Easy Churro Bites
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If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s quick to make and guaranteed to be a hit, these Easy Churro Bites are just the ticket! With crispy golden outsides, soft and fluffy centers, and a generous coating of cinnamon sugar, this recipe brings all the fun of a carnival churro right to your kitchen—no fancy equipment or deep fryer required. Perfect for parties, after-school snacks, or whenever you need a little pick-me-up!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Effortless: Just 15 minutes from start to finish.
- No Special Tools: No piping bags or deep fryers needed.
- Perfect for Sharing: Bite-sized and poppable, ideal for feeding a crowd.
- Customizable: Add your favorite sauces, fillings, or spices.
- Just Like the Fair: All the classic churro flavor, made easy at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frying & Coating:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
See the recipe card below for exact amounts!
How to Make Easy Churro Bites
1. Make the Dough
In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce heat to low, add flour all at once, and stir until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Let the dough cool for 5–10 minutes (this keeps the eggs from scrambling).
2. Add the Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The dough will be thick and sticky—this is exactly what you want!
3. Heat the Oil
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot. Heat to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop in a small piece of dough—it should sizzle and float to the top.
4. Form the Bites
Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and puffed, about 3–4 minutes per batch.
5. Drain & Toss
Remove churro bites with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. While still warm, roll them in cinnamon sugar until well coated.
Tips for the Perfect Churro Bites
- Cool the Dough: Letting the dough cool before adding eggs keeps it smooth.
- Consistent Size: Use a cookie scoop for even cooking.
- Oil Temperature: Keep oil at 350°F for crisp outsides and tender centers.
- Coat While Warm: Cinnamon sugar sticks best to warm churros.
Variations
- Filled Churros: Pipe caramel, Nutella, or dulce de leche into the center after frying.
- Baked Version: Pipe dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (205°C) for 20 minutes.
- Spiced Sugar: Try pumpkin spice or cardamom in the sugar mix for a fun twist.
- Chocolate Dipped: Serve with melted chocolate or ganache for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Keep cooled churro bites in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving—they’ll get soggy.
- Freezing: Freeze before coating in sugar. Reheat in oven, then toss with cinnamon sugar while warm.
Recipe FAQs
What are churro bites?
They’re mini fried dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar, inspired by traditional churros.
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes! Prepare and refrigerate up to 1 day ahead. Bring to room temp before frying.
Do I need a piping bag?
Nope! A cookie scoop or spoon works great for this recipe.
Why is my dough so thick?
That’s normal—it needs to be thick to hold its shape while frying.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, though they’ll be a bit less crispy. Bake at 400°F (205°C) for about 20 minutes.
What oil should I use?
Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
How do I prevent greasy churros?
Make sure your oil is hot enough—350°F is ideal.
Can I use an air fryer?
Yes! Pipe small mounds onto parchment, freeze until firm, then air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes.
How do I keep them warm for serving?
Place on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven until ready to serve.
Are churro bites gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Final Thoughts
Easy Churro Bites are everything you love about classic churros—crisp, sweet, and cinnamon-kissed—shrunk down into fun, poppable pieces. With just a few simple ingredients and a super short cook time, these homemade treats are perfect for any occasion. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, or enjoy them straight from the bowl—either way, they’re sure to disappear fast!
