Name: Cinnamon-Sugar Churros with Rich Chocolate Dipping Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 6 Tbsp. (85 g) unsalted butter; 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar; 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract; 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour; 1 tsp. kosher salt; 1 c. granulated sugar; 1/4 cup ground cinnamon; 2 large eggs; Vegetable oil, for frying; 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp. ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

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If there’s one treat that instantly brings a smile and a cozy feeling to any day, it’s this delightful Cinnamon-Sugar Churros with Rich Chocolate Dipping Sauce Recipe. Picture warm, crispy churros generously coated in a fragrant cinnamon-sugar blend, paired perfectly with a velvety, spiced chocolate sauce that you’ll want to dip endlessly. It’s a homemade twist on a classic street snack that’s surprisingly easy to whip up in your own kitchen. This recipe captures that authentic churro magic while letting you get creative with a luscious chocolate dip that’s so rich and smooth, it elevates the whole experience to dessert heaven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of nine clear glass bowls and a metal measuring spoon on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl contains light brown granulated sugar with small clumps, placed near the top center. To its left are two small glass bowls, one with white granulated sugar and the other with fine white salt. Below these is a glass bowl with six neat cubes of pale yellow butter. To the right of the brown sugar is a clear glass measuring cup with cream inside. Below the cream are two smooth brown eggs in a glass bowl. To the right of the eggs is a wider glass bowl with white flour that has a slightly lumpy texture. Below the flour, near the bottom center, is a glass bowl filled with shiny dark brown chocolate chips. A metal measuring spoon holding dark red vanilla extract lies beside the butter bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple, straightforward ingredients come together beautifully to create churros with the perfect crispy exterior and soft, tender interior, and a chocolate dipping sauce that’s rich, silky, and packed with flavor.

Unsalted butter (6 Tbsp / 85 g): Adds richness and helps create that tender, flaky texture in the churros.
Granulated sugar (1 cup plus 2 Tbsp): Divided to sweeten the dough and coat the churros with a crisp, caramelized crust.
Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brings a warm, aromatic note that enhances the overall flavor.
All-purpose flour (1 cup / 120 g): The base that gives churros their structure and chewiness.
Kosher salt (1 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
Ground cinnamon (1/4 cup): Infuses that iconic spice that makes churros irresistible.
Large eggs (2): Provide moisture and richness, helping the dough achieve the perfect consistency.
Vegetable oil: For frying churros to a golden crisp.
Dark chocolate chips (3/4 cup): The star ingredient for an indulgent dipping sauce with a bittersweet kick.
Heavy cream (3/4 cup): Adds creaminess to the chocolate sauce, making it luscious and smooth.
Ground cinnamon (1 tsp) for sauce: Echoes the churro’s spice in the dipping sauce for a harmonious flavor pairing.
Kosher salt (1/4 tsp) for sauce: Just a pinch to enhance the chocolate’s richness.

How to Make Cinnamon-Sugar Churros with Rich Chocolate Dipping Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Churro Dough

Start by bringing butter, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and water to a boil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in vanilla extract to infuse that fragrant note. Remove from heat and quickly add flour and salt, stirring vigorously to form a thick dough. This quick melding of hot butter water and flour is what gives churros their signature texture, so don’t skip the mixing until it thickens. Let the dough cool for about 10 minutes so the eggs won’t scramble when added.

Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

While the dough cools, blend together the remaining 1 cup of sugar with the ground cinnamon on a rimmed baking sheet or plate. This coating is where churros get their perfect sweet and spicy crunch, so mix well so every churro will be evenly coated.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs for Perfect Texture

Using a handheld mixer on medium speed, add the eggs one at a time to the cooled dough, beating well after each addition. The eggs lighten the dough and add richness, allowing for a tender interior with a beautifully crispy shell once fried. Once smooth and glossy, transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip for that classic churro shape.

Step 4: Fry the Churros

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot, using a deep-fry thermometer to keep the temperature steady at 375°F (190°C). Carefully pipe 6-inch-long ropes of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting off with kitchen scissors. Fry the churros in batches until they turn golden and crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes per batch, rotating as needed to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Coat and Drain

Remove churros with a slotted spoon or tongs, and immediately roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This quick coating while the churros are still hot ensures the sugar sticks perfectly, lending a mouthwatering crunch. Place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil and cool just a bit before serving.

Step 6: Prepare the Rich Chocolate Dipping Sauce

In a small saucepan, gently heat heavy cream until just simmering. Remove from heat and stir in dark chocolate chips, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until everything melts into a smooth, glossy sauce that’s warm, decadent, and packed with cinnamon-spiced chocolate goodness. This sauce takes your Cinnamon-Sugar Churros with Rich Chocolate Dipping Sauce Recipe from simply delicious to absolutely unforgettable.

How to Serve Cinnamon-Sugar Churros with Rich Chocolate Dipping Sauce Recipe

A close-up view of a stack of four churros, each with a golden-brown color and a thick, crispy texture. The churros have deep ridges running lengthwise, coated evenly with a sparkling layer of granulated sugar and cinnamon. They are arranged in a slightly uneven pile, showing the contrast between the crunchy outer layer and the softer inside. The background is a white marbled texture, giving a clean and bright feel to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of powdered sugar over the churros or add a light dusting of additional cinnamon on top for an extra pop of spice. For a festive touch, you can garnish the chocolate sauce with a sprinkle of crushed nuts or a few chili flakes to give a subtle unexpected kick.

Side Dishes

Serve your churros alongside fresh fruit like juicy strawberries or slices of banana to lighten up the rich dessert. A dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream, pairs wonderfully with the warm, crisp churros and the creamy chocolate sauce for an indulgent experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, arrange churros vertically in a tall glass or jar for a fun, shareable display that invites everyone to dip and savor together. You can also drizzle some of the chocolate sauce artistically over a platter of churros for an eye-catching presentation that doubles as a dipping station.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover churros are best kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. To maintain some crispness, avoid refrigerating them as it tends to make the exterior soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked churros in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. Freeze the churros without the sugar coating and add it fresh after reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To revive their crispiness, reheat churros in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, then quickly toss in cinnamon sugar. Avoid microwaving, which makes them chewy rather than crisp.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate for the dipping sauce?

Yes! Semi-sweet or milk chocolate can be used instead of dark chocolate depending on your sweetness preference. Just be sure to adjust the amount of cinnamon and salt accordingly to keep the balance of flavors.

Is it possible to bake churros instead of frying?

While traditional churros are fried to get that signature crunch, you can bake them at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Brush with melted butter before baking and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar immediately after for a healthier alternative.

Why is the dough thick when mixing in the flour?

The initial thickening step ensures the dough holds its shape when piped and fried. This thick consistency is key to achieving the churro’s iconic chew and crisp exterior.

Can I prepare the churro dough ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough up to Step 3 and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours if needed. Just bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick beat before piping.

What can I substitute for vegetable oil?

Any neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or peanut oil, works perfectly for frying churros. Avoid olive oil due to its strong flavor and lower smoke point.

Final Thoughts

There is something so incredibly satisfying and joyful about making Cinnamon-Sugar Churros with Rich Chocolate Dipping Sauce Recipe from scratch. It’s a treat that delights all ages, warms the soul, and brings a bit of celebration into any ordinary day. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how quickly these churros disappear once paired with that dreamy chocolate sauce. Trust me, you’re going to want to make these again and again.