Churros the sweet, crispy, and indulgent fried dough pastries that have captured the hearts of many. Originating from Spain and Portugal, churros have become a popular treat worldwide, enjoyed by people of all ages. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of churros and provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to make the perfect churros recipe at home.
What are Churros?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a brief look at what churros are. Churros are fried dough pastries typically made from a simple dough of flour, water, and sugar, piped into long, thin strips, and then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. They’re usually coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture and often served with a side of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping.
The Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Cinnamon sugar mixture for coating (see below)
- Chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping (optional)
The Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl until well combined.
The Recipe
1: Make the Dough
In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract (if using).
Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms. Gradually add the warm milk to the dough, stirring until a smooth and elastic dough forms.
2: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough.
3: Rest the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
4: Pipe the Dough
Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Once the oil is hot, pipe the dough through a star tip (such as a #1M or #2D tip) into long, thin strips, about 4-5 inches long.
5: Fry the Churros
Carefully place the piped dough into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the churros are golden brown and crispy.
6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Using a slotted spoon, remove the churros from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Then, toss the churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the churros warm, coated in cinnamon sugar, and enjoy with a side of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping.
Tips and Variations
- Use the right oil: Use a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or peanut oil, to fry the churros.
- Don’t overfry: Fry the churros until they’re golden brown and crispy, but not too dark or burnt.
- Add flavorings: Add a teaspoon of anise or orange zest to the dough for added flavor.
- Make ahead: Make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze it for up to 2 months.
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