How to Bake Authentic Spanish Churros with Chocolate Dipping Sauce
If you’re craving something delicious and sweet, Spanish churros with chocolate dipping sauce are a perfect treat! Churros are golden, crispy pastry sticks that are lightly sprinkled with sugar. They’re a favorite snack in Spain, often enjoyed with a warm cup of thick chocolate sauce. The best part? You can make them at home! This guide will teach you how to bake authentic Spanish churros and pair them with a rich chocolate dipping sauce—all in simple steps.
What Are Spanish Churros?
Churros are a classic dessert in Spain. They are made from simple dough, shaped into long strips, and fried until they’re golden brown. Then, they’re sprinkled with sugar and sometimes dipped in cinnamon. Pair churros with chocolate dipping sauce to create a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist.
What You’ll Need
Before we start, gather the following ingredients and tools:
For the churros:
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Sugar and ground cinnamon (for coating)
For the chocolate dipping sauce:
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 100g dark chocolate (chopped into small pieces)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Tools:
- Medium saucepan
- Stirring spoon
- Piping bag with a star-shaped nozzle
- Deep frying pan or pot
- Paper towels
- Mixing bowls
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
First, prepare the dough for the churros:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat water, sugar, salt, and butter over medium heat until the mixture boils.
2. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and add flour all at once. Stir quickly with a wooden spoon to combine the ingredients.
3. Keep stirring until the dough forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This should take only 1–2 minutes.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and let the dough cool for a few minutes. Then, add vanilla extract (if desired) and mix well.
Step 2: Prepare the Piping Bag
To give your churros their classic ridged shape:
1. Fit a piping bag with a star-shaped nozzle.
2. Spoon the slightly warm dough into the bag. It will be thick, but that’s okay—just press it down gently into the bag.
Step 3: Fry the Churros
Now it’s time to fry:
1. In a deep frying pan or pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot, but not smoking. Test it by dropping a small piece of dough in; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
2. Pipe strips of dough directly into the hot oil. Use scissors or a knife to cut each strip to your desired length.
3. Fry the churros for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy.
4. Remove the churros with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Roll the cooked churros in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for extra flavor.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Dipping Sauce
While your churros cool, prepare the chocolate sauce:
1. In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
2. Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate to the warm cream. Stir until the chocolate melts and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
3. If you like your chocolate sauce a little sweeter, add sugar and mix well.
4. Pour the sauce into small bowls or mugs for dipping.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Your churros are ready to eat! Serve them warm with the chocolate dipping sauce on the side. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these churros are sure to delight.
Tips for Success:
- Temperature matters: The oil should stay hot while frying, around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cold, the churros will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, they will burn.
- Use a star-shaped nozzle: This helps get the classic ridges that make churros crispy on the outside while staying soft inside.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry a few churros at a time to keep the oil temperature steady.
Why Make Churros at Home?
Homemade churros are fun to make and taste absolutely fresh. Plus, you can customize the size and sweetness to your liking. Making them is a great way to experience Spanish culture right in your kitchen!
Final Words
Authentic Spanish churros with chocolate dipping sauce are surprisingly easy to make. Using simple ingredients and following these steps, you can create a homemade version of this beloved Spanish treat. If you’re hosting a party or looking for a new dessert idea, churros are a surefire crowd-pleaser. So grab your piping bag, heat your oil, and get ready to enjoy this sweet Spanish tradition. Happy baking!
