Discover how to make delicious Churros con Chocolate with this easy recipe! Learn how to prepare crispy, golden-brown churros and pair them with a velvety, thick hot chocolate perfect for dipping. Ideal for a sweet treat or a cozy dessert, this guide will show you step-by-step how to achieve the perfect churros and chocolate sauce.

Ingredients:

For the Churros:

- 1 cup water

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter

- 1/4 cup granulated sugar

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 3 large eggs

- Vegetable oil for frying

- Cinnamon sugar (1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon)

For the Chocolate Sauce:

- 1 cup heavy cream

- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped

- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Prepare the Churros:

- In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

- Add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes to cook out the floury taste.

- Remove from heat and let the dough cool slightly. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the churro dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.

- Pipe 4-6 inch strips of dough into the hot oil, cutting with scissors. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

- While still warm, roll churros in cinnamon sugar.

Prepare the Chocolate Sauce:

- Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat.

- Add the chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for 1-2 minutes. Stir until smooth.

- If desired, add sugar to taste and stir in vanilla extract.

Serve:

- Arrange churros on a plate and serve with warm chocolate sauce for dipping.

Enjoy your homemade churros con chocolate for a delightful and indulgent treat!

Nutritional Value

Churros

Water (1 cup)

  - Calories: 0

Benefits: Water hydrates the body and is essential for overall health and well-being.

Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup)

  - Calories: 400

  - Fat: 44g (Saturated Fat: 28g)

  - Cholesterol: 120mg

Benefits: Butter provides vitamin A and contributes to a rich flavor. However, it is high in saturated fats, which should be consumed in moderation.

Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup)

  - Calories: 200

  - Carbohydrates: 50g

Benefits: Sugar adds sweetness, but excessive intake can lead to health issues such as weight gain and diabetes. It provides energy but no essential nutrients.

Salt (1/4 teaspoon)

  - Calories: 0

Benefits: Enhances flavor but should be used in moderation due to its sodium content.

All-Purpose Flour (1 cup)

  - Calories: 440

  - Carbohydrates: 92g

  - Protein: 12g

  - Fiber: 3g

Benefits: Flour provides energy and essential nutrients when enriched, such as iron and B vitamins.

Large Eggs (3)

  - Calories: 210

  - Protein: 18g

  - Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 9g)

  - Cholesterol: 555mg

Benefits: Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamins (especially A, D, E, and B12), and essential minerals.

Vegetable Oil (for frying)

  - Calories: Varies (depends on amount used and absorption)

  - Fat: High in fat (type depends on the oil used)

Benefits: Vegetable oil provides energy but is high in fat. Choosing oils with healthier fat profiles, such as canola or sunflower oil, is preferable.

Cinnamon Sugar (1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon)

Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup)

   - Calories: 400

   - Carbohydrates: 100g

  - Ground Cinnamon (2 teaspoons)

   - Calories: ~12

Benefits: Cinnamon adds flavor and has antioxidant properties. It can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Chocolate Sauce

Heavy Cream (1 cup)

  - Calories: 800

  - Fat: 80g (Saturated Fat: 50g)

  - Cholesterol: 320mg

Benefits: Heavy cream is rich in fats and provides energy. It contains vitamins A and D but should be used in moderation due to its high-fat content.

Dark Chocolate (8 oz, chopped)

  - Calories: 900

  - Fat: 60g (Saturated Fat: 30g)

  - Carbohydrates: 60g

  - Protein: 8g

Benefits: Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids, and can have cardiovascular benefits. It also provides some minerals like iron and magnesium.

Sugar (1 tablespoon, optional)

  - Calories: 16

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

Benefits: Adds sweetness but should be used sparingly to avoid excessive sugar intake.

Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon)

  - Calories: 6

Benefits: Vanilla extract adds flavor with minimal calories and can have a slight antioxidant effect.

These ingredients come together to create a sweet and indulgent treat. While offering pleasure, they should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.