Churros from Rubio's feature golden, crispy fried dough rolled in cinnamon sugar, delivering a warm, crunchy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior, perfectly complemented by a side of rich chocolate dipping sauce.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Piping bag with star tip
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Baking sheet or tray (for cooling/draining)
- Paper towels
- Shallow dish (for cinnamon sugar)
- Small bowl (for chocolate sauce)
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Water, sugar, and salt are combined and heated before adding butter and flour to create a smooth dough base for churros. Using all-purpose flour ensures proper texture, while incorporating eggs one at a time provides the dough with structure and moisture. Cinnamon sugar coating requires the right balance of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for authentic flavor. Vegetable oil should be heated to an optimal frying temperature to achieve a golden, crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil. Your churros finished with rich chocolate dipping sauce perfectly replicate the indulgent experience from Rubio's copycat menu.
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat; stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour until mixture forms a ball.
- Let dough cool slightly; beat in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Pipe strips of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting with scissors as needed.
- Fry churros until golden and crispy; remove with slotted spoon/tongs and drain on paper towels.
- Mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Roll warm churros in cinnamon sugar to coat completely.
- In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/2 cup heavy cream.
- Microwave or heat mixture until chocolate is melted; whisk until smooth for dipping sauce.
- Serve churros warm with chocolate sauce.
Substitution
Churros from Rubio's copycat menu replicate the classic combination of crispy fried dough coated in cinnamon sugar with a luscious chocolate dipping sauce. If you don't have a deep fryer, a heavy-bottomed pot filled with enough oil to submerge the churros can work as an alternative. When piping the dough, using a sturdy piping bag with a large star tip helps achieve the traditional ridged texture. Should you lack heavy cream for the chocolate sauce, whole milk can be gently heated and combined with chocolate chips to create a thinner but still delicious dip. Remember to drain the churros on paper towels to maintain their crispiness before rolling them in cinnamon sugar.
Tips
Maintain oil temperature at a steady 375degF (190degC) to ensure churros cook evenly and achieve the perfect crispy texture without absorbing excessive oil. Use a piping bag with a star tip to create the classic ridges, which help hold more cinnamon sugar for enhanced flavor. After frying, promptly roll your churros in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while they are still warm to ensure the coating adheres properly. For the dipping sauce, whisk the heated semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream thoroughly to create a silky-smooth consistency ideal for dipping.
Nutritions
Churros from Rubio's provide a combination of carbohydrates and fats that offer quick energy from the all-purpose flour and vegetable oil used in frying. Each serving contains moderate protein from the eggs and small amounts of sugar both in the dough and the cinnamon sugar coating that contribute to its sweet flavor profile. The semi-sweet chocolate sauce adds antioxidants from cocoa but also increases calorie and sugar content, so moderation is key for maintaining balanced nutrition. Your indulgence in this treat can be complemented with mindful portion control to enjoy its rich taste without excessive calorie intake.
Storage
Store leftover churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their crispiness. If you want to keep them longer, freeze churros individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag; reheat in a preheated oven at 375degF (190degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crunchy texture. Keep the chocolate dipping sauce refrigerated in a sealed container for up to three days, reheating gently before serving to ensure your churros stay delicious.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends to make churros suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising texture. Try infusing the water mixture with citrus zest, such as orange or lemon, before boiling to add a subtle fruity aroma to the dough. For a lighter version, consider baking the piped churros in a preheated oven at 400degF (205degC) for 15-20 minutes instead of deep-frying, then dust with cinnamon sugar for a crispy finish. Enhance your chocolate dipping sauce by stirring in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to create a rich, spicy kick that complements the sweetness.
Allergies
Churros from Rubio's contain common allergens such as eggs, butter (dairy), and wheat (gluten) from the all-purpose flour, which may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The rich chocolate dipping sauce includes semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream, adding to the potential for dairy allergies. You should exercise caution if you have egg, dairy, or gluten allergies before consuming this dessert.
Why this recipe?
Rubio's Churros menu offers a perfect blend of crispy exterior and fluffy interior, coated with cinnamon sugar that satisfies sweet cravings. The authentic Mexican recipe provides a rich, nostalgic flavor, making it a popular choice among dessert lovers. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this delicious treat at home while customizing the sweetness and serving style to your preference. Your kitchen can become the go-to spot for this iconic, crowd-pleasing dessert.