Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites

$- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup water - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - Oil for frying - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon Gathering the right ingredients is key to making perfect churro bites. The essential ingredients include all-purpose flour, which gives the churros their structure. Granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness. Baking powder helps them puff up nicely. A little salt balances the flavors. Next, you need additional ingredients like water, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract for flavor. The butter adds richness, while the vanilla gives a warm taste. Ground cinnamon is a must; it adds that classic churro flavor. Finally, have oil ready for frying. The oil must be hot for crispy bites. Don’t forget the coating! You will need more granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture is what gives churro bites that sweet, spicy finish. Each bite will be a delightful treat! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat until the butter melts completely. This will create a rich base for your dough. 2. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of dry ingredients. 3. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Stir continuously until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan. The dough should be thick and smooth. 1. Remove the dough from the heat and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. This makes it easier to handle. 2. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. If you don’t have one, use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. 3. In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat oil over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for frying. 4. Carefully pipe small, bite-sized pieces of dough into the hot oil. Cut them with scissors into 1-inch lengths. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. 5. Fry until golden brown and crispy, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. 1. Using a slotted spoon, remove the churro bites and drain them on paper towels. This absorbs excess oil, keeping them light. 2. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating. 3. While the churro bites are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. This adds a sweet and spicy crunch. 4. Serve warm and enjoy your delightful bite-sized churros! Consider pairing them with chocolate sauce for dipping or a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat. - Overheating the oil: Keep the oil at about 350°F (175°C). If it's too hot, the churros burn outside but stay raw inside. Use a thermometer for accuracy. - Under-mixing the dough: Mix until the dough pulls away from the pan. If it’s too crumbly, your churros won’t hold shape when frying. - Ideal dough consistency: The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky. If it is too dry, add a tiny bit of water. If too wet, sprinkle in a bit of flour. - Frying tips for crispiness: Fry in small batches. This keeps the temperature steady and ensures even cooking. Flip them halfway for a golden brown finish on all sides. - Adding extra spices: Consider mixing in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a warm twist. A dash of cocoa powder can give a chocolatey note, too. - Serving suggestions: Pair churro bites with chocolate sauce or caramel for dipping. A scoop of ice cream on the side elevates this snack to dessert status. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh butter and high-quality vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of your churro bites. Monitor Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature; too hot will burn the churros, while too cool will make them greasy. Roll in Cinnamon Sugar While Warm: Coat the churro bites in cinnamon sugar immediately after frying while they are still warm for better adherence. Experiment with Flavors: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for a unique twist on the classic cinnamon flavor. {{image_2}} You can change up your churro bites in fun ways. One great option is chocolate churro bites. Just add cocoa powder to the dough. This makes them rich and sweet. You can also try adding nutmeg or other spices. A pinch of nutmeg gives a warm flavor. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite! These churro bites pair perfectly with dips. Try chocolate sauce or caramel for a sweet touch. You can also serve churro bites with ice cream. The warm churros and cold ice cream make a great mix. Feel free to get creative with your toppings, too! If you want a lighter version, try baking instead of frying. This way, you cut down on oil and calories. You can also use alternative sweeteners. Think about using honey or agave syrup for a sweet taste. These options can make your churro bites a bit healthier while still being tasty! To keep your churro bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from getting soggy. If you have leftovers, they can last about 1-2 days at room temperature. For longer freshness, consider refrigeration. Churro bites can stay good in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat churro bites, use an oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the churro bites on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy. If using an air fryer, set it to 350°F and heat for about 3-5 minutes. This method keeps them crunchy and tasty. You can freeze churro bites for later enjoyment. To freeze, first let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. For thawing, place them in the fridge overnight or reheat them directly from frozen. Cinnamon sugar churro bites stay fresh for about two days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid the fridge, as it can make them soggy. For the best taste, enjoy them fresh. Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Prepare the dough and place it in a sealed bag. Keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, let it warm up slightly before piping. Churro bites pair well with many dips. Consider chocolate sauce or caramel for dipping. You can also serve them with whipped cream or ice cream. These options add a delicious twist to your snack time. Churro bites are fun and easy to make with simple ingredients. You learned about the dough, frying tips, and how to coat them. Remember to avoid common mistakes for the perfect texture. You can also try flavor variations and healthier methods. Store your churro bites properly for fresh treats later. Enjoy pairing them with dips or desserts. Now it’s your turn to make these delicious bites and share them with friends!$

Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites

Delightful bite-sized churros coated in cinnamon sugar.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
0.5 teaspoon baking powder
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.25 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
as needed oil for frying

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat until the butter melts completely.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring continuously until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Remove the dough from the heat and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a star tip (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off).
In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat oil over medium-high heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
Carefully pipe small bite-sized pieces of dough into the hot oil, cutting them with scissors into 1-inch lengths. Fry in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the churro bites and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the coating. While the churro bites are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Serve warm and enjoy your delightful bite-sized churros!

Notes

Serve warm for the best taste.

Keyword churros, dessert, snack