Authentic Spanish Churros with Rich Chocolate Sauce

I’m excited to share this classic Spanish churros recipe that brings the taste of a European café right to your kitchen. These crispy, golden churros paired with decadent chocolate sauce create an irresistible combination that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time treat.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 12 churros

Ingredients

For the Churros

• 1 cup (240ml) water
• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon (13g) granulated sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg (50g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Chocolate Sauce

• 3 oz (85g) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• ½ cup (120g) heavy cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

• In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt
• Bring to a boil over medium heat
• Remove from heat and add flour all at once
• Stir vigorously until mixture forms a smooth ball
• Let cool for 5 minutes

1. Finish the Dough

• Add egg and vanilla to cooled mixture
• Beat until fully incorporated and dough is smooth
• Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip

1. Heat the Oil

• Fill a heavy-bottomed pot with 2 inches of oil
• Heat to 375°F (190°C)
• Line a plate with paper towels

1. Prepare Coating

• Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish
• Set aside

1. Make the Chocolate Sauce

• Heat heavy cream until simmering
• Pour over chopped chocolate
• Let stand 1 minute
• Stir until smooth

1. Frying Process

• Pipe 4-inch lengths of dough into hot oil
• Cut end with scissors
• Fry 2-3 minutes per side until golden
• Transfer to paper towels
• Roll in cinnamon sugar while warm

Pro Tips for Perfect Churros

• Maintain oil temperature at 375°F
• Don’t overcrowd the pot
• Pat off excess oil before coating
• Serve immediately for best texture
• Keep chocolate sauce warm for dipping

Nutrition Information (per churro)

• Calories: 165
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12g

Storage Instructions

• Best served immediately
• Can be stored in airtight container for 24 hours
• Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes
• Chocolate sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days

Variations

• Mexican Style: Add a pinch of cayenne to chocolate
• Filled Churros: Pipe with dulce de leche
• Chocolate Churros: Add cocoa powder to dough
• Coffee Dip: Add espresso to chocolate sauce

These homemade churros are the perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior, with the warming spice of cinnamon sugar and rich chocolate for dipping. The key to their perfect texture lies in the precise cooking temperature and timing. When done right, they’re light and airy inside with a satisfyingly crunchy outside.

The chocolate sauce is equally important – using quality bittersweet chocolate creates a dip that’s rich without being overly sweet, perfectly complementing the sugary churros. Whether you’re serving these for breakfast with coffee, as an afternoon snack, or a dessert finale, they’re sure to impress with their authentic taste and texture.

Remember, churros are best enjoyed fresh and warm, when they’re at their crispiest and most delicious. The combination of the warm, crunchy pastry with the smooth, rich chocolate creates a classic treat that’s impossible to resist!