Perfect Churros with Hot Chocolate

Instructions for Making Perfect Churros

1. Make the Dough:

• In a medium saucepan, combine water, granulated sugar, salt, and butter. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once the butter is melted and the sugar dissolved, remove the pan from the heat.
• Stir in the vanilla extract and then add the flour. Mix well until the flour is fully incorporated and the dough forms a ball. Let the dough cool for a couple of minutes.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky.

2. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• In a shallow bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside for coating the churros after frying.

3. Heat the Oil:

• In a large, deep pot, heat about 3-4 cups of vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). The oil should be deep enough to submerge the churros completely.

4. Pipe the Churros:

• Fill a piping bag fitted with a large star-shaped tip (or a sturdy zip-top bag with the tip cut off) with the churro dough.
• Once the oil is hot, carefully pipe 4-6 inch long strips of dough into the hot oil. Fry the churros in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, turning the churros until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.

5. Drain and Coat the Churros:

• Remove the churros from the oil using tongs or a slotted spoon, and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
• While still hot, immediately roll the churros in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.

Making the Hot Chocolate Sauce

1. Heat the Milk and Cream:

• In a saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture is hot but not boiling.

2. Add the Chocolate:

• Once the milk and cream are hot, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate). Let it sit for a minute or two, then stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

3. Sweeten and Flavor:

• Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, and stir until the sugar is dissolved and the hot chocolate is velvety and smooth.

4. Serve:

• Pour the hot chocolate sauce into a small bowl or mug for dipping.

Serving the Churros with Hot Chocolate

Once your churros are fried and coated in cinnamon sugar, and the hot chocolate is ready, you’re ready to indulge in this irresistible treat! Serve the churros on a platter alongside the hot chocolate dipping sauce. Dunk your freshly fried churros into the rich, velvety hot chocolate for a sweet, decadent experience.

Tips for the Perfect Churros

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the churros in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the oil temperature to drop and result in soggy churros.
• Use the Right Tip for the Piping Bag: The traditional star-shaped piping tip creates the signature ridges that make churros extra crispy. If you don’t have a star tip, you can use a plain round tip, but the texture may be slightly different.
• Serve Immediately: Churros are best enjoyed fresh and hot from the fryer, so serve them right away to get the full crispy experience.
• Customize the Hot Chocolate: If you prefer a thicker hot chocolate, you can add more chocolate or reduce the amount of milk and cream. For a spicy twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of chili powder to the hot chocolate for a Mexican-style chocolate sauce.

Why You’ll Love These Churros with Hot Chocolate

• Comforting and Indulgent: This churro and hot chocolate combo is the ultimate comfort food. It’s warm, sweet, and incredibly satisfying.
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re enjoying churros with family, friends, or as a special treat for yourself, this recipe is perfect for sharing. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy dessert together.
• Great for Any Occasion: From a cozy evening at home to a festive celebration, churros with hot chocolate are the perfect dessert for any occasion.
• Easy to Make: While frying the churros may seem intimidating, this recipe is simple to follow, and with a little practice, you’ll have them made in no time.

Final Thoughts

Churros with hot chocolate is a timeless treat that’s both comforting and indulgent. The crispy churros, coated in cinnamon-sugar, paired with a rich and velvety hot chocolate dipping sauce, create a sweet, decadent experience that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a weekend treat, or just satisfying your sweet tooth, this churro and hot chocolate combo is sure to become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients, heat up the oil, and get ready for a homemade dessert that’s sure to delight!