There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon and sugar that instantly transports you to a bustling Mexican street market. Now imagine that irresistible churro flavor transformed into a golden, crispy waffle, drizzled with rich, spiced Mexican chocolate sauce. These Churro Waffles are where breakfast meets dessert in the most spectacular way possible – crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and coated in that signature cinnamon-sugar blend that makes churros so addictively delicious.
Perfect for weekend brunches, special celebrations, or those moments when your sweet tooth demands something extraordinary, these Churro Waffles deliver the beloved flavors of a classic Mexican treat in a form that’s both familiar and excitingly new. The accompanying Mexican chocolate sauce, with its subtle hints of cinnamon and chili, adds a luxurious dimension that elevates these waffles from merely delicious to absolutely unforgettable. Ready to bring the vibrant flavors of Mexico to your breakfast table? Let’s dive into this culinary fiesta!
The beauty of these Churro Waffles lies not just in their extraordinary taste but also in their accessibility. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to create this impressive dish. With basic pantry staples and a waffle iron, you can transform your kitchen into a Mexican-inspired bakery, filling your home with the intoxicating scents of cinnamon, sugar, and chocolate.
Ingredients
For the Churro Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1¾ cups buttermilk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Mexican Chocolate Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
For the Churro Waffles:
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. The batter will be slightly lumpy – this is perfect for fluffy waffles!
- Lightly coat your preheated waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray.
- Pour approximately ½ cup of batter (or the amount recommended for your waffle iron) onto the center of the iron. Close the lid and cook until the waffle is golden brown and crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the waffle and repeat with the remaining batter.
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- In a shallow dish, mix together the sugar and cinnamon.
- Brush each warm waffle generously with melted butter on both sides.
- Immediately dredge the buttered waffles in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, pressing gently to ensure the mixture adheres well.
For the Mexican Chocolate Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate, sugar, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- Let it sit for 1 minute, then whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more warm cream to reach your desired consistency.
To Serve:
- Place a warm, cinnamon-sugar coated waffle on a plate.
- Drizzle generously with the Mexican chocolate sauce.
- For an extra indulgent treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chocolate shavings if desired.
What makes these Churro Waffles truly special is the perfect balance of textures. The waffle itself is crisp on the outside while maintaining that desirable fluffiness inside. The cinnamon-sugar coating creates that authentic churro crunch that’s utterly satisfying with each bite. And then there’s the chocolate sauce – velvety smooth with a depth of flavor that store-bought sauces simply can’t match.
The Mexican chocolate sauce deserves special mention. Unlike regular chocolate sauce, this version incorporates cinnamon and a hint of cayenne pepper, creating a complex flavor profile that pays homage to traditional Mexican chocolate. The heat from the cayenne is subtle – just enough to warm your palate and enhance the chocolate flavor without overwhelming it. It’s this thoughtful balance of sweet and spicy that transforms a simple chocolate sauce into something truly memorable.
Tips for Perfect Churro Waffles
- Don’t overmix the batter – A few lumps are your friends! Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your waffles tough rather than tender.
- Make sure your waffle iron is properly preheated – This ensures your waffles cook evenly and develop that perfect crispy exterior.
- Coat the waffles in cinnamon-sugar while they’re still warm – The residual heat helps the sugar mixture stick better.
- Adjust the cayenne in the chocolate sauce to suit your spice preference – Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat; you can always add more.
- Keep waffles warm in a 200°F oven if you’re making a large batch, but coat them with cinnamon-sugar just before serving for maximum crispness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, without ice cream)
520 calories, 32g fat, 56g carbohydrates, 7g protein, 36g sugar
These Churro Waffles are wonderfully versatile. While they make an impressive weekend breakfast or brunch centerpiece, they’re equally at home as a dessert after a Mexican-themed dinner. They’re also perfect for celebrations – imagine serving these at a Cinco de Mayo party or as a birthday breakfast-in-bed surprise!
For those who love to plan ahead, both components can be prepared in advance. The waffle batter can be made the night before and refrigerated (though you may need to thin it slightly with a splash of buttermilk before cooking). The chocolate sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week – simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently.
So the next time you’re craving something special for breakfast – something that combines the familiar comfort of waffles with the exotic allure of Mexican churros – look no further than this recipe. With their crispy, cinnamon-sugar exterior, fluffy interior, and that incredibly decadent chocolate sauce, these Churro Waffles might just become your new favorite breakfast indulgence. ¡Buen provecho!
