Making churros with chocolate sauce is a rewarding process. Follow these steps to create this delicious treat:

For the Churros:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
   • Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and add 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Stir the mixture vigorously until it forms a smooth ball of dough.
2. Heat the Oil:
   • In a large frying pan or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). Ensure there’s enough oil to fully submerge the churros.
3. Pipe the Dough:
   • Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Carefully pipe 4-6 inch lengths of dough into the hot oil, using scissors to cut the dough from the tip.
4. Fry the Churros:
   • Fry the churros in small batches, turning them occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Coat with Sugar:
   • Remove the churros from the oil and drain on paper towels. While still warm, roll them in the sugar (and cinnamon, if using) until fully coated.

For the Chocolate Sauce:

1. Heat the Cream:
   • In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
2. Melt the Chocolate:
   • Remove the cream from heat and add 4 ounces of chopped dark chocolate, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Stir until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Add Vanilla:
   • Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.