A beloved treat originating from Spain, churros are crispy, golden pastries that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert. When dipped in rich, warm chocolate sauce, they become an irresistible indulgence. Making churros at home is easier than you think, and with a few tips, you can achieve bakery-quality results.

Why Make Your Own Churros?

• Freshness: Enjoy them hot and crispy right out of the fryer.
• Customization: Control the amount of cinnamon and sugar.
• Fun process: Piping the dough can be a fun activity for the whole family.

Ingredients

For the churros:

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Oil for frying (vegetable, sunflower, or mild olive oil)
• Cinnamon sugar for coating (1/2 cup sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon)

For the chocolate sauce:

• 100g semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or plant-based)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• A pinch of salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Prepare the dough:

• In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons of oil. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
• Once boiling, remove from heat and immediately add the flour all at once.
• Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or spatula until the mixture forms a smooth, cohesive dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan. This step is crucial for a good texture.
• Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.

2. Heat the oil:

• Pour enough oil into a deep skillet or pot to submerge the churros (about 2-3 inches deep).
• Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for best results; the oil should be hot enough so that the churros sizzle immediately upon contact.

Tips:

• To test the oil without a thermometer, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, it’s ready.
• Maintain a steady temperature; if the oil is too hot, the churros will burn outside before cooking inside. If too cold, they will be greasy and soft.

3. Pipe and fry:

• Fill the piping bag with dough. Pipe strips directly into the hot oil, cutting with scissors or a knife to your preferred length (about 4-6 inches).
• Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the churros and drain on paper towels.

4. Coat with cinnamon sugar:

• While still warm, roll the churros in cinnamon sugar for a sweet, crunchy coating.

5. Prepare the chocolate sauce:

• In a small saucepan, heat the milk until warm (not boiling).
• Add the chopped chocolate and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth.
• Taste and add sugar if needed. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

Tips for Perfect Churros

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: Fresh oil and good-quality chocolate make a noticeable difference.
• Consistent piping: Keep even pressure on the piping bag to create uniform churros.
• Control the oil temperature: Use a thermometer and adjust the heat to keep the oil steady.
• Serving: Serve immediately for maximum crunchiness. If you need to keep them warm, place in a low oven (around 200°F/93°C) for a few minutes.

Variations and Serving Ideas

• Add a dash of vanilla or cinnamon to the chocolate sauce.
• Fill the churros with dulce de leche or caramel before serving.
• Dust with powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar.
• Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Making churros at home allows you to enjoy this delicious treat anytime with minimal effort. The combination of crunchy churros and silky chocolate sauce is simply irresistible and perfect for sharing with loved ones.