Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites

There’s something irresistibly delightful about Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites. These little golden puffs are crunchy on the outside, pillowy soft on the inside, and coated in a perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar. Whether you’re craving a fun dessert for a family night or a sweet treat to impress guests, these churro bites hit the spot every time. Best of all, they’re surprisingly simple to make at home with just a handful of ingredients, no fancy equipment required!

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just one bowl and a few pantry staples, you’ll have churro bites ready in less than 30 minutes.
• Perfectly Crispy: The frying method gives these bites a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, custardy inside.
• Flavorful Cinnamon Sugar Coating: The classic cinnamon sugar mix is just the right amount of sweetness and spice.
• Versatile Snack: Serve them as a party appetizer, a dessert, or a cozy weekend treat.
• Kid-Friendly: These bites are a fun finger food that kids can help make and love eating!

Gather These Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour – The base of our dough, providing structure and softness.
• 1/2 cup water – Helps bring the dough together and create the right consistency.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter – Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough just a touch.
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – Blends into the dough for a subtle warmth.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors.
• 2 large eggs – Provide moisture and help bind the dough.
• 2 cups oil for frying – Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or vegetable oil.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating) – To coat the fried bites.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating) – Mixed with sugar for the classic churro flavor.

Setup & Equipment

• Medium saucepan: To heat water, butter, sugar, and salt.
• Mixing bowl: For combining dough ingredients and eggs.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir the dough.
• Deep frying pan or heavy-bottomed pot: For frying the churro bites.
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer: For removing bites from hot oil.
• Paper towels: To drain excess oil.
• Bowl for cinnamon sugar coating: To toss the churro bites in right after frying.

Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites — Do This Next

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to melt the butter. Once boiling, remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the all-purpose flour until the mixture forms a smooth dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan.

Step 2: Incorporate the Eggs

Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy. This step is crucial for the right texture.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour the oil into a deep frying pan or pot and heat it to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough in – it should sizzle and float to the surface quickly.

Step 4: Fry the Churro Bites

Using two teaspoons or a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, drop small dollops of dough into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the bites for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp.

Step 5: Drain and Coat

Remove the churro bites with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. While still warm, toss them in a bowl containing the cinnamon sugar coating (1/2 cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon) until evenly coated.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your cinnamon sugar churro bites warm, ideally with a side of dipping sauce such as chocolate or caramel. They’re perfect for sharing!

Make It Your Way

• Add a drizzle of homemade Copycat Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Icing for an extra indulgent touch.
• Try stuffing the bites with cream cheese or chocolate before frying for a gooey surprise inside.
• Experiment with dipping sauces like dulce de leche, chocolate ganache, or even fruit compote.
• For a fun brunch twist, serve alongside a French Toast Recipe or fresh fruit.

Don’t Do This

• Don’t skip the cinnamon in the coating — it’s what makes these churro bites iconic.
• Avoid lowering the oil temperature; too cool and the bites will soak up oil and become greasy.
• Don’t overcrowd the frying pan — maintain even oil temperature for the best crispiness.
• Refrain from adding too much sugar to the dough; the coating provides enough sweetness.

Storage & Reheat Guide

Store leftover cinnamon sugar churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy. You can also freeze the fried bites after cooling completely; reheat in the oven directly from frozen.

Ask the Chef

Can I bake the churro bites instead of frying them?

While frying gives churro bites their signature crispy exterior, baking is possible but won’t yield the same crunch. If you prefer baking, place the dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with melted butter, and bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden and puffed, about 15 minutes. Then toss in the cinnamon sugar coating immediately.

What oil is best for frying churro bites?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil. These oils won’t impart extra flavors and can handle the heat needed for frying without burning.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

It’s best to fry churro bites immediately after preparing the dough and adding eggs. The dough can thicken and become difficult to pipe if left to sit too long. However, you can prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture ahead and have oil heated when ready.

What dipping sauces pair well with these bites?

Classic options include chocolate sauce, caramel, or a simple sweetened condensed milk drizzle. For a unique twist, try fruit-based sauces like strawberry or mango coulis, or even a tangy cream cheese dip.

Try These Next

• Copycat Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Icing – Perfect for drizzling over your churro bites.
• French Toast Recipe – A comforting breakfast companion to these sweet bites.
• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread – For a cozy, sweet snack.
• Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream – Serve with churro bites for an indulgent dessert.

That’s a Wrap

Making Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites at home is a fun and rewarding experience that guarantees smiles all around. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy this classic treat any time you want. Whether you keep them simple or elevate them with your favorite sauces and add-ins, these bites never fail to satisfy that sweet tooth. So grab your frying pan, heat that oil, and get ready for a batch of golden, cinnamon-sugar coated perfection that everyone will love.

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