Churros with Chocolate Sauce – Crispy Fried Churros for a Mexican Dessert

Crispy Fried Churros for a Mexican Dessert

Churros are a beloved Mexican dessert that has captured the hearts of people around the world. With their golden crispy exterior, soft and airy interior, and the irresistible sweetness of cinnamon sugar, churros are a perfect treat for any occasion. Paired with a rich, velvety chocolate sauce, this dessert becomes even more indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun family activity, or simply craving a sweet snack, churros with chocolate sauce are sure to delight your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make the perfect churros with a crispy texture on the outside and a soft, airy inside. We’ll also guide you through making a decadent chocolate sauce that complements the churros beautifully. It’s a simple yet impressive dessert that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings.

What Are Churros?

Churros are a popular Mexican pastry made from a simple dough that is fried until crispy and golden brown. They are typically flavored with cinnamon sugar, giving them a sweet and slightly spicy taste. In Mexico and other parts of Latin America, churros are often enjoyed as a breakfast treat or snack, served with a cup of hot chocolate for dipping.

The dough for churros is typically made from water, flour, butter, eggs, and a pinch of salt. The mixture is piped into hot oil in long strips and fried until golden and crispy. Once fried, the churros are coated in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon, giving them their signature sweet coating.

Churros are often compared to doughnuts due to their similar texture and sweet flavor. However, what sets them apart is their signature long, ridged shape and the fact that they’re typically served with a dip, often chocolate sauce or a warm custard-like sauce, creating a delicious combination of crispy and creamy textures.

The Healthier Side of Churros

While churros are traditionally fried, they can still be a fun treat when enjoyed in moderation. They provide energy from carbohydrates, and the eggs in the dough offer a small amount of protein. Though churros are not typically considered a "healthy" snack, you can always adjust the recipe to make them slightly lighter by controlling the oil and sugar used.

For those who prefer a healthier version, consider making baked churros instead of fried ones. You’ll still get that satisfying crunch, but with less oil. However, the authentic fried version gives churros their irresistible texture, which is part of their charm. You can even experiment by using alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar or stevia for a more health-conscious version of this indulgent dessert.

Another tip for making healthier churros is to use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This will provide extra fiber and nutrients. Though it may slightly alter the texture, it will still result in a delicious treat!

Health Benefits of Churros (When Enjoyed in Moderation)

Energy Boost: Churros are made with simple ingredients like flour and eggs, which provide a quick source of energy.
Rich in Carbohydrates: The dough is high in carbohydrates, making churros a satisfying snack that helps curb hunger.
Iron and Protein: Eggs in the dough contribute small amounts of protein and iron, which are essential for overall health.
Mental Satisfaction: Indulging in a sweet treat like churros can have psychological benefits, helping to lift your mood and satisfy cravings.
Customizable to Your Needs: As previously mentioned, you can tweak the recipe to make churros healthier, making it a dessert that suits different diets and preferences.

How to Make Crispy Churros with Chocolate Sauce

Making churros at home is easier than you might think! Below, you’ll find a simple step-by-step guide to create these crispy, golden treats with a luscious chocolate sauce.

Ingredients for Churros:

1 cup water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil for frying
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Ingredients for Chocolate Sauce:

1 cup heavy cream
4 oz dark chocolate (or milk chocolate if preferred)
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, depending on sweetness of the chocolate)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Make the Churro Dough: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, butter, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the butter is fully melted. Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add the flour. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a thick dough. Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes before adding the eggs one at a time. Beat each egg in until the dough is smooth and shiny. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Prepare the Oil for Frying: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). You can test the temperature by dropping in a small piece of dough – it should immediately sizzle and rise to the top.
Pipe the Churros: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Carefully pipe the dough into the hot oil in 6-inch strips, cutting the dough with scissors as it cooks. Fry the churros for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: While the churros are frying, mix the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Once the churros are golden brown, remove them from the oil and drain them on paper towels. While they are still hot, roll the churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
Make the Chocolate Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate. Stir until the chocolate has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy. Stir in vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the churros warm with the chocolate sauce on the side for dipping. The crispy churros with the rich chocolate sauce create the perfect combination of textures and flavors!

Why You’ll Love These Churros with Chocolate Sauce

This churros recipe is not only incredibly easy to make, but it also results in a delicious and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The crunchy, cinnamon-coated churros combined with the silky chocolate sauce offer a rich, satisfying dessert that’s sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth.

Churros can be enjoyed as a late-night snack, a sweet finish to a dinner party, or even as a special treat for holidays and celebrations. The best part? They can be made in less than 30 minutes, making them a perfect choice when you need a quick dessert that still feels fancy.