Churros

Special Spiced Churros with Chocolate Ganache

These aren’t your average churros! This recipe adds a hint of warmth and spice to the dough, complementing the rich chocolate ganache perfectly.

Yields: Approximately 20 churros Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

  • Churro Dough:
    • 1 cup water
    • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
    • Pinch of ground cloves
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 2 large eggs
  • Chocolate Ganache:
    • 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
    • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • Coating:
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Equipment:

  • Large saucepan
  • Piping bag with a star-shaped tip
  • Deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot
  • Candy thermometer

Instructions:

  1. Make the Churro Dough: In the saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  2. Reduce heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
  5. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip.
  6. Make the Chocolate Ganache: Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Pour hot cream over chocolate and let sit for 1 minute. Stir until smooth and set aside.
  7. Fry the Churros: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully pipe 4-5 inch strips of dough into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
  8. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: Combine sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Roll the warm churros in the mixture to coat.
  9. Serve: Serve warm with the chocolate ganache for dipping.

Things to Avoid:

  • Don’t overcook the dough: The dough should pull away from the sides of the pan but not become dry and crumbly.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry churros in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
  • Don’t skip the cinnamon sugar: It adds a crucial layer of flavor and texture.

Alternative Ingredients:

  • If you don’t have cardamom or cloves, you can use a pinch of nutmeg or allspice instead.
  • For a dairy-free ganache, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Topping Recommendations:

  • Sprinkle with chopped nuts or sprinkles.
  • Drizzle with caramel sauce or dulce de leche.
  • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy your unique and flavorful spiced churros!