Irresistible Mini Churros with Rich Mexican Hot Chocolate Dipping Sauce: A Sweet & Crispy Delight
Prepare to be enchanted by these utterly adorable and unbelievably delicious mini churros! You know how sometimes the best things happen by accident? Well, these crispy, cinnamon-sugar coated treats are a perfect example. What began as a slight mishap – not having a large enough piping tip for classic churros – resulted in these charming, bite-sized wonders that are arguably even more delightful than their larger counterparts. There’s truly nothing quite like the satisfaction of a culinary ‘oops’ turning into a resounding success, especially when it involves something as universally loved as churros.
Before we dive deeper into the magic of these mini marvels, I have to share a little behind-the-scenes update that’s brought an extra spark to my kitchen adventures. This past weekend, I took a significant leap in my blogging journey: I upgraded my camera! For many, changing a camera might seem trivial, but for food photography enthusiasts and fellow bloggers, it’s a monumental decision. I’d been happily using my Canon Rebel XSI for a while, and stepping up always feels like a big commitment. However, I recently moved to a Canon 70D, and let me tell you, it’s nothing short of amazing! The clarity and vibrant colors it captures truly bring these mini churros to life, making them look even more enticing on screen.
I’m completely smitten with its capabilities. While I know there are more advanced cameras out there, for my current needs and passion for capturing delicious food, the Canon 70D feels like the perfect fit. And the video capabilities? Oh, they open up a whole new world of possibilities! Keep an eye out for some exciting surprises and more interactive cooking fun later this year. But enough about cameras – let’s refocus on the true stars of today’s post: these incredible mini churros.
The Undeniable Charm of Mini Churros
There’s an inherent charm to these miniature versions of the beloved Spanish and Mexican pastry. Each one is a perfect little package of crunchy cinnamon sugar, yielding to a wonderfully soft and airy interior. And when you plunge it into a warm, luscious bath of Mexican hot chocolate dipping sauce? Pure bliss. It’s a flavor combination that dances on your palate – the sweet, spiced churro complemented by the rich, slightly exotic notes of the chocolate. Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast treat to accompany your morning coffee or a secretive, indulgent midnight snack (no judgment here, we’ve all been there!), these mini churros fit the bill perfectly.
Why Go Mini? The Advantages of Bite-Sized Bliss
The beauty of mini churros extends far beyond their cute appearance. Their smaller size offers several advantages:
- Perfect Portion Control: While it might be tempting to eat a dozen, their smaller size makes them feel less intimidating than larger churros, especially when serving a crowd.
- Easier to Fry: Smaller pieces are more manageable in hot oil, leading to more consistent cooking and less risk of unevenly fried dough. They cook faster, too!
- Maximum Crunch, Maximum Flavor: With a greater surface-area-to-volume ratio, mini churros achieve an exquisite crispiness that’s hard to beat. This also means more surface for that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating to cling to.
- Ideal for Dipping: Each mini churro is perfectly sized for a single, generous dip into the warm chocolate sauce, ensuring every bite is coated in deliciousness.
- Guilt-Free Indulgence: Okay, maybe not *entirely* guilt-free, but as I often rationalize, they’re miniature, so you can enjoy a few more without feeling overly indulgent. It’s just simple math, right?
Crafting the Perfect Accompaniment: Mexican Hot Chocolate Dipping Sauce
While churros are fantastic on their own, the accompanying Mexican Hot Chocolate Dipping Sauce elevates this treat to an entirely new level. What makes it “Mexican”? Typically, Mexican hot chocolate incorporates a hint of cinnamon and sometimes a touch of chili powder, which adds a subtle warmth and complexity that perfectly complements the sweetness of the churros. This isn’t just any chocolate sauce; it’s a deeply flavorful, silky smooth concoction that truly makes these churros unforgettable. The combination of dark and bittersweet chocolate chips ensures a rich, profound chocolate flavor, while the whole milk and corn syrup contribute to its luxurious, dippable consistency.
Imagine biting into a warm, crisp churro, still fragrant from the frying oil and cinnamon, and then dipping it into a pool of this velvety, spiced chocolate. The contrast in textures and the harmony of flavors are simply divine. It’s an experience that transports you to a cozy cafe, even if you’re just enjoying it in your own kitchen.
