Introduction

Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites are a delightful treat that capture the classic flavors of churros in a fun, bite-sized form. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these sweet snacks are perfect for sharing or enjoying any time you crave a cinnamon-sugar indulgence.

A stack of five churros coated with sugar and cinnamon sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface, with two churros on top broken open, revealing a creamy, light yellow filling inside. The churros have a golden brown, crispy texture with ridged edges dusted with sugar crystals, creating a sparkly effect. The image shows the churros arranged closely, with the broken ones positioned on the top center to highlight the filling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup water
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cups vegetable oil

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and butter are fully dissolved.
Step 2: Reduce heat to low and add the all-purpose flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the pan, about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Remove the pan from heat and let the dough cool for 5 minutes to prevent the eggs from cooking prematurely.
Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Continue until the dough is smooth, glossy, and well combined.
Step 5: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
Step 6: Heat vegetable oil in a deep saucepan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Step 7: Pipe 1-inch sections of dough directly into the hot oil, using scissors to cut the dough strands. Fry 6-8 bites at a time, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 8: Remove churro bites with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 9: In a shallow bowl, mix 1/2 cup sugar with the ground cinnamon. Toss the warm churro bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Step 10: Serve immediately while warm and crispy for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For an extra touch, serve churro bites with a side of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping.
You can substitute vegetable oil with canola or peanut oil for frying, just ensure it has a high smoke point.
If you don’t have a star tip, a large round tip can be used, but you may lose some traditional churro ridges.
To make them gluten-free, try using a gluten-free flour blend, but check for any adjustments needed in dough consistency.

Storage

Store leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to keep them crisp. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp them up again.

How to Serve

The image shows a stack of five churros on a white plate, with one churro cut in half resting on top to reveal a creamy white filling inside. Each churro has a ridged, golden-brown outer layer coated with granules of sugar and cinnamon, giving a textured and sugary look. The churros are crispy on the outside with a slightly glossy finish from the sugar, and the filling looks smooth and soft, contrasting with the crunchy exterior. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake churro bites instead of frying?

While traditional churros are fried for their signature crispiness, you can bake the bites at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden, though the texture will be slightly different and less crispy.

What if I don’t have a piping bag?

You can spoon the dough into a sturdy plastic bag, cut off a corner, and use it to pipe the dough. Alternatively, a zip-top bag with a small hole cut in a corner works well too.