Chocolate-Chili Churros with Dulce de Leche Dip

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crisp fried churros dusted with a spicy chocolate chili sugar blend, paired with creamy dulce de leche for a decadent Mexican-inspired dessert. This mexican-inspired desserts ready in about 30 minutes layers (240 ml) water, (57 g) unsalted butter, (25 g) granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup water, 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour all at once until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let cool for 5 minutes. Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until smooth and glossy.
  4. Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 375°F (190°C). Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
  5. Step 5: Pipe 4-inch strips of dough directly into the hot oil, frying in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  6. Step 6: Mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 tsp chili powder in a shallow bowl. Roll warm churros in the mixture until evenly coated.
  7. Step 7: Serve churros immediately with 1/2 cup dulce de leche for dipping.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Chocolate-Chili Churros with Dulce de Leche Dip take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Chocolate-Chili Churros with Dulce de Leche Dip?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chocolate-Chili Churros with Dulce de Leche Dip?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chocolate-Chili Churros with Dulce de Leche Dip for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chocolate-Chili Churros with Dulce de Leche Dip?

Mexican desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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