Save These churro bites are my go-to for gatherings when I need something fun and crowd-pleasing. Each bite is crisp outside, soft and fluffy inside, and packed with that classic cinnamon sugar flavor. I love how quickly they come together with simple ingredients you probably already have.
The first time I tried this, my kitchen smelled like a Spanish bakery and my friends devoured every last piece before the next batch was done.
Ingredients
- Water: Gives the dough its moisture and steam so churros puff up
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and the finishing coating so make sure to use fresh sugar for best flavor
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the buttery notes
- Unsalted butter: Creates rich flavor and a tender bite look for butter with a clean milk scent
- All-purpose flour: Makes the signature chewy yet fluffy structure sift if yours is lumpy
- Vegetable oil: Essential for crisp deep-frying use a neutral oil with a high smoke point
- Ground cinnamon: Transforms ordinary sugar into something magical check your spice jar for freshness
- Chocolate sauce: Takes it over the top if you are feeling indulgent choose a smooth one for easy dipping
Instructions
- Prep the Dough:
- Combine the water sugar salt and butter in a medium saucepan and set over medium heat Bring the mixture just to a boil to melt everything together and start building flavor
- Cook the Dough:
- Turn the heat to low Pour in the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon The dough will look messy at first but keep stirring until it turns into a smooth ball that pulls away from the saucepan sides This usually takes about two minutes Remove from the heat and let it cool for five minutes so it is easier to handle
- Get Ready to Fry:
- Transfer the slightly cooled dough to a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip This gives you those signature ridges and a crispier surface
- Heat the Oil:
- In a deep saucepan or a fryer pour in the vegetable oil and heat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 Celsius Use a thermometer for accuracy since temperature matters for crispiness
- Pipe and Fry:
- Squeeze one inch segments of dough right into the hot oil Cut each with clean kitchen scissors as you go Do this in small batches Fry each batch for about three minutes turning them gently now and then so all sides get golden brown
- Drain:
- Use a slotted spoon to lift the churro bites out of the oil and lay them on paper towels so extra oil drips off This keeps them crisp not greasy
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
- While the churro bites are still warm toss them generously in your cinnamon sugar mixture The coating will stick best when they are hot
- Serve:
- Pile the churro bites onto a platter Serve immediately while warm with a side of chocolate sauce if you want to go classic
Save Cinnamon is always my favorite part and my young cousin always asks for extra sugar on hers Last holiday we made these together and she was in charge of rolling every bite in the cinnamon mixture
Storage Tips
Store leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day For best texture reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to bring back the original crispiness Avoid microwaving as it softens the exterior You can freeze the fried but uncoated churro bites in a single layer then reheat and toss in fresh cinnamon sugar
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are dairy free swap the butter for margarine or a dairy free spread Coconut oil works for frying and gives a subtle tropical flavor switch up if you like experimenting Try pumpkin pie spice in place of cinnamon for a different twist
Serving Suggestions
Serve churro bites with a variety of dips beyond chocolate such as caramel sauce or dulce de leche They make a playful topping for ice cream sundaes For breakfast try with a mug of strong coffee to channel a true Spanish café experience
Cultural Notes
Churros have roots in Spanish and Portuguese cuisine evolving from simple fried dough sold by street vendors Traditionally served with thick hot chocolate in Spain they have become a beloved treat worldwide Mini versions like these are perfect for sharing and celebrations
Seasonal Adaptations
Substitute cardamom or ginger for cinnamon during the winter holidays Serve with berry sauces in the summer for a fresh take Shape dough into hearts or stars for festive occasions
Save Try these churro bites warm for ultimate comfort or freeze a batch for last-minute guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I get churro bites crispy outside and soft inside?
Fry the dough at 350°F and avoid overcrowding, ensuring golden crispiness while retaining a soft center.
- → Can I make the dough ahead of time?
The dough is best used fresh, but you can refrigerate it for up to a few hours and pipe just before frying.
- → How should I serve these bites?
Serve warm, tossed in cinnamon sugar. Chocolate sauce or hot coffee makes an excellent accompaniment.
- → What oil works best for frying?
Vegetable oil is standard, but coconut oil adds a unique flavor for a twist on tradition.
- → How do I coat the bites evenly with cinnamon sugar?
Toss the bites while they're still warm; sugar sticks best and creates an even coating.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these bites use butter and flour with no animal-derived ingredients other than dairy.