Sourdough Churros with Homemade Chocolate

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Sauce

1. Melt the chocolate: In a small saucepan, combine the dark chocolate, heavy cream, and butter. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
2. Sweeten if desired: Add powdered sugar to taste for extra sweetness. Stir until well combined. Set aside to keep warm.

Step 2: Prepare the Churro Dough

1. Heat the liquid ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and everything is dissolved.
2. Add the flour: Once the mixture reaches a simmer, remove it from heat and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
3. Mix in the sourdough starter: Add the sourdough starter to the dough mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
4. Add the egg and vanilla: Allow the dough to cool slightly, then mix in the egg and vanilla extract. Stir until the dough is smooth and glossy. It should be thick but easily piped.

Step 3: Fry the Churros

1. Heat the oil: Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should reach around 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of dough; it should sizzle and float to the surface.
2. Pipe the churros: Transfer the churro dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star-shaped tip. Carefully pipe 4–5-inch long strips of dough into the hot oil, cutting the dough with scissors when needed.
3. Fry until golden: Fry the churros for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan—work in batches if necessary.
4. Drain and coat: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the churros to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, roll the churros in a cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 4: Serve

1. Serve with chocolate sauce: Arrange the churros on a plate and serve immediately with the homemade chocolate sauce for dipping.

🍽️ Serving Tips

• Dipping: Serve the churros with a generous side of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
• Sprinkle with sea salt: A touch of flaky sea salt sprinkled on top of the churros adds a nice contrast to the sweetness.
• Fresh whipped cream: Serve with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert.
• Beverage pairing: Pair with a hot espresso or Mexican hot chocolate for a traditional touch.

🔁 Optional Variations

• Churro Bites: Instead of piping long churros, pipe small bite-sized pieces and serve as churro “nuggets.”
• Vegan Churros: Replace the butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan version of this recipe.
• Filled Churros: Pipe the churros with a chocolate or caramel filling before frying for an added twist.
• Spiced Chocolate Sauce: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to the chocolate sauce for a spiced-up flavor.
• Baked Churros: If you’re looking for a lighter version, bake the churros at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown, then coat in cinnamon sugar.

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Storage: Churros are best served fresh, but you can store leftover churros in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Freezing: After frying, allow the churros to cool completely. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat by baking directly from frozen.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the churro dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before frying.

💬 Final Thoughts

These Sourdough Churros with Homemade Chocolate are the ultimate dessert for sourdough enthusiasts or anyone looking for a new spin on a classic treat. The crunchy exterior and soft interior paired with the rich chocolate sauce make for an indulgent experience that’s sure to please. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion, an afternoon snack, or a family gathering, these churros are bound to be a hit!

✨ Crispy, chewy, and oh-so-decadent—what’s not to love?

📢 More Sweet Treats to Try:

• [Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls – Soft & Fluffy]
• [Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies – Perfect Every Time]
• [Classic Funnel Cakes – Crispy and Light]