Churros with Chocolate Dipping Sauce

Churros with Chocolate Dipping Sauce are a beloved treat originating from Spain and widely enjoyed in Latin American cuisine. These deep-fried dough pastries are crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, and coated in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Paired with a rich, velvety chocolate sauce, churros make for an indulgent snack, dessert, or breakfast treat.

Making churros at home might seem intimidating, but this recipe is straightforward and yields golden, crispy churros with a decadent chocolate dip that rivals any café or carnival version.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines comfort food nostalgia with gourmet flair. The warm, crunchy churros coated in cinnamon sugar are irresistible, and the chocolate dipping sauce elevates them to pure indulgence.

It’s also a fun recipe to make with family or friends, as piping the dough and dipping churros into chocolate adds an interactive element to dessert time.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Crispy, golden exterior with soft, airy interior.
• Sweet, spiced cinnamon sugar coating for the perfect bite.
• Paired with rich chocolate sauce for dipping.
• Ideal for parties, brunch, or a fun homemade treat.
• Brings a restaurant or street-food experience to your kitchen.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 6–8 (approx. 12–16 churros)
• Calories: ~350 kcal per serving (2 churros + chocolate sauce)

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Spanish / Latin American
• Course: Dessert / Snack

Ingredients

For the Churros:

• 1 cup water
• 2 ½ tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
• ½ cup granulated sugar + 1 tsp ground cinnamon for coating

For the Chocolate Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup heavy cream
• 4 oz (115 g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Prepare churro dough by boiling water, sugar, salt, and oil, then mixing in flour.
2. Beat in eggs and vanilla until smooth.
3. Heat oil in a pan and pipe dough into hot oil using a pastry bag. Fry until golden brown.
4. Drain on paper towels and coat with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
5. Heat cream and pour over chocolate, stirring until smooth for dipping sauce.
6. Serve churros warm with chocolate sauce.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Make the Churro Dough

• In a medium saucepan, combine water, 2 ½ tbsp sugar, salt, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil.
• Bring to a boil over medium heat.
• Remove from heat and stir in flour until mixture forms a smooth dough.
• Let it cool slightly for 5 minutes.
• Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, stirring until smooth and glossy.

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Step 2: Heat Oil for Frying

• In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
• Oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the churros.

Step 3: Pipe and Fry Churros

• Transfer dough to a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip.
• Pipe 4–6 inch strips directly into hot oil, cutting with scissors or a knife.
• Fry churros in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
• Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Coat Churros in Cinnamon Sugar

• In a shallow bowl, combine ½ cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon.
• Roll warm churros in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Step 5: Make Chocolate Dipping Sauce

• Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until simmering (do not boil).
• Pour over chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
• Let sit for 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
• Stir in sugar (optional) and vanilla extract.

Step 6: Serve

• Arrange churros on a serving plate.
• Serve with warm chocolate sauce in a small bowl for dipping.
• Enjoy immediately while churros are warm and crispy.

How to Serve

• Serve churros freshly fried and coated.
• Great as a dessert for parties, movie nights, or breakfast treats.
• Garnish chocolate sauce with whipped cream or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra indulgence.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Oil temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain 350°F (175°C) for crispy, non-greasy churros.
• Don’t overcrowd pan: Fry in small batches for even cooking.
• Keep churros warm: Place finished churros in a low oven (200°F / 90°C) while frying remaining batches.
• Consistency: Dough should be smooth but thick enough to hold shape in the oil.

Recipe Variations

1. Filled Churros: Pipe dulce de leche, chocolate, or cream inside after frying.
2. Savory Churros: Skip cinnamon sugar and serve with cheese or dipping sauce.
3. Chocolate Churros: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate-flavored churros.
4. Mini Churros: Pipe smaller churros for bite-sized snacks.
5. Air Fryer Version: Cook churros at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Best eaten fresh; leftover churros can be stored in an airtight container up to 1 day. Reheat in the oven for crispiness.
• Freezing: Uncooked churro dough can be frozen in a piping bag for up to 1 month. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to cooking time.
• Chocolate Sauce: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days; reheat gently before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer
• Pastry bag with large star tip
• Slotted spoon
• Saucepan for chocolate sauce
• Thermometer (optional but recommended for oil)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I bake churros instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden, then coat in cinnamon sugar.

Q2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, make the dough and store in a piping bag in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Pipe and fry when ready.

Q3. How do I get churros crispy and not soggy?
Maintain consistent oil temperature and do not overcrowd the pan. Fry in small batches.

Q4. Can I make chocolate sauce dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream or a dairy-free chocolate for a vegan version.

Q5. Why are my churros not puffing up?
Ensure dough is hot enough and eggs are fully incorporated. Fry at the correct temperature.

Conclusion

Churros with Chocolate Dipping Sauce are a timeless dessert that brings joy to any occasion. Crispy, golden, and coated in cinnamon sugar, paired with warm chocolate, they deliver a perfect mix of crunch, sweetness, and indulgence.

Whether for a family treat, a festive dessert, or a fun weekend project, this recipe allows you to enjoy classic Spanish street food at home. Every bite is a little celebration of flavor, texture, and comfort.