Few things compare to the delight of biting into a warm, crispy churro coated in cinnamon sugar. These homemade churro bites take all the deliciousness of traditional churros and make them bite-sized, perfect for snacking, dipping, and sharing. With their golden, crunchy exterior and soft, pillowy inside, they are guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Making churros from scratch may sound intimidating, but it’s surprisingly simple. The dough comes together quickly in a single pot, and with just a few ingredients, you can recreate that classic churro taste at home. The key to achieving the perfect texture is frying at the right temperature, ensuring a crisp bite with a tender interior. Once fried, each piece is coated in a fragrant cinnamon-sugar mixture, creating the ultimate sweet treat.
These churro bites are perfect for parties, special occasions, or simply when you’re craving a little indulgence. Serve them with a rich chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or even dulce de leche for an extra layer of decadence. Whether enjoyed fresh or stored for later, they remain a crowd-pleaser every time.
So, if you love fairground treats or just need a comforting homemade dessert, these churro bites are a must-try. They’re easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and, most importantly, absolutely delicious!
Servings and Timing
Servings: About 20 churro bites
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 ½ tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- ½ cup sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water, sugar, salt, and butter. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Stir in the flour, mixing vigorously until the dough comes together and forms a ball. Let the mixture cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
- Once cooled, add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until fully incorporated and smooth. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C). To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the surface, it’s ready.
- Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe small portions (about 1-inch) directly into the hot oil, using a knife or scissors to cut the dough as it’s piped.
- Fry the churro bites in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy (about 2-3 minutes per batch).
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- In a separate bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together. While the churro bites are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Serve immediately with chocolate or caramel sauce and enjoy!
Variations
- Baked Churro Bites: Instead of frying, pipe the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Brush with melted butter and coat in cinnamon sugar.
- Chocolate Churros: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate twist.
- Spiced Churros: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth and flavor.
- Stuffed Churro Bites: Inject dulce de leche, Nutella, or pastry cream into the bites for a delightful surprise inside.
Tips
- Be sure to let the dough cool slightly before adding the egg, or it may scramble.
- Use a piping bag with a star tip for that classic churro shape, but a ziplock bag with a small cut tip will work in a pinch.
- Maintain oil temperature at 375°F (190°C) for even frying—if the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked.
- Churros taste best fresh, but you can reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
These homemade churro bites are quick to make, fun to eat, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a party or treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, they’re bound to be a hit. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauce and savor every delicious bite!
