Description
These Best Ever Churro Bites are bite-sized versions of the classic Spanish treat, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside. Fried to a golden brown and coated in a cinnamon sugar mixture, they are perfect for snacking or dessert. Crispy, sweet, and irresistible, these easy-to-make churro bites bring all the authentic flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 cup water
- 1 Tbsp granulated white sugar
- Pinch salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying (enough to fill pan with 1½ – 2 inches deep)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
- 1-2 tsps ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour 1½ to 2 inches of vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil until it reaches 360°F.
- Prepare coating: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, then set aside for coating the fried churro bites.
- Make the dough: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine butter, water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and pinch of salt. Bring to a boil. Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon over low heat until the dough forms into a soft ball. It’s normal if dough looks slightly lumpy and not all dry flour is absorbed. Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate egg and vanilla: Transfer the dough ball to a stand mixer bowl or a large mixing bowl if using a handheld mixer. Quickly add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds until fully combined. Work fast to prevent cooking the egg.
- Pipe the dough into oil: Fit a disposable piping bag with a large open star tip and fill with the dough. Holding the bag over the hot oil, pipe out 1 to 1½ inch pieces, snipping the dough with kitchen shears and allowing it to drop directly into the hot oil. Fry in batches of 6 to 8 churro bites, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon.
- Fry until golden: Fry the churro bites for about 90 seconds to 2 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Coat and serve: While frying the next batch, toss the cooked churro bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture, then place on a separate plate or baking sheet to cool slightly. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
- Storage tip: Churros are best eaten the same day but may be stored in a paper bag and enjoyed within one day, noting that crispiness will diminish.
Notes
- You can enjoy these churro bites as is or serve them with caramel sauce, dulce de leche, or hot fudge for added indulgence.
- Ensure the oil temperature is maintained at 360°F for perfectly crispy bites.
- Work quickly when adding egg to dough to avoid scrambling.
- Use a large open star piping tip for authentic churro ridges.
- These churro bites are best served fresh but can be stored in a paper bag for a day to retain some crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 churro bites
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg