Description
This Sourdough Churros recipe transforms discarded sourdough starter into crispy, golden churros coated in cinnamon sugar, served with a rich homemade chocolate sauce. Perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft inside, these churros are an indulgent treat that combines classic flavors with a unique sourdough twist.
Ingredients
Churros
- 120 grams water (1/2 cup)
- 85 grams butter (6 Tablespoons)
- 25 grams sugar (2 Tablespoons)
- 2 grams vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon)
- 2 grams salt (1/4 teaspoon)
- 70 grams all-purpose flour (1/2 cup)
- 120 grams sourdough discard (1/2 cup)
- 2-3 large eggs
- 6 cups neutral frying oil
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 100 grams sugar (1/2 cup)
- 4 grams cinnamon (2 teaspoons)
Chocolate Sauce
- 120 grams heavy whipping cream (1/2 cup)
- 270 grams chopped chocolate (1 cup)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough base: In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat over medium-high until the mixture reaches a small rolling boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the ingredients completely.
- Incorporate flour and sourdough: Remove the pot from heat, immediately add the flour and sourdough discard. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until fully incorporated, about 30-60 seconds.
- Cook the dough ball: Return the pot to the heat. Stir continuously for another 30-60 seconds until the dough forms a smooth ball.
- Cool the dough: Remove from heat and let the dough cool down for 5-10 minutes to prevent eggs from cooking when added.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar mix: While cooling, mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl set aside for coating later.
- Mix in eggs: Transfer dough to a stand mixer bowl with a paddle attachment. Mix in eggs one at a time on medium speed, scraping the bowl sides to incorporate evenly. Add 2 to 3 eggs until the dough is smooth, glossy, and falls slowly from the paddle.
- Chill the dough: Transfer dough to a pastry bag with a large tip. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 24 hours.
- Heat oil: Heat neutral frying oil in a large pot to 370°F (188°C), using a candy thermometer for accuracy.
- Fry churros: Pipe 4-inch strips of dough into the hot oil, cutting with kitchen scissors. Fry 3-4 churros at a time turning each side after about 1 minute until golden brown.
- Drain and coat: Remove churros and drain briefly on paper towels. Immediately toss in cinnamon sugar to coat evenly.
- Serve warm: Enjoy churros as is or paired with homemade chocolate sauce.
- Make chocolate sauce: Place chopped chocolate in a bowl. Warm heavy cream on low heat (or microwave briefly ensuring it doesn’t boil). Pour cream over chocolate and let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to maintain precise oil temperature for perfectly crispy churros.
- The sourdough discard adds subtle tang and depth of flavor to the traditional churro.
- Adjust egg quantity to achieve the right dough consistency—glossy and smooth but not too runny.
- Chilling the dough helps it firm up for easier piping and better texture during frying.
- Serve churros immediately after frying for best texture; reheating can make them less crispy.
- The chocolate sauce can be made ahead and warmed gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish