Authentic Spanish Churros

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 36g, 12g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and add the flour. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth dough.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet to 180°C (350°F).
5. 5.
   Pipe 4-6 inch long strips of dough directly into the hot oil, using scissors to cut the dough.
6. 6.
   Fry the churros until golden brown, turning them occasionally for even cooking. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
7. 7.
   Remove the churros from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
8. 8.
   In a shallow dish, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
9. 9.
   Roll the warm churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated evenly.
10. 10.
    Serve the churros warm with a side of thick hot chocolate for dipping.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flour — Make sure to use all-purpose flour for the best results. Avoid using self-rising flour or cake flour as they have different protein content and may affect the texture of the churros.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve perfectly crispy churros, make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
• If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a ziplock bag and cut a small hole in one corner to pipe the dough.
• For an extra flavor boost, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground nutmeg to the dough mixture.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the churros in the oven instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Serving advice

Serve the churros warm for the best experience. They are traditionally enjoyed as a snack or dessert, often accompanied by a cup of thick hot chocolate for dipping.

Presentation advice

Arrange the churros on a serving platter or in a basket, dusted with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Serve them with a small bowl of hot chocolate sauce for dipping.