Tips for Churro Perfection
Making churros might seem a little intimidating at first, but with a few key tips, you’ll be piping out perfect golden spirals in no time. The dough is a choux pastry, similar to what’s used for éclairs or cream puffs, which gives churros their distinct texture.
- Dough Consistency is Key: When adding the flour to the boiling water and butter, stir vigorously until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This ensures proper hydration and gluten development. After adding the eggs, the dough should be smooth and pipeable, not too stiff and not too runny. Refrigerating the dough briefly helps it firm up for easier piping.
- Temperature Control for Frying: Maintaining the oil temperature at 375°F (190°C) is crucial. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the churros will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, they’ll brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. Use a deep-fry thermometer for accuracy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry churros in batches to avoid dropping the oil temperature. This ensures even cooking and perfect crispiness.
- Pipe and Cut: A medium-small star tip is perfect for creating those classic ridges that help the cinnamon sugar adhere. Squeeze the dough directly into the hot oil, using a knife or kitchen shears to cut off 4-5 inch lengths.
- Coat Immediately: As soon as the churros come out of the oil and drain for a minute, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they’re still hot. This allows the sugar to stick beautifully and form a delectable crust.
- Warm Dipping Sauce: Keep the chocolate dipping sauce warm over low heat. A warm sauce coats the churros better and provides a more comforting experience.
This recipe isn’t just about following steps; it’s about enjoying the process of creating something truly special. The aroma of cinnamon, sugar, and frying dough will fill your kitchen, promising a delightful reward.
Mini Churros with Mexican Hot Chocolate Dipping Sauce
ingredients
- 3 sticks unsalted butter 24 Tbsp
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 large egg white
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 Tbsp ground cinnamon
instructions
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Bring 1 3/4 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan with 2 sticks of butter and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Remove the pan from heat and stir in flour until completely incorporated. Return the pan to moderate heat and cook until the dough pulls away from the sides, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add dough to the bowl of an electric stand mixer.
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Beat the dough with an electric mixer on low for one minute to cool the dough. Then increase the speed to medium-high and add the eggs and egg white one at a time. Cover the dough in the mixing bowl with a sheet of plastic wrap, pressing the plastic to the surface, and refrigerate until the dough is room temperature – about 15 minutes.
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While the dough is cooling, heat the milk in a medium saucepan until simmering. Add 1 stick of butter and light corn syrup, heat until the butter is melted. Pour the chocolate chips to a separate bowl and slowly pour the warm milk mixture over the chocolate, whisking constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Add 1/2 Tbsp cinnamon and stir to combine. Add the dipping chocolate back to the saucepan and keep warm over low heat.
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Heat the oil to 375° in a flameproof dutch oven or large saucepan. Prepare a baking sheet with a layer of paper towels. In a medium bowl, combine the remaining sugar and cinnamon. Next, add the dough to a large pastry bag fitted with a medium-small star tip.
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Squeeze 4 to 5-inch lengths of the dough into the hot oil, cutting them off with a knife. Fry over moderately high heat, turning once or twice, until browned, about 8 minutes. Remember not to overcrowd the pan! Drain the churros on the rack for about one minute and then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately with the chocolate dipping sauce.
Beyond the Recipe: Serving Suggestions and Variations
These mini churros are incredibly versatile. While they make a fantastic breakfast or dessert, consider serving them at your next brunch gathering, a festive party, or even as a unique after-school snack. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! For an extra special touch, you could offer a variety of dipping sauces – perhaps a classic dulce de leche, a salted caramel, or even a berry compote. A dusting of powdered sugar in addition to the cinnamon sugar also adds a lovely visual and textural element.
If you happen to have any leftover churros (a rare occurrence, I assure you!), they are best enjoyed fresh. However, if needed, you can reheat them in an oven or air fryer for a few minutes to regain some crispness. The Mexican hot chocolate sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week and gently reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Conclusion: A Small Treat with Big Flavor
These mini churros with Mexican Hot Chocolate Dipping Sauce are more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to indulge in a moment of pure culinary joy. They prove that sometimes, the best discoveries are happy accidents, and that good things truly do come in small packages. So gather your ingredients, fire up your fryer, and prepare to make some unforgettable memories (and some seriously delicious churros!). Whether it’s the rich aroma filling your kitchen or the first crispy, chocolate-dipped bite, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite.