Cinnamon Sugar Churros with Chocolate Sauce

If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with cinnamon flavor, look no further than these Cinnamon Sugar Churros with Chocolate Sauce. This classic dessert is a crowd-pleaser that brings the magic of fairgrounds and street vendors right to your kitchen. Coated in a perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar and paired with a luscious chocolate sauce, these churros are irresistible. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make with just a handful of pantry staples and a little patience. Whether you’re treating yourself after dinner or impressing guests at a weekend gathering, this recipe will become a fast favorite.

Why This Recipe Is Reliable

This Cinnamon Sugar Churros with Chocolate Sauce recipe has been perfected for consistent results every time you make it. The dough is smooth and elastic, ensuring the churros hold their shape during frying without becoming greasy or doughy. The combination of boiling water, oil, and flour creates the ideal choux-like pastry that puffs up beautifully in hot oil. Adding vanilla extract enriches the flavor, while the cinnamon sugar coating offers that signature sweet-spicy crunch. For the chocolate sauce, melting semi-sweet chocolate chips with heavy cream yields a silky, rich dip that complements the churros perfectly. This recipe avoids complicated techniques but still delivers authentic taste and texture, making it accessible for bakers and cooks of all skill levels.

What You’ll Need

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Vegetable oil (for frying, about 4 cups)
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Toolbox for This Recipe

• Medium saucepan – to cook the dough base.
• Mixing bowl – for combining eggs and dough.
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula – to stir dough.
• Piping bag fitted with a large star tip – for shaping churros.
• Deep frying pan or heavy-bottomed pot – to fry churros evenly.
• Slotted spoon – to safely remove churros from hot oil.
• Paper towels – for draining excess oil.
• Small heatproof bowl – for making chocolate sauce.

Cinnamon Sugar Churros with Chocolate Sauce: How It’s Done

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a rolling boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the 1 cup of all-purpose flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Incorporate the Eggs

Transfer the warm dough to a mixing bowl. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. The dough should be smooth, thick, and glossy. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.

Step 3: Heat the Frying Oil

Pour about 4 cups of vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or heavy-bottomed pot, filling it halfway. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) over medium heat. Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature for safe frying.

Step 4: Pipe and Fry the Churros

Fit a piping bag with a large star tip and fill it with the churro dough. Carefully pipe 4-5 inch strips of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting with scissors or a knife at the end of each strip. Fry the churros in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crisp.

Step 5: Drain and Coat

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried churros to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. In a shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. While the churros are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Step 6: Make the Chocolate Sauce

In a small heatproof bowl, combine 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy. Alternatively, melt the chocolate and cream gently over a double boiler.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the Cinnamon Sugar Churros with Chocolate Sauce on a serving platter. Serve immediately with the warm chocolate sauce for dipping. These churros are best enjoyed fresh but still delicious when slightly cooled.

Vegan & Vegetarian Swaps

• Replace eggs with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for vegan binding.
• Use plant-based milk or coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the chocolate sauce.
• Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with dairy-free dark chocolate chips.
• Use coconut oil or another neutral oil suitable for frying if preferred.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Dough too runny: If the dough is too soft to pipe, add a tablespoon of flour and mix until it firms up.
• Oil temperature too low: Churros will absorb excess oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to maintain 350°F.
• Churros not crispy: Fry until golden brown and avoid overcrowding the pan, which drops oil temperature.
• Chocolate sauce too thick: Stir in a splash more cream or warm gently to loosen the texture.

Storage & Reheat Guide

Store leftover churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. For best results, reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make churros soggy. The chocolate sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and gently reheated before serving.

Your Top Questions

Can I make churros without a piping bag?

Yes! If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off. Alternatively, a sturdy zip-top bag can work, but piping bags with star tips give the churros their traditional ridged texture.

What type of chocolate is best for the sauce?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a balanced sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon sugar coating. You can also try dark chocolate for a richer sauce or milk chocolate for a sweeter dip.

Is it possible to bake churros instead of frying?

While traditional churros are fried for that characteristic crispiness, you can bake them at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. They won’t be as crispy but still tasty and less oily.

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

Using a kitchen thermometer is the most accurate method to maintain 350°F. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough into the oil—it should sizzle immediately and rise to the surface quickly without burning.

Next Up in Your Queue

• Try the Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Roll Cake for a cinnamon lover’s dream cake experience.
• If you adore filled pastries, you can’t miss the Nutella Stuffed Bomboloni Snowcaps for a luxurious indulgence.
• For a fruity chocolate twist, the Chocolate Ganache Pear Upside Down Cake is an elegant dessert to explore.

That’s a Wrap

Making Cinnamon Sugar Churros with Chocolate Sauce at home is a delightful way to treat yourself and loved ones. From the satisfying crunch of the fried dough to the warm, gooey chocolate dip, every bite feels like a mini celebration. With clear steps and easy ingredients, this recipe invites you to bring a classic favorite into your own kitchen and enjoy a sweet moment anytime. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or customize it with your favorite swaps, these churros are sure to be a hit.

Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and happy cooking!

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