Cinnamon Churros
Ridged, crackling churros dusted in cinnamon sugar with a pot of dark chocolate for dipping. The dough is a simple choux — the only real skill is oil temperature.
Method
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Bring the water, butter, sugar and salt to a rolling boil. Take off the heat, tip in all the flour at once and beat hard to a smooth ball.
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Return to medium heat and cook, stirring, for 90 seconds until a film forms on the pan base.
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Transfer to a bowl and beat for 2 minutes to cool, then beat in the egg and vanilla until glossy and thick. Rest for 10 minutes.
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Warm the cream and syrup, pour over the chocolate and stir to a smooth sauce. Keep warm.
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Mix the coating sugar and cinnamon on a wide plate.
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Fit a piping bag with a large open star nozzle and fill with the dough. Heat the oil to 185°C / 365°F.
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Pipe 12 cm lengths directly into the oil, snipping them off with scissors, three or four at a time. Fry for 2 minutes a side until deep golden and crisp.
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Drain briefly on a rack, then roll in the cinnamon sugar while still hot so it sticks.
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Serve immediately with the warm chocolate for dipping.
Chef’s Tips
- A sturdy piping bag is essential; churro dough is stiff enough to burst a thin one.
- Dip the scissors in the oil between cuts so the dough releases cleanly.
- Never crowd the pan — the oil temperature drops and the churros turn greasy.
Pairing Suggestions
- Thick Spanish-style hot chocolate or strong coffee
- Serve as a dessert after tacos
- A classic Mexican breakfast alongside café de olla
Storage & Reheating
Churros go soft within 30 minutes and are not worth storing. The chocolate sauce keeps 1 week refrigerated.
Nutritional Highlights
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.