Cinnamon-Spiced Mexican Chocolate Churros with Chocolate Sauce
Golden fried churros infused with warm cinnamon and cocoa, served alongside a rich, velvety chocolate dipping sauce for a festive Cinco de Mayo dessert. This mexican-inspired cinco de mayo ready in about 40 minutes blends water, unsalted butter, granulated sugar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- for frying, about 4 cups vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup for coating granulated sugar
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- 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.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour and 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder vigorously until mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Transfer dough to a mixing bowl. Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly until smooth and glossy.
- Step 4: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F using a candy or deep-fry thermometer.
- Step 5: Spoon dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 4-inch strips of dough into the hot oil, cutting with scissors. Fry 3-4 churros at a time for 3-4 minutes until puffed and crisp, turning occasionally.
- Step 6: Remove churros with a slotted spoon onto paper towels to drain. Toss warm churros in a mixture of 1 tbsp cinnamon and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until coated.
- Step 7: For the sauce, heat 1/2 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Remove from heat and add 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Step 8: Serve churros hot with warm chocolate sauce for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cinnamon-Spiced Mexican Chocolate Churros with Chocolate Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Cinnamon-Spiced Mexican Chocolate Churros with Chocolate Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cinnamon-Spiced Mexican Chocolate Churros with Chocolate Sauce?
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 Cinnamon-Spiced Mexican Chocolate Churros with Chocolate Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Cinnamon-Spiced Mexican Chocolate Churros with Chocolate Sauce?
Mexican cinco de mayo 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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