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Churros
Churros are a delightful treat, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, traditionally rolled in cinnamon sugar. They’re perfect for dessert or snack time and are best served with a dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water – Helps create the dough’s moisture and structure.
- 2 tbsp sugar – Adds a slight sweetness to the dough.
- 3 tbsp butter – Provides richness and a smooth texture.
- 1 cup flour – The base for the churros, creating the dough.
- 1 egg – Gives the dough its light, airy texture when fried.
- 1/2 cup sugar (for coating) – Coats the fried churros, adding extra sweetness.
- 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating) – Adds a warming spice that pairs beautifully with the sugar.
Method:
- Prepare the dough base: In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, and butter. Bring to a boil on the stove to melt the butter and dissolve the sugar. This ensures that the butter evenly incorporates into the dough for a rich texture.
- Add the flour: Once the mixture boils, remove from heat and immediately add the flour. Beat vigorously until the dough comes together into a smooth ball, ensuring that no lumps remain. This step is crucial to form the dough’s structure.
- Incorporate the egg: Add the egg to the dough and beat it vigorously. The dough might look curdled at first, but keep mixing until it’s smooth. The egg will add moisture and create a fluffy texture when fried.
- Piping and frying: Transfer the dough to a piping bag with a star-shaped nozzle. You can make small churros by cutting the batter as you drop it into the oil or create longer churros by piping onto a baking sheet and gently lowering them into the oil. Fry in hot oil until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Make sure to drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Coat in cinnamon sugar: While still hot, toss the churros in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. The sugar will stick better when the churros are warm.
- Make the chocolate dipping sauce (optional): In a saucepan, melt chocolate with butter and milk or fresh cream. Stir until smooth and thickened to your desired consistency. This rich sauce pairs perfectly with the churros.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 people
- Calories: Approximately 200 calories per serving
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the churros fresh and warm, as they taste best right out of the fryer. You can also enjoy them with a variety of dipping sauces like chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, Lotus biscoff spread, or Nutella for added flavor.
- These can also be shaped into fun designs like hearts or circles for special occasions.
Make Ahead & Freezing Options:
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough and pipe onto a baking sheet. Freeze the piped dough, then fry from frozen when ready to serve. This is a great option for parties.
- To Reheat: Reheat churros by placing them in the oven at 100°C (212°F) for a few minutes until warm.
- Storing: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. However, reheating churros may slightly affect their crispness.
FAQs:
Can I bake churros instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake churros at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. However, they won’t be as crispy as fried ones.
Why did my churros turn out oily?
If the oil is not hot enough, churros will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Ensure your oil is at the right temperature (around 180°C/350°F) before frying.
Can I make churros without eggs?
Yes, you can omit the egg for a denser churro. The texture may differ, but it’s still tasty.
Notes:
- The piping bag with a star nozzle creates the traditional churro ridges, which helps them cook evenly and gives them a nice texture.
- For extra flair, serve with a dusting of powdered sugar in addition to the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- This recipe can be customized with different shapes using various nozzles.
Simplified Recipe Card:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating)
Method:
- Boil water, sugar, and butter in a saucepan.
- Add flour and beat until a dough forms.
- Mix in the egg until smooth.
- Pipe dough into hot oil, fry until golden, then drain on paper towels.
- Toss in cinnamon-sugar mixture while warm.
Enjoy with chocolate or caramel dipping sauce!
The Best Mexican Churros
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup sugar for coating
- 1 tsp cinnamon for coating
Instructions
- Boil water, sugar, and butter in a saucepan.
- Add flour and beat until a dough forms.
- Mix in the egg until smooth.
- Pipe dough into hot oil, fry until golden, then drain on paper towels.
- Toss in cinnamon-sugar mixture while warm.