There’s something irresistibly enchanted about biting into a crunchy, golden-brown churro—its cinnamon-sugar coating on the outside crumbling softly before giving way to a soft, pillowy center. 

Paired with a mug of rich, velvety hot chocolate, churros are an indulgent treat that tastes like a hug on a cold day. While churros originated in Spain, the American version adds rich flavor, a bigger size, and more luxurious and thicker chocolate.

Whether indulging that sweet tooth, entertaining friends, or just a reassuring evening snack, this hot chocolate with churros recipe brings street-fair magic into your kitchen. Here’s how to make this classic American treat to perfection at home.

Churros with Hot Chocolate: Homemade Recipe

✅ Ingredients

For the Churros:

1 cup water

2 ½ tbsp granulated sugar

½ tsp salt

2 tbsp unsalted butter

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 egg (room temperature)

½ tsp vanilla extract

Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For Coating:

½ cup granulated sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

???? For the Hot Chocolate:

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

200g (7 oz) dark chocolate (chopped)

2 tbsp cocoa powder

2 tbsp sugar (optional, depending on taste)

Pinch of salt

½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Churro Dough

Place water, sugar, salt, and butter in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil.

Reduce heat and add the flour quickly with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes together in a ball.

Remove from heat and stand for 5 minutes.

Beat the egg and vanilla until smooth and shiny dough. (Use hand mixer or whisk.)

Step 2: Fry the Churros

Heat oil in deep big pan (350°F / 175°C).

Attach the piping bag with a star tip and pipe 5–6-inch long churros in hot oil.

Fry 2–3 at a time until golden brown (approx. 2–3 minutes on each side).

Remove and drain on paper towels.

Roll warm churros in the cinnamon-sugar blend.

Step 3: Make the Hot Chocolate

Heat milk and cream over a saucepan until it begins to steam.

Add cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk until uniform.

Add chopped dark chocolate and vanilla extract. Stir.

Whisk until the chocolate has melted and the mixture thickens up and becomes creamy.

Serve in mugs hot along with the churros.

 Medical Benefits & Doctor’s Recommendations

Moderation Is Key

Dark chocolate in the hot chocolate provides antioxidants (flavonoids) that can be beneficial for maintaining heart health, according to nutritionists.

Whole milk and eggs in the blend provide protein and calcium, which support bone and muscle function.

It is high in sugar, so consume in moderation, as well as if you’re diabetic or following a calorie-restricted regimen.

⚕️ Doctor’s Tip:

“Homemade dark chocolate churros can be a tasty indulgence if prepared with wholesome ingredients and portion management. To minimize calorie intake, air-fry the churros and use unsweetened cocoa powder with reduced sugar in the chocolate coating.”

⚠️ Traps to Avoid

1. Adding Cold Eggs to Dough

This will lead to the butter in the dough to seize and separate. Always use eggs at room temperature.

2. Oil Too Hot or Too Cold

Too hot: churros become caramelized on the outside but still raw inside.

Too cold: churros absorb too much oil and grow soft.

3. Overcrowding the Pan

Frying too many churros at once cools down the oil—keep it small batch for best crispiness.

4. Skipping the Resting Time

Not resting the dough first to allow it to cool before adding eggs can cook the eggs—ruining the texture.

5. Using Milk Chocolate Instead of Dark

Milk chocolate makes the hot chocolate overly sweet and less intense and antioxidant-rich.