Churros are long, fried dough pastries originating from Spain and popular in many Latin American countries. They’re typically dusted with sugar and can be served plain or filled with various fillings. When served with hot chocolate, churros become a delightful dessert or snack that is irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Churros:
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Hot Chocolate:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Method
Preparing the Churros:
- Make the Dough:
- In a saucepan, combine water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in the flour until the mixture forms a smooth dough.
- Add vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Let the dough cool slightly.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a deep skillet or pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Pipe the Churros:
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Pipe strips of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting them to your desired length with scissors.
- Fry the Churros:
- Fry the churros for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Coat with Sugar:
- In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon. Roll the hot churros in this mixture until fully coated.
Preparing the Hot Chocolate:
- Heat the Milk:
- In a saucepan, combine milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
- Add Chocolate:
- Stir in chocolate chips, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth.
- Serve:
- Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and serve alongside the freshly made churros.
Variations & Tips
- Variations:
- Stuffed Churros: Fill the churros with chocolate, caramel, or cream before frying.
- Flavored Hot Chocolate: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or flavored syrups like peppermint or hazelnut for a unique twist.
- Glazed Churros: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the churros for extra sweetness.
- Tips:
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid soggy churros.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
- Use a star tip for piping to achieve the classic churro shape and texture.
Conclusion
Churros paired with hot chocolate make for a delectable treat that can elevate any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a dessert, snack, or special treat, this recipe is sure to impress. With its easy-to-follow method and delightful variations, you can enjoy the classic taste of churros right at home. So gather your ingredients, invite friends or family over, and indulge in this sweet experience together!