Introduction
Churros are a classic dessert or snack, perfect for family gatherings, casual treats, or festive occasions inspired by Latin American and Spanish cuisines. These crispy, golden pastries, coated in cinnamon sugar and optionally served with a rich chocolate dipping sauce, deliver a sweet, satisfying flavor with a delightful contrast of textures. Presented on a white ceramic platter, optionally dusted with extra cinnamon sugar or paired with chocolate sauce in a white ceramic bowl, this Churros recipe offers a vibrant, appetizing aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a simple, homemade version, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing treat that brings festive charm to any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Churros:
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 4 cups)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
(Optional) Chocolate Dipping Sauce:
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chopped or chips)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Optional: Extra cinnamon sugar, chocolate shavings
- Suggested Accompaniments: Fresh strawberries, whipped cream
- Suggested Pairings: Hot chocolate, coffee
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic platter with chocolate sauce in a white ceramic bowl
- Suggested Equipment: Medium saucepan, mixing bowl, piping bag with large star tip, deep fryer or heavy pot, thermometer, slotted spoon, measuring cups/spoons
Step-by-Step Process
- Make Dough: In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts. Remove from heat, add flour, and stir until a smooth dough forms. Let cool for 5 minutes. Add egg and vanilla, stirring vigorously until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Taste and adjust with more cinnamon or sugar for a balanced flavor.
- Heat Oil: In a deep fryer or heavy pot, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to maintain a consistent temperature.
- Pipe Churros: Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 4–6-inch strips of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting with scissors or a knife. Fry 3–4 churros at a time to avoid crowding, cooking for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain and Coat: Remove churros with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. While warm, toss in cinnamon sugar to coat evenly.
- Make Chocolate Sauce (Optional): Heat cream in a saucepan until simmering. Pour over chocolate in a bowl, let sit for 1 minute, then whisk with vanilla until smooth.
- Serve: Arrange Churros on a white ceramic platter. Optionally dust with extra cinnamon sugar or garnish with chocolate shavings. Serve with chocolate sauce in a white ceramic bowl, strawberries, whipped cream, hot chocolate, or coffee.
Tips for Better Churros
- Stir the dough vigorously to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture.
- Taste the cinnamon sugar before coating to balance sweet and spiced flavors; adjust cautiously.
- Maintain oil temperature at 375°F to achieve a crispy exterior without greasiness.
- Use a star tip for classic churro ridges; a round tip works but alters texture.
- Present on a white ceramic platter with chocolate sauce in a white ceramic bowl for a vibrant look.
- Make ahead: Prepare dough up to 4 hours in advance; refrigerate and pipe fresh.
- Fry in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping.
- Enhance aesthetic: Dust with extra cinnamon sugar or add chocolate shavings for a festive, indulgent look.
Variations and Customization
- Gluten-Free Churros: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; ensure other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
- Vegan Churros: Replace butter with vegan margarine, egg with 1/4 cup applesauce, and use coconut cream for the chocolate sauce.
- Spiced Churros: Add 1/4 tsp nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar.
- Chocolate-Filled Churros: Fill piped churros with chocolate ganache using a long piping tip after frying.
- Dulce de Leche Churros: Serve with a side of dulce de leche instead of chocolate sauce.
- Mini Churros: Pipe 2-inch churros for bite-sized treats; reduce frying time to 1–2 minutes per side.
- Mocha Churros: Add 1/2 tsp instant espresso powder to the chocolate dipping sauce.
- Sugar-Free Churros: Use a sugar-free sweetener for the coating and omit sugar in the dough.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store fried churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freeze unfried dough in a piping bag for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before frying.
- Serve warm for the best crispy texture and flavor.
- Use as a standalone treat or with dipping sauces for versatility.
- Pair with hot chocolate or coffee to complement the sweet, spiced flavors.
- Present on a white ceramic platter with chocolate sauce in a white ceramic bowl for an appetizing, festive charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 4 servings (4–5 churros each, without chocolate sauce):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 160mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 4g
- Vitamin A: 8% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 0% Daily Value
- Calcium: 2% Daily Value
- Iron: 8% Daily Value
Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (vegan options reduce cholesterol to 0mg). High in fat and calories; enjoy with fruit for balance.
Conclusion
This Churros recipe delivers a crispy, sweet treat perfect for any occasion, transforming simple ingredients into a festive classic. Its straightforward preparation and vibrant presentation make it a favorite. The golden pastry and cinnamon sugar delight every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its crowd-pleasing charm.
Churros Recipe: Crispy and Sweet
Classic Churros with crispy, sweet flavor.
Ingredients
- Churros:
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Optional Chocolate Sauce:
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: Cinnamon sugar chocolate shavings
- Suggested Pairings: Strawberries coffee
Instructions
- Boil water, butter, sugar, and salt; add flour, stir to form dough. Cool, add egg and vanilla.
- Mix cinnamon sugar; taste and adjust.
- Heat oil to 375°F; pipe 4–6-inch churros, fry 2–3 min per side.
- Drain, coat in cinnamon sugar.
- Make chocolate sauce (optional): heat cream, melt chocolate, and add vanilla.
- Serve on a white ceramic platter with chocolate sauce, shavings, strawberries, and coffee.
Notes
- Maintain oil at 375°F for crispiness.
- Store churros at room temperature for 1 day or freeze the dough for 1 month.
- Try a vegan or spiced variation.
- Pair with hot chocolate.
