Classic Churros Recipe

Classic Churros Recipe

Introduction

Classic Churros are a favorite snack in many countries, especially Spain and Mexico. These fried dough pastries are crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside, with a perfect cinnamon-sugar coating. Whether you dip them in hot chocolate, dulce de leche, or enjoy them as they are, churros are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s get started on making these irresistible treats!

Ingredients

For the churros:

• 1 cup (240ml) water
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the cinnamon sugar coating:

• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the chocolate dipping sauce (optional):

• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the churro dough:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, salt, and vegetable oil. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Once it boils, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the flour until the mixture comes together into a dough. The dough will be thick.
3. Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The dough should be smooth, thick, and slightly sticky.
4. Transfer the dough into a large piping bag fitted with a large star-shaped nozzle (or a churro tip if you have one).

2. Heat the oil:

1. In a large pot or deep fryer, heat about 2–3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be hot enough to fry the churros quickly without burning them.
2. Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature, as frying at too low or too high a temperature can affect the texture.

3. Fry the churros:

1. Carefully pipe the dough directly into the hot oil, cutting the dough into 4–6 inch long pieces. Use kitchen scissors to cut the dough after each portion.
2. Fry the churros in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Use a slotted spoon to remove the churros from the oil and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels.

4. Coat with cinnamon sugar:

1. In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
2. While the churros are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are fully coated.

5. Make the chocolate dipping sauce (optional):

1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
2. Remove from the heat and add the chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.

6. Serve:

• Serve the churros warm, with the chocolate dipping sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.

Tips for Success

• Piping the dough: If the dough is too thick to pipe easily, add a tiny bit of warm water to loosen it up.
• Frying tip: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying—too cool oil will make the churros soggy.
• Keep churros crispy: For extra crispiness, you can fry the churros a little longer, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
• Flavor variations: You can experiment with different coatings, like powdered sugar or even adding cocoa powder to the cinnamon sugar for a chocolatey twist.

Conclusion

These Classic Churros are crispy, golden, and sweet—perfect for snacking or serving as a dessert! They’re so easy to make at home and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, like chocolate or caramel. Once you try these fresh, homemade churros, you might never want to buy them again!

Would you like to try different variations, like adding chocolate chips to the dough or a different coating? 😊