of chocolate should I use for the sauce?

Use high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for the best flavor and smooth texture.

Is it necessary to coat churros in cinnamon sugar right away?

Yes, the sugar sticks best while the churros are still hot and slightly oily.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just make sure not to overcrowd the fryer when cooking in larger batches.

Conclusion

Churros with chocolate dipping sauce bring the joy of a classic street dessert right into your kitchen. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfectly coated in cinnamon sugar, they’re a treat that’s sure to impress. Paired with a rich, warm chocolate sauce, this recipe is a delightful way to celebrate any occasion or satisfy a sweet craving with a homemade twist.