Making churros at home is a straightforward process that involves preparing the dough, frying it, and then coating it in the delightful cinnamon sugar mixture. Follow these steps to ensure perfect churros every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 2 1/2 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
2. Once it reaches a boil, remove from heat and immediately stir in 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Stir until the mixture forms a smooth ball of dough.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

3. Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375°F (190°C). It’s essential to use a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature for frying.

Step 3: Fry the Churros

4. Spoon the dough into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Carefully pipe 4-6 inch strips of dough into the hot oil. Use a pair of scissors to cut off the dough from the piping bag.
5. Fry the churros in batches, turning them with tongs until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Remove the churros from the oil and drain them on paper towels.

Step 4: Coat the Churros

7. In a separate shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup of sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
8. While the churros are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.

Step 5: Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional)

9. Heat 1 cup of heavy cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add 8 ounces of chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.