Name: Best Ever Churro Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
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; Vegetable oil for frying; 1/2 cup granulated white sugar; 1-2 tsps ground cinnamon

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These Best Ever Churro Bites are the ultimate indulgence! They’re bite-sized, crispy, and absolutely covered in cinnamon sugar, making them an irresistible treat. Whether you’re enjoying them as a sweet snack or for a special dessert, these churro bites are quick and easy to make, and they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re a fun twist on traditional churros, perfect for popping in your mouth and savoring every crispy bite!

Best Ever Churro Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of churros, then these bite-sized versions will quickly become your new favorite treat. These churro bites have a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, pillowy inside, making every bite a delightful combination of textures. The best part? They are coated in a heavenly cinnamon-sugar mixture that adds a sweet touch to each piece. These churro bites are easy to make, don’t require special equipment (except for a deep-frying thermometer), and can be made in less than 30 minutes. They’re the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the mess of larger churro sticks!

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
Vegetable oil for frying
1/2 cup granulated white sugar
1-2 tsps ground cinnamon

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed sauce pot, heat 1½ – 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Use a candy or deep-fat thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, bringing it to 360°F.
In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, then set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the butter, water, 1 Tbsp sugar, and pinch of salt. Bring to a boil.
Add in the flour and stir it vigorously with a wooden spoon over low heat until a soft dough forms. It’s okay if the dough is a little lumpy or if some flour hasn’t fully incorporated. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
Transfer the dough into a stand mixer bowl (or a large bowl if using a handheld mixer). Quickly add the egg and vanilla extract and beat on medium-high speed for 30 seconds to combine the dough, egg, and vanilla. Be sure to work quickly to prevent the hot dough from scrambling the egg!
Spoon the dough into a disposable piping bag fitted with a large open star tip.
Begin piping the dough into the hot oil. Using clean kitchen shears, snip off the dough every 1-1½ inches, allowing the bites to drop into the oil. Fry 6-8 churro bites at a time, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon, for about 90 seconds to 2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove the churro bites from the oil and place them on a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Continue frying the remaining churro bites in batches.
While each batch is still hot, toss the churro bites in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
Serve the churro bites immediately while they are still warm. They are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in a paper bag for the next day, though they may lose their crispiness.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: About 4-6 people (depending on serving size)

Variations

Air Fryer Churro Bites: If you prefer a healthier option, you can try air-frying the churro bites. Follow the same steps, but air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Stuffed Churro Bites: For a decadent twist, you can stuff the churro bites with chocolate chips or cream cheese filling before frying.
Dipping Sauces: Serve these churro bites with caramel sauce, hot fudge, or dulce de leche for an extra sweet treat.

Storage/Reheating

Churro bites are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in a paper bag at room temperature for up to a day. They will lose some of their crispness over time. To reheat, place them in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to crisp them up again.

FAQs

Can I make churro bites ahead of time?

These churro bites are best served fresh, but you can prep the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day. Fry them right before serving for the best texture.

How do I know when the oil is at 360°F?

A candy or deep-fat thermometer is the most accurate way to measure the oil temperature. If you don’t have one, you can test the oil by dropping a small amount of dough in—it should immediately bubble and sizzle.

Can I use butter-flavored cooking spray instead of oil?

For frying, oil is necessary to achieve the crispy texture, so it’s best not to substitute with a cooking spray.

Can I freeze churro bites?

Yes! Allow the churro bites to cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer. When you’re ready to eat them, reheat them in an air fryer or oven to restore their crispness.

What’s the best way to serve churro bites?

These churro bites are perfect as-is with cinnamon sugar, but you can also serve them with a side of caramel, chocolate, or dulce de leche for dipping.

Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Vegetable oil works best for frying churros due to its high smoke point, but you can use canola or sunflower oil as alternatives.

How long should I fry the churro bites?

Each batch should fry for about 90 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the size of your churro bites. Look for a golden-brown color and crispy texture.

What should I do if my churro bites are soggy?

Make sure your oil is at the correct temperature before frying. If the oil is too cool, the churro bites will absorb excess oil and become soggy.

How do I prevent the churro dough from being too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to pipe, you can let it cool slightly longer before adding the egg, or try chilling it for 10 minutes in the refrigerator.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double this recipe if you need to serve a larger crowd. Just be sure to fry the churro bites in batches so they cook evenly.

Conclusion

These Best Ever Churro Bites are the perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and irresistible. Easy to make, fun to eat, and sure to satisfy your cravings, they’ll become a new go-to dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or just treating yourself, these churro bites are guaranteed to be a hit!