Churros con Chocolate Recipe: Spain’s Sweet Traditional Delight

Q: What is the difference between Churros and Porras?

In many Spanish churrerías, Churros are thin, star-shaped, and very crunchy, while Porras are thicker and airier, made with a dough that includes baking soda or yeast for a softer, bread-like texture.

Q: Why is Spanish Hot Chocolate so much thicker than others?

The secret is the use of cornstarch (maizena) and high-quality dark chocolate. It is slowly simmered until it reaches a pudding-like consistency, designed specifically as a thick dipping sauce for churros.

Q: When is the traditional time to eat churros in Spain?

Churros are most popular as a weekend breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack (merienda). They are also a legendary late-night tradition, often enjoyed after a night of celebration before heading home.

Q: Why do my homemade churros sometimes burst or feel oily?

Churros can burst if air is trapped in the dough (using a star-shaped nozzle helps prevent this). They feel oily if the oil temperature is too low; it should be around 180°C to ensure they crisp up instantly without absorbing fat.

Q: Can I freeze churro dough for later?

Yes! You can pipe raw dough into shapes and freeze them. They can be fried directly from frozen, though they may need an extra minute in the oil to cook through completely.

If there’s one flavor that instantly transports you to the heart of Spain, it’s the comforting aroma of freshly fried Churros con Chocolate.
This iconic pairing — golden, crispy churros dipped into thick, velvety hot chocolate — is more than a sweet treat. It’s a ritual, a tradition, and a delicious window into Spanish culture.

From early mornings in Madrid to late-night stops in Barcelona, churros are woven into daily life across the country. Much like paella or tapas, they represent the joy of simple ingredients elevated by tradition.

🍽️ For a broader culinary context, explore our complete guide to Spanish Cuisine: Must-Try Traditional Dishes on Spanaly

Table of Contents

🥖 What Are Churros ?

Churros are long, ridged sticks of fried dough — crisp on the outside, soft and airy on the inside. Traditionally made from just flour, water, salt, and oil, the dough is piped through a star-shaped nozzle, giving churros their iconic texture.

In Spain, churros are typically served fresh from the fryer in specialized cafés known as churrerías. They’re enjoyed for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or famously after a night of celebration.

Lightly dusted with sugar and served hot, churros embody the beauty of Spanish gastronomy: simple, honest, and irresistibly comforting.

🍫 The Art of Spanish Hot Chocolate

Forget the thin, milky hot cocoa found elsewhere.
Spanish hot chocolate (chocolate a la taza) is thick, dark, and intensely rich. Made with high-quality dark chocolate, milk, and a touch of cornstarch, it’s meant to be spoon-thick, not sipped lightly.

This chocolate isn’t just a drink — it’s a dipping sauce. Each churro is submerged until coated, creating a perfect contrast between crisp dough and silky chocolate.

In cities like Madrid and Barcelona, this ritual rivals café con leche as a beloved morning tradition.

🕰️ A Bite of History

The origins of churros are still debated. Some historians link them to Spanish shepherds who fried simple dough over open fires, while others believe they were inspired by a Chinese fried pastry brought to Europe by Portuguese traders in the 16th century.

What’s certain is that Churros con Chocolate became firmly established in Spain during the 19th century, particularly in Madrid, where elegant cafés began serving them as both breakfast and midnight indulgence.

Over time, churros spread across Latin America and beyond, adapting to local tastes — but Spain remains their spiritual home .

🎭 Churros in Spanish Culture & Festivals

Churros are deeply tied to Spain’s festive spirit.
They’re a staple during Spanish festivals, winter fairs, and major celebrations such as New Year’s Eve, where families enjoy churros after midnight festivities.

After parades, fireworks, or long nights of dancing, stopping for churros is almost a tradition in itself — a moment of comfort and togetherness.

🎉 To explore how food and celebration intertwine, discover our guide to Spanish Festivals across the country.

📍 Where to Try the Best Churros in Spain

If you’re traveling through Spain, these legendary spots are worth the detour:

Chocolatería San Ginés (Madrid)
Founded in 1894, this historic café is open 24/7 and legendary for late-night churros. A must-stop in the Spanish capital.
👉 Pair your visit with our Ultimate Madrid Travel Guide.
Granja La Pallaresa (Barcelona)
A classic Catalan café known for its exceptionally thick hot chocolate.
👉 Explore more in our Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide.
Valor Chocolaterías (Alicante)
Famous for premium Spanish chocolate, Valor has perfected the chocolate side of the duo.

Every region — from Andalusia to Valencia — has its own local churrería, each adding subtle regional character.

🏡 How to Make Churros con Chocolate at Home

You don’t need to be in Spain to enjoy this classic. With simple ingredients, you can recreate the experience in your own kitchen.

Ingredients for the Churros

1 cup water
2 tbsp sugar
A pinch of salt
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 cup flour
Vegetable oil for frying
Sugar for coating

For the Hot Chocolate

200 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
2 cups milk
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp sugar

Preparation

Boil water, sugar, salt, and oil.
Add flour and stir until a smooth dough forms.
Pipe dough through a star nozzle and fry until golden.
Sprinkle with sugar.
Melt chocolate with milk, cornstarch, and sugar until thick.

Serve warm, dip generously, and enjoy a true taste of Spain.

❓ FAQ – Secrets of the Perfect Spanish Churros

🍩 What is the difference between Churros and Porras?

In many Spanish churrerías, you will see two types. Churros are thin, star-shaped, and very crunchy. Porras are thicker, airier, and made with a slightly different dough that includes baking soda or yeast. While churros are the classic choice, many locals prefer porras for their softer, bread-like texture that absorbs even more chocolate!

☕ Why is Spanish Hot Chocolate so much thicker than others?

The secret lies in the cornstarch (maizena) and high-quality dark chocolate. Unlike the milky, liquid cocoa found elsewhere, Spanish hot chocolate is slowly simmered until it reaches a pudding-like consistency. It is specifically designed as a dipping sauce, not just a drink, to ensure every churro gets a rich, velvety coating.

☀️ When is the "traditional" time to eat churros in Spain?

Churros are incredibly versatile! They are most popular as a weekend breakfast for families or a mid-afternoon snack (merienda). However, they are also a legendary late-night tradition; it is very common in cities like Madrid to end a night of celebration with a hot plate of churros before heading home.

👨‍🍳 Why do my homemade churros sometimes burst or feel oily?

Two main reasons: Air bubbles and Oil temperature. If there is air trapped in the dough, they might "pop" in the oil (always use a star-shaped nozzle to release pressure). Also, if the oil isn't hot enough (should be around 180°C), the dough will absorb too much fat and become greasy instead of crispy.

❄️ Can I freeze churro dough for later?

Yes! You can pipe the raw dough into shapes on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once solid, transfer them to a bag. You can fry them directly from frozen—just be careful as they may splatter a bit more, and they will need an extra minute in the oil to cook through.

Sweet insights by Spanaly Gastronomy Hub

✈️ A Sweet Taste of Spain

Few foods capture Spain’s soul like Churros con Chocolate.
They’re not just a dessert — they’re a shared experience, a cultural ritual, and a symbol of Spanish warmth and hospitality.

Whether you’re savoring them in a historic Madrid café, enjoying them after a festival night, or making them at home, churros remind us that the simplest pleasures are often the most unforgettable.

🍩✨ For more iconic flavors, continue your journey through Spanish Cuisine on Spanaly.com.

Churros con Chocolate: Spain’s Sweet Delight