Homemade Churros with Chocolate Sauce

Name: Homemade Churros with Chocolate Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 2 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 cup all-purpose flour; Vegetable oil, for frying; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped; ½ cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon honey or corn syrup

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on February 19, 2025

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A Childhood Memory of Warm, Crispy Churros

There are few things in life as comforting as the smell of cinnamon and sugar drifting through the air. For me, it instantly takes me back to childhood trips to bustling street markets, where churros were always the highlight. Watching vendors expertly pipe long strands of dough into sizzling hot oil, then tossing the crispy pastries in fragrant cinnamon sugar, was nothing short of magical. My favorite part? That first bite—warm, crunchy, and coated in sweetness, followed by the rich indulgence of a deep, velvety chocolate dip.

Making churros at home brings back that same nostalgic joy. Whether for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or just because the craving strikes, homemade churros are surprisingly easy to make. This recipe stays true to the authentic method while adding a few tips and tricks to ensure the perfect crispy texture and golden color. Paired with a luscious chocolate dipping sauce, these churros are guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen, just as they have in mine.

The History Behind Churros

While churros are now a beloved street food across Spain, Mexico, and Latin America, their origins are widely debated. Some believe they were introduced to Spain by Portuguese traders who encountered a similar fried dough pastry in China. Others trace their roots back to Spanish shepherds who made a simple fried dough as a portable meal while tending to their flocks. Regardless of their exact origins, churros have evolved into an iconic treat, enjoyed plain, filled with caramel or chocolate, or served alongside a thick, rich dipping sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Churro Recipe

Authentic Flavor and Texture – Crispy on the outside, soft and airy inside, with the perfect balance of cinnamon and sugar.
Easier Than You Think – With just a few simple ingredients, you can create churros that taste just like the ones from your favorite café or street vendor.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether for a family dessert, a weekend brunch, or a festive celebration, churros never fail to impress.
Pairs Wonderfully with Chocolate Sauce – The classic pairing of warm, crispy churros with silky chocolate dip takes this treat to the next level.

Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Recipe Description

These Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks deliver all the cheesy, crunchy goodness of the classic appetizer without the excess oil of deep frying. With a golden, crispy breadcrumb coating and a warm, gooey center, these homemade mozzarella sticks are perfect for parties, game nights, or satisfying snack cravings. Quick to prepare and easy to make ahead, they’re a must-try air fryer recipe!

Ingredients

For the mozzarella sticks:

10 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray or olive oil spray

For serving:

Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce

Instructions

Prepare the Breading Station
- In one bowl, place the flour.
- In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- In a third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Italian breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Coat the Cheese Sticks
- Roll each mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip in the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a second coating.
Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks
- Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes, or until solid.
Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the frozen mozzarella sticks with cooking spray.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring space between each stick.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Serve Immediately
- Remove from the air fryer and serve hot with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Freezing before cooking is essential to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly.
Double breading ensures a thicker, crispier crust.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 4-5 minutes.
Uncooked, breaded mozzarella sticks can be frozen for up to 3 months and cooked straight from frozen.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (including freezing time)
Yield: 20 mozzarella sticks
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American

Enjoy these Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks, a healthier, homemade version of a favorite cheesy indulgence!

Secrets to Perfect Homemade Churros

1. Achieving the Right Dough Consistency

Churro dough is similar to pâte à choux, the base for cream puffs and eclairs. It needs to be smooth and thick but still soft enough to pipe through a star-tipped nozzle. If the dough is too stiff, it won’t pipe easily, and if it’s too loose, the churros won’t hold their shape.

2. Piping the Perfect Churros

Use a large star-shaped piping tip to create ridges that help the churros crisp up beautifully.
Pipe directly into the hot oil, cutting the dough with scissors or a knife for uniform lengths.
If you’re making them ahead of time, pipe the dough onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze before frying.

3. Frying to Golden Perfection

Use neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil and heat it to 375°F (190°C).
Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
Let the churros drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crispy.

4. Coating with Cinnamon Sugar

Toss the churros in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm so that the mixture sticks perfectly.
Adjust the cinnamon-to-sugar ratio based on your preference for a milder or stronger spice flavor.

5. Making the Best Chocolate Dipping Sauce

Use high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a rich and smooth texture.
Adding a touch of butter or honey enhances the silkiness of the sauce.
If you prefer a thicker dip, reduce the amount of cream, or for a thinner sauce, add more warm milk.

Fun Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic churro, why not experiment with different flavors and fillings?

Filled Churros – Use a piping bag to fill the churros with dulce de leche, Nutella, or vanilla custard.
Spiced Churros – Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth.
Churro Bites – Pipe shorter pieces for easy-to-eat, poppable mini churros.
Coconut Churros – Replace some of the sugar in the dough with shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Churros with Caramel Dip – Swap chocolate sauce for a homemade caramel or butterscotch dip.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make Churro Dough in Advance?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before frying. Alternatively, pipe the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze it, and store the frozen churros in an airtight container.

2. How Do I Store Leftover Churros?

Churros are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. To reheat, warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy.

3. Can I Bake Churros Instead of Frying?

Yes! While baking won’t give the same crispiness, you can bake churros at 375°F (190°C) for about 18-20 minutes until golden brown. Brush them with melted butter before coating with cinnamon sugar.

4. What Oil is Best for Frying Churros?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil or canola oil, is ideal for frying churros. Avoid using olive oil as it can alter the flavor.

5. Can I Use an Air Fryer to Make Churros?

Yes! Pipe the churro dough onto parchment paper, freeze for 30 minutes, then air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush with melted butter before coating with cinnamon sugar.

6. Why Are My Churros Raw Inside?

If your churros are raw inside, it’s likely because the oil was too hot, causing the outside to brown too quickly before the inside cooked. Maintain a steady 375°F (190°C) and fry in small batches for even cooking.

7. Can I Use a Different Dipping Sauce?

Absolutely! While chocolate is classic, other great options include caramel sauce, vanilla glaze, or even a fruit coulis.

8. Why Did My Churros Turn Out Soggy?

Soggy churros can result from undercooked dough or not draining properly after frying. Make sure to fry them until golden brown and let them drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels.

Conclusion

Making homemade churros is a fun and rewarding experience that brings a taste of Spanish and Latin American street food into your own kitchen. With their crispy exterior, fluffy interior, and sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, these golden pastries are irresistible. Paired with a rich chocolate dipping sauce, they offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Whether you’re reliving childhood memories, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself, this churro recipe is one to keep forever. So grab your piping bag, heat up the oil, and get ready to enjoy the best homemade churros you’ve ever had—because nothing beats the taste of a warm, freshly made churro!