Introduction
If you’ve ever wondered how to make bakery-quality churros at home, this Ultimate Homemade Churros With Chocolate Dipping Sauce recipe is your answer. These golden, crispy, cinnamon-sugar churros are soft on the inside, perfectly spiced, and served with a rich, indulgent chocolate sauce that makes every bite irresistible. Whether it’s for breakfast, dessert, or a festive snack, this recipe is a must-try for churro lovers of all ages.
Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Homemade Churros With Chocolate Dipping Sauce
Homemade churros may sound intimidating, but this recipe simplifies every step while delivering authentic flavor and texture. Here’s why it’s so special:
- Crispy Outside, Soft Inside: Frying creates the classic churro crunch, while the inside stays tender.
- Rich Cinnamon Flavor: The sugar-cinnamon coating is balanced and fragrant without being overpowering.
- Perfect Chocolate Pairing: A smooth chocolate sauce elevates these churros into a luxurious treat.
- Family-Friendly & Customizable: Easy to make with kids, and adaptable for dietary swaps.
- Quick Prep: From mixing to frying, it takes just about 45 minutes to enjoy fresh churros.
Ingredients for Ultimate Homemade Churros With Chocolate Dipping Sauce
Churros Dough
- 1 cup water
- 2 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- ½ cup granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for coating
Chocolate Dipping Sauce (Optional)
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of kosher salt
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Butter: Can substitute with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Eggs: Use flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water) for a vegan version.
- Sugar: For a lower-sugar option, use coconut sugar for coating.
- Chocolate Sauce: Swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate or plant-based chocolate for non-dairy diets.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Dough
In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in flour until a smooth dough forms. Let it cool for 5 minutes.
Step 2 – Incorporate the Eggs
Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy. This ensures the perfect consistency for piping.
Step 3 – Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium-high until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). Test with a small drop of dough; it should sizzle immediately.
Step 4 – Pipe and Fry
Transfer dough to a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 4–6 inch lengths directly into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 5 – Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. While churros are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Step 6 – Make the Chocolate Dipping Sauce
In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until just simmering. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and glossy. Serve warm alongside churros.
Pro Tips for Success
- Keep Oil Temperature Steady: Too hot and churros burn; too low and they absorb oil. Use a thermometer for precision.
- Pipe Carefully: Keep the dough moving in one smooth motion to maintain uniform churro shapes.
- Fry in Small Batches: Avoid crowding the pan to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Drain Excess Oil: Use paper towels or a wire rack to prevent soggy churros.
- Serve Immediately: Churros are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch.
- Chocolate Sauce Warmth: If the chocolate thickens, gently reheat or add a splash of cream.
Flavor Variations
- Filled Churros: Pipe dulce de leche, Nutella, or pastry cream inside after frying.
- Spiced Churros: Add nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Savory Twist: Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with a salted caramel dipping sauce.
- Fruit Chocolate Sauce: Mix in raspberry or orange zest into the chocolate for a fruity variation.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- Create a churro platter with various dipping sauces: chocolate, caramel, or strawberry.
- Top with whipped cream or ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store leftover churros in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked churros on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving — 2 churros + chocolate sauce)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 310 | 4 g | 38 g | 16 g | 2 g | 150 mg |
FAQ About Ultimate Homemade Churros With Chocolate Dipping Sauce
How do I make churros crispy without frying?
For a healthier option, bake churros at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until golden, then coat with cinnamon sugar. While not as crispy as fried, they still taste delicious.
Can I make churros ahead of time?
Yes, but for best texture, fry or bake just before serving. You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours.
What is the best chocolate for dipping sauce?
Dark chocolate works beautifully due to its rich flavor, but milk chocolate or a vegan chocolate bar also melts smoothly.
How do I pipe churros if I don’t have a pastry bag?
A large resealable plastic bag with a corner cut off works as a makeshift piping bag.
Can I freeze churros before or after frying?
Churros freeze best after frying. Freeze on a sheet first, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven for crispiness.
Ultimate Homemade Churros With Chocolate Dipping Sauce
Equipment
- medium saucepan
- mixing spoon
- piping bag with star tip
- deep skillet or pot
- slotted spoon
- paper towels
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (for sauce)
- pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in the flour until a smooth dough forms. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to about 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer dough to a piping bag with a star tip. Pipe 4–6 inch lengths into hot oil and fry until golden, about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and roll warm churros until evenly coated.
- Heat heavy cream until just simmering, then stir in chocolate chips, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. Serve warm with churros.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
This Ultimate Homemade Churros With Chocolate Dipping Sauce recipe is a perfect way to enjoy a classic dessert at home. Crispy, soft, and richly flavored, churros are ideal for family gatherings, special occasions, or just a fun weekend treat. Pair them with chocolate sauce, coffee, or ice cream, and you’ve got a dessert that impresses every time. Enjoy the magic of homemade churros and watch them disappear fast!