Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites Recipe

If you’re craving a sweet, crispy snack that’s perfect for sharing (or sneaking a few bites on your own), you’ll absolutely fall head over heels for this Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites Recipe. I love this recipe because it’s straightforward, fun to make, and delivers that classic churro flavor in a bite-sized form. Whether you’re making them for a party, an afternoon treat, or just because, these churro bites will have everyone begging for more!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites Recipe comes down to simple ingredients that work beautifully together. Plus, I’ll share a few tips on picking quality staples that make these bites extra special.

• Unsalted butter: Cuts the richness just right and lets you control the saltiness perfectly.
• Water: Helps create that perfect dough texture when combined with butter and flour.
• Granulated sugar: Used both in the dough and coating for classic sweetness.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors without overpowering them.
• All-purpose flour: The base that gives the dough structure; use good quality for best results.
• Large egg: Adds moisture and helps bind everything together for a tender bite.
• Vanilla extract: A little hint of warmth and depth that takes these churro bites to the next level.
• Vegetable oil: For frying — choose an oil with a high smoke point to get them crispy without burning.
• Ground cinnamon: To dust and coat the churro bites, delivering that signature flavor.

Variations

I’ve played around with a couple of variations on this Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites Recipe, and I encourage you to make it your own! Whether you want to add a twist or accommodate dietary needs, there’s plenty of room to experiment here.

• Chocolate Dipped: I love dipping these warm churro bites in melted chocolate — it’s an instant upgrade and so delicious.
• Gluten-Free Version: I’ve swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend with decent success; just be sure it has xanthan gum for structure.
• Spiced Sugar Mix: Adding a tiny pinch of nutmeg or cayenne to the cinnamon sugar mix gives the bites a surprising and delightful flavor kick.
• Vegan Adaptation: You can try replacing butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flax egg, but the texture changes slightly—still tasty though!

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites Recipe

Step 1: Heat the Oil Just Right

Start by heating 1½ to 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. I always use a deep-fry or candy thermometer to keep the oil at a steady 360°F — this is key for crispy, golden churro bites without greasy spots. If you don’t have a thermometer, test with a small piece of dough; it should sizzle and float immediately.

Step 2: Make Your Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the oil heats, whisk together the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl and set aside. This will be the perfect sweet coating to toss the fried bites in as soon as they come out of the oil. You’ll love how that warm, spicy sugar sticks and melts a tiny bit on the crispy exterior.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough

In a medium saucepan, bring the butter, water, tablespoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon over low heat until the dough starts to pull away from the pan and form a soft ball. Don’t worry if the dough looks a bit lumpy or isn’t perfectly smooth — that’s normal. Remove from heat and let the dough cool for about 5 minutes so it won’t scramble the egg in the next step.

Step 4: Mix in Egg and Vanilla Quickly

Transfer the dough to a stand mixer bowl or a large bowl if you’re using a handheld mixer. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds until everything comes together into a smooth dough. I discovered working quickly here is crucial to avoid scrambling the egg — so the dough should be warm but not hot when you add the egg.

Step 5: Pipe and Fry Your Churro Bites

Fill a disposable piping bag fitted with a large open star tip with the dough. Slowly pipe 1 to 1½-inch lengths directly into the hot oil, snipping the dough with kitchen shears. I usually fry 6 to 8 bites at once, turning them gently with a slotted spoon to cook evenly until golden brown and crisp (about 90 seconds to 2 minutes). Transfer the fried bites to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Toss in Cinnamon Sugar and Serve

Immediately toss the warm churro bites in your cinnamon sugar mixture so they soak up that cozy flavor. I like to place coated bites on a plate or baking sheet while the batches finish frying. These are best enjoyed the same day for crispy perfection, though you can keep leftovers in a paper bag for a day — just know they’ll lose some crispiness.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites Recipe

Garnishes

I keep things simple with a classic dusting of cinnamon sugar, but sometimes I add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a tiny scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside for dipping. My kids especially love it that way—the hot, crunchy bites paired with cold ice cream are pure magic.

Side Dishes

These are perfect on their own as a snack or dessert, but I often serve them alongside fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas to brighten the plate and balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, I’ve arranged these churro bites in cupcake liners with little dipping cups filled with chocolate ganache, caramel, or even dulce de leche. It’s a cute, mess-free way to serve and guests can mix and match their favorite dips — everyone loves that interactive touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover churro bites in a paper bag at room temperature for up to a day. Avoid airtight containers because they trap moisture and make the bites soggy. If you want to refresh them, reheat in a hot oven or air fryer briefly to bring back some crispiness.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked churro bites successfully by letting them cool completely, then placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen bites keep well for up to a month. Just thaw and reheat in the oven or air fryer.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the bites in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes or into an air fryer for 3-4 minutes. This helps restore crispiness without drying them out. I avoid microwaving because it makes the dough chewy and less appealing.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for a quick weekend treat or whenever I need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The crispy exterior, warm cinnamon sugar coating, and simple, fresh ingredients make these bites truly comforting. Next time you want a fun project that’s delicious to boot, I promise you’ll love popping these sweet little bites into your mouth as much as I do. Give it a try, and let me know how your kitchen fills with that irresistible churro aroma!

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