Red Velvet Churros with Creamy Filling
Let me take you on a journey to sweet excitement with one of my all-time favorite treats! When the craving for a delightful dessert strikes, I can’t help but think of my fabulous Red Velvet Churros. These golden-brown beauties are not your average churros; they burst with a rich red velvet flavor and are stuffed with a luscious cream cheese filling that makes every bite feel like a bit of heaven.
Every time I make these churros, I am reminded of the first time I sampled them at a fair. They were crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and I remember thinking, “Why haven’t I invented this sooner?” They’re the perfect treat for birthdays, holidays, or just an indulgent weekend. The vibrant red color also adds a festive feel, making them a hit at parties. So, put on your apron, and let’s dive into this sweet adventure together!
What’s in Red Velvet Churros?
– 1 cup water: This acts as the base for our dough and ensures the churros have a lovely texture.
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor. I always use unsalted to have better control over the sweetness.
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar: A little sweetness to kickstart the flavor in the dough.
– 1/4 tsp salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness in the dough.
– 1 cup all-purpose flour: This gives structure to our churros, making them chewy yet crispy.
– 1 tbsp cocoa powder: Adds a hint of chocolate flavor, making these churros even more delectable!
– 1 tsp red food coloring: To give our churros that iconic red velvet look! I prefer gel food coloring for a more vibrant hue.
– 2 large eggs: These provide moisture and richness, helping to create that perfect churro dough.
– 1 tsp vanilla extract: Because everything is better with a bit of vanilla!
– 1/2 tsp baking powder: This gives our churros a bit of lift and helps them achieve that lovely texture.
For the Filling:
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened: The star of the show! Creamy and tangy, it’s the perfect filling for our churros.
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar: To sweeten up that cream cheese goodness.
– 1 tsp vanilla extract: A splash adds flavor and depth.
For Rolling:
– 1 cup granulated sugar: For the sweet coating that every churro needs.
– 1 tsp cinnamon (optional): A warm spice to complement the sweetness.
– Oil for frying: To achieve that perfectly crispy golden exterior.
Is Red Velvet Churros Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about the health aspect! Red Velvet Churros, while undeniably delicious, are a treat to be savored rather than a daily snack. The combination of cream cheese and sugar means these are indulgent, but let’s not forget that cocoa powder contains antioxidants, and we’re getting a bit of protein from the eggs and cream cheese.
On the flip side, these churros are fried, which means they can be higher in calories and fat. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider baking the churros instead of frying them if you want to keep some of that beloved crunch without the added oil. A good rule of thumb is to enjoy these scrumptious treats in moderation, and they make a fantastic addition to any celebration!
Ingredients List
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tbsp cocoa powder
– 1 tsp red food coloring (gel or liquid)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
For the Filling:
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Rolling:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
– Oil for frying
How to Make Red Velvet Churros?
1. **Prepare the Dough**: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp of salt. Bring this mix to a boil over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling away, remove it from the heat and stir in 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 tbsp of cocoa powder until it’s smooth and forms a beautiful ball.
2. **Add Color and Eggs**: Allow the dough to cool slightly for about 10 minutes (otherwise, you might end up with some scrambled eggs!). Mix in the 1 tsp of red food coloring until fully incorporated. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract and 1/2 tsp of baking powder until smooth and lovely.
3. **Prepare the Filling**: In a bowl, beat together the softened 1 cup of cream cheese, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract until smooth. Scoop this velvety mixture into a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off for easy filling later.
4. **Heat the Oil**: In a deep fryer or heavy-bottom pot, heat about 2-3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Keep an eye on it; we don’t want any overcooked disasters!
5. **Pipe the Churros**: Using a star-shaped nozzle, carefully pipe 6-inch strips of the churro dough directly into the hot oil. Fry until they are golden brown all over – about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, letting them drain on paper towels.
6. **Coat with Sugar**: In a shallow dish, mix granulated sugar with cinnamon if you’re feeling fancy. Roll those warm churros in the sugar mixture until they’re well coated and glistening.
7. **Fill the Churros**: Poke a small hole at each end of the churro with a skewer or knife. Fill each churro with the cream cheese filling using the piping bag until it starts to ooze slightly from the ends. YUM!
8. **Serve**: Arrange the filled churros on a plate in a neat stack, and feel free to drizzle some melted chocolate over them for that extra touch of decadence. Enjoy these warm and gorgeous treats!
Sprinkling Some Extra Love!
These churros are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers (I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you want to get creative, try adding some crushed nuts in the filling or even experimenting with different flavors of cream cheese, like whipped strawberry or chocolate.
Trust me, once you try these Red Velvet Churros, you’ll fall in love! Don’t forget to share your churro-making adventures with me; I’d love to hear how they turned out for you! Let’s indulge together in the sweet joy of churros.
