Pan-Fried Churros with Cinnamon Sugar and Chocolate Dipping Sauce

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

Golden pan-fried churros coated in cinnamon sugar served with a rich chocolate dipping sauce, offering a simple and festive Cinco de Mayo dessert. This mexican-inspired cinco de mayo ready in about 35 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 380 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Remove from heat and immediately stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour vigorously until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides.
  3. Step 3: Transfer dough to a mixing bowl and let cool for 5 minutes. Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time until fully incorporated and dough is smooth.
  4. Step 4: Heat about 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Using a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip, pipe 4-inch strips of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting with scissors.
  5. Step 5: Fry churros 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 tablespoon ground cinnamon with 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a shallow dish. Roll warm churros in the cinnamon sugar until evenly coated.
  7. Step 7: For the sauce, heat 1/2 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan until simmering. Remove from heat and add 4 ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and serve warm alongside churros.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Churros with Cinnamon Sugar and Chocolate Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Pan-Fried Churros with Cinnamon Sugar and Chocolate Dipping 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 Pan-Fried Churros with Cinnamon Sugar and Chocolate Dipping 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 Pan-Fried Churros with Cinnamon Sugar and Chocolate Dipping 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 Pan-Fried Churros with Cinnamon Sugar and Chocolate Dipping 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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