If you love warm, crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth treats that are coated in a perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar, then you’re going to adore this Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites Recipe. I absolutely love how these little bites turn out—crispy on the outside and soft inside, with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, dessert, or party treat, these churro bites are sure to get everyone asking for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: You’ll have these churro bites ready in about 20 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute cravings.
- Ultra Crisp Texture: Frying at the right temperature ensures a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.
- Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy them plain or dip into your favorite sauces like caramel or chocolate for an indulgent treat.
- Fun to Make: Piping the dough right into the oil is like a mini culinary adventure—you’ll love the process as much as the result.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites Recipe are straightforward and pantry-friendly. Using simple staples ensures this treat is accessible any time you want a quick and delicious dessert. Here’s what you’ll want to grab before getting started.
- Unsalted butter: Cubed butter melts evenly and adds richness without making the dough greasy.
- Water: The base liquid that helps create a smooth dough.
- Granulated white sugar: Used both in the dough and for the cinnamon-sugar coating—double duty!
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, giving structure and that classic churro texture.
- Large egg: Helps bind the dough and adds moisture for a soft interior.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the dough’s flavor.
- Vegetable oil: For frying—choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or sunflower.
- Ground cinnamon: Mixed with sugar to coat the churros and give that signature spicy sweetness.
Variations
I love playing around with this Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites Recipe to make it my own, and you’ll find there are so many easy ways to switch things up depending on your mood or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to personalize it and make it your signature treat!
- Make them gluten-free: I once swapped in a gluten-free flour blend and the churros still turned out surprisingly good—just keep an eye on the dough consistency.
- Add a spice twist: Try mixing in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon-sugar for an exciting flavor upgrade that I love during the holidays.
- Chocolate lovers’ dream: Serve with melted chocolate or drizzle chocolate sauce over the churro bites—my family goes crazy for this one!
- Healthier baking method: You can bake these bites at 400°F for about 15 minutes, though they won’t be as crisp as fried, but still delicious when craving a lighter version.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Frying Oil
First things first: heat about 1½ to 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or deep pot over medium-high heat. I like to use a candy or deep-fry thermometer here because keeping the oil steady at 360°F is key to perfect churro bites. If it’s too hot, they burn on the outside; too cool, and they soak up oil and get greasy.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the oil heats, whisk together the half cup of sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture is what turns those crispy bites into the cinnamon sugar-coated treats that everyone loves. Set it aside because you’ll be rolling your churro bites in this as soon as they’re fried.
Step 3: Cook the Dough on the Stove
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the cubed butter, water, tablespoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Watch closely as this comes to a boil—then add your flour all at once. Stir energetically with a wooden spoon over low heat until the dough comes together into a soft, thick ball. Don’t worry if it looks a bit lumpy or the flour hasn’t fully mixed; it’s totally normal at this stage. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes so your egg doesn’t scramble when mixed in next.
Step 4: Mix in Egg and Vanilla
Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. Now, working quickly, add the egg and vanilla extract, beating on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds until everything is combined smoothly. I discovered this timing trick after a few attempts—if you’re too slow, the egg can cook from the heat of the dough, and that’s not what we want!
Step 5: Pipe and Fry Churro Bites
Fit a disposable piping bag with a large star tip and fill it with the dough. Here’s the fun part: hold the piping bag over your hot oil and snip off 1 to 1½ inch lengths with kitchen scissors, letting them drop directly into the oil. Fry 6 to 8 bites at once, turning them gently with a slotted spoon so they cook evenly. It usually takes about 90 seconds to 2 minutes until they’re golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels to soak up excess oil.
Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Once a batch is fried and drained, toss the warm churro bites immediately in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated evenly. This is where that irresistible flavor really seals the deal. Repeat frying and coating until you use up all the dough. My tip? Don’t skip coating the bites while they’re still warm—you get the best stickiness and flavor that way!
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites Recipe
- Maintain Oil Temperature: I learned the hard way that precise oil temperature is everything—use a thermometer to avoid greasy or burnt bites.
- Work Quickly with Egg: Mixing the egg into the slightly cooled dough fast ensures a smooth texture without scrambled bits.
- Use a Star Tip for Piping: This gives the churro bites their iconic ridged texture, which helps hold the cinnamon sugar better.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying too many pieces at once lowers oil temperature and makes the bites soggy; give them enough space to crisp up nicely.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve these churro bites, I often add a light dusting of extra cinnamon sugar on top for that extra sparkle. Sometimes, I toss a little powdered sugar for a sweet contrast. If you want to get fancy, adding a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce really makes them pop!
