Mini Churros with Chocolate Dip
Mini churros with chocolate dip are a delightful and indulgent dessert that brings the charm of a street fair right into your kitchen. These bite-sized churros are golden, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, coated in a fragrant cinnamon sugar mix. Paired with a rich, velvety chocolate dipping sauce, this treat is perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a cozy evening snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mini churros are quick and easy to make, requiring simple pantry staples. The small size makes them ideal for serving as finger food or party bites. Their classic cinnamon-sugar coating delivers nostalgic flavor, while the warm chocolate dip adds a luxurious touch. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself, these mini churros are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the mini churros:
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All-purpose flour
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Water
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Unsalted butter
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Granulated sugar
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Salt
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Ground cinnamon
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Eggs
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Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the cinnamon sugar coating:
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Granulated sugar
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Ground cinnamon
For the chocolate dip:
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Semi-sweet chocolate (chopped or chips)
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Heavy cream
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Vanilla extract
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A pinch of salt
Directions
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In a saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil.
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Remove from heat and stir in flour until the mixture forms a dough ball.
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Let the dough cool slightly, then beat in the eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy.
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Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
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Heat oil in a deep skillet or saucepan. Pipe 2-3 inch strips of dough into the hot oil, cutting with scissors.
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Fry the mini churros until golden brown, turning as needed.
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Remove and drain on paper towels, then roll in the cinnamon sugar coating while still warm.
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For the chocolate dip, heat cream in a small saucepan until just simmering.
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Pour over the chopped chocolate and let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt.
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Serve the warm churros with the chocolate dip.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 20–25 mini churros.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Filled churros: Pipe a small amount of Nutella or dulce de leche into each mini churro after frying.
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Spiced sugar coating: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for a unique flavor twist.
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Baked option: Bake instead of frying for a lighter version; brush with melted butter before rolling in cinnamon sugar.
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Different dips: Try a caramel sauce, white chocolate, or berry coulis for a change from traditional chocolate.
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Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for pastry dough.
storage/reheating
Store leftover mini churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes until warmed and crisp.
Chocolate dip can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a microwave or over low heat on the stovetop, stirring until smooth.
FAQs
How do I keep the churros crispy?
Drain them well after frying and roll in the sugar while still warm. Avoid covering them tightly when storing, as steam can make them soggy.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made a few hours ahead. Store it in the piping bag at room temperature until ready to fry.
What oil is best for frying churros?
Vegetable oil or canola oil with a high smoke point is ideal for frying churros.
Can I freeze churros?
It’s best to freeze them after frying. Let them cool completely, then freeze on a tray before transferring to a bag. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Is the dough supposed to be sticky?
Yes, churro dough is slightly sticky but should hold its shape when piped. If too runny, chill it briefly.
Why are my churros raw inside?
They may have been fried at too high a temperature, browning the outside too quickly. Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C).
Can I make them without eggs?
You can omit the eggs for a firmer texture, but the result may be less rich and fluffy.
What piping tip should I use?
Use a large star-shaped piping tip to get the classic ridged churro shape.
Can I use milk instead of water in the dough?
Yes, milk can be substituted for water to add richness, but it may affect the crispiness slightly.
How thick should I pipe the dough?
Pipe churros about ½ inch thick for best texture and even cooking.
Conclusion
Mini churros with chocolate dip offer a satisfying blend of crispy, sweet, and rich flavors. Whether you’re making them for a celebration or a casual evening in, this easy-to-follow recipe delivers impressive results. Their mini size makes them ideal for sharing, and with the simple chocolate dip on the side, they are a surefire hit with guests of all ages.
