Cinnamon Sugar Churros with Rich Chocolate Sauce

### Ingredients You’ll Need

#### For the Churros:
– **1 cup water**
– **2 tablespoons granulated sugar**
– **1/2 teaspoon salt**
– **2 tablespoons unsalted butter**
– **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**
– **1 cup all-purpose flour**
– **2 large eggs**
– **Vegetable oil**, for frying (enough for about 2-3 inches of oil in a pan)
– **1/4 cup granulated sugar** (for coating)
– **1 tablespoon ground cinnamon** (for coating)

#### For the Rich Chocolate Sauce:
– **1/2 cup heavy cream**
– **1/2 cup whole milk**
– **4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate** (chopped or in chips)
– **1 tablespoon granulated sugar** (optional, depending on sweetness preference)
– **1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract**
– **Pinch of salt**

### Directions

#### 1. **Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating**:
– In a shallow dish, combine the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set it aside for later—this will be used to coat the churros once they’re fried.

#### 2. **Make the Churro Dough**:
– In a medium saucepan, combine the water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, salt, and butter. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is fully melted.
– Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
– Add the flour to the mixture all at once and stir quickly until the dough comes together and forms a smooth ball. It will be thick and sticky.
– Allow the dough to cool for a few minutes before adding the eggs, one at a time. Beat each egg into the dough until fully incorporated. The dough should be thick but smooth, and it will hold its shape when piped.

#### 3. **Prepare the Chocolate Sauce**:
– In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the chocolate has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
– Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then taste and adjust sweetness with sugar if desired. Remove from heat and set aside. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so keep it warm or reheat it before serving.

#### 4. **Fry the Churros**:
– Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of dough dropped in sizzles and floats to the surface.
– Transfer the churro dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (or use a resealable plastic bag with the tip of the corner cut off). Pipe 4-6-inch strips of dough into the hot oil, cutting them with scissors as you go.
– Fry the churros in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning them occasionally until they’re golden brown and crispy.
– Using a slotted spoon, remove the churros from the oil and immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating them evenly on all sides.

#### 5. **Serve**:
– Arrange the freshly coated churros on a plate and serve them with the rich chocolate sauce on the side for dipping.

### Tips for Perfect Churros

– **Oil Temperature**: It’s important to maintain the right frying temperature. If the oil is too hot, the churros will burn on the outside but remain raw inside. If it’s too cool, they will become soggy. Use a thermometer to keep the oil at around 350°F (175°C).
– **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan**: Fry churros in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.
– **Serve Immediately**: Churros are best served fresh and hot. While they’ll still taste good after cooling, they’re at their peak of deliciousness when they’re crispy and warm.

### Customization Ideas

– **Different Dips**: While chocolate sauce is the classic dip for churros, you can get creative! Try caramel sauce, dulce de leche, or even a berry compote for a different twist.
– **Spicy Cinnamon**: For a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cinnamon sugar coating for a spicy-sweet combo.
– **Churro Bites**: If you prefer smaller portions, you can pipe the dough into bite-sized pieces and fry them as churro bites, then toss them in the cinnamon sugar.

### Why You’ll Love These Churros

There’s no denying that **Cinnamon Sugar Churros with Rich Chocolate Sauce** are a treat you’ll want to make again and again. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and the perfect balance of sweet, spicy cinnamon and rich, smooth chocolate. Whether you’re enjoying them as a dessert or a fun snack to share with friends and family, these churros are bound to be a hit.

With this recipe, you can bring the fairgrounds to your kitchen anytime you crave a delicious, sweet indulgence. So why not treat yourself to this heavenly combination of churros and chocolate sauce today?

### Final Thoughts

These **Cinnamon Sugar Churros with Rich Chocolate Sauce** will quickly become a favorite dessert or snack in your home. Perfect for any occasion, they’re a fun and tasty way to enjoy a classic treat with a modern twist. Warm, crunchy, and indulgent, churros are a treat that will never go out of style!