Side Dishes
My favorite way to enjoy these is with a cup of thick hot chocolate or coffee, especially on chilly days. These bites are also fantastic alongside fresh fruit like berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream when you want a more festive dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
I once served these in pretty paper cones at a birthday party—everyone loved how whimsical it felt! You could also layer churro bites in a glass trifle bowl layered with caramel sauce and whipped cream for a fun twist. For holidays, sprinkle edible glitter or colored sugar to match the season.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house), store churro bites in a paper bag rather than a plastic container. This helps keep their crispiness. I recommend eating them within a day since they lose their crunch quite fast.
Freezing
Although churro bites are best fresh, I’ve frozen them once for convenience. After frying and cooling, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, reheat in a toaster oven to help restore crispness.
Reheating
To revive the texture of leftover churro bites, use your oven or toaster oven set at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving—they tend to get soggy and lose their charm.
FAQs
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Can I bake the churro bites instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 15 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy and golden as the fried version, but it’s a good alternative if you prefer a lighter method.
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What type of oil is best for frying churro bites?
Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil. These oils won’t impart unwanted flavors and handle the high frying temperature well.
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How do I know when the churro bites are done frying?
They should be golden brown and float to the surface of the oil. This usually takes about 90 seconds to 2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to gently turn them for even cooking.
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Can I make the dough ahead of time?
I don’t recommend making the dough too far in advance because the egg and heat can cause it to change texture. It’s best to prepare and fry in one session for optimal results.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for sharing with friends and family. They’re quick to whip up yet deliver that “wow” factor with every crispy, sugary bite. If you want a fun project with a delicious payoff, give these a try—you’ll be smiling after every single bite, just like I do when I make them. Trust me, once you master this recipe, it’ll be a go-to treat that everyone looks forward to!
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Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24–30 churro bites 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Delight in these Best Ever Churro Bites—crispy, golden mini churros coated in a cinnamon-sugar blend. Perfectly fried to a light crunch with a soft interior, these bite-sized treats are an irresistible twist on the classic churro. Ideal for serving as a fun snack or dessert, they pair beautifully with caramel sauce, dulce de leche, or hot fudge for an extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar
- Pinch salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (enough to fill skillet 1½ – 2 inches deep)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour 1½ to 2 inches of vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature until it reaches 360°F (182°C), ensuring proper frying heat.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for coating the churro bites after frying.
- Make the Dough: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter cubes, water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium-high until it reaches a rolling boil. Remove from heat and quickly stir in all the flour vigorously with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Some lumps are fine; the dough might appear slightly uneven at this stage. Let it cool down for about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Transfer the warm dough to a stand mixer bowl or large bowl if using a handheld mixer. Immediately add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat at medium-high speed for 30 seconds to combine thoroughly. This quick mixing prevents the egg from cooking due to residual heat.
- Pipe the Churro Bites into Oil: Spoon the dough into a disposable piping bag fitted with a large open star tip. Carefully pipe 1 to 1½ inch lengths directly into the hot oil. Use clean kitchen scissors to snip the dough off, allowing each chunk to fall into the oil. Fry 6-8 bites at a time to avoid overcrowding, which can reduce crispiness.
- Fry Until Golden and Crisp: Fry the bites for approximately 90 seconds to 2 minutes, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon to ensure even browning. Once golden brown and crisp, remove the churro bites and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Coat and Cool: While the next batch fries, toss the drained churro bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated evenly. Set aside on a separate plate or baking sheet to cool slightly. Repeat the frying and coating process for the remaining dough.
- Serve and Enjoy: Best enjoyed the same day for maximum crispiness. If storing, place the churro bites in a paper bag for next-day consumption, knowing they may lose some crisp texture. For an extra treat, serve with caramel sauce, dulce de leche, or hot fudge as a dip.
Notes
- These churro bites are delicious on their own but can be elevated with dips like caramel sauce, dulce de leche, or hot fudge for added richness.
- Ensure the oil temperature remains steady at 360°F to achieve that signature crisp exterior.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan; frying in batches helps maintain oil temperature and crispness.
- Consume churro bites fresh to enjoy optimal texture; storing can cause them to soften.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 churro bites (about 60g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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