There’s something unmistakably nostalgic about the scent of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the air—it instantly brings back memories of county fairs, festive holidays, and cozy evenings at home. One of the treats that encapsulates that warm feeling best?
Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites. These miniature bites of joy combine a golden, crispy exterior with a light, tender center, perfectly dusted in cinnamon sugar.
This recipe holds a special place in my heart. I first learned to make churros from my abuela, who would whip up a batch every time we visited her in southern Spain. Her churros were long, ridged, and piping hot—served with a side of thick hot chocolate.
But over time, I’ve created my own twist on the classic: bite-sized, easy-to-share pieces that are perfect for gatherings or a cozy dessert at home. They’re fun, festive, and come together with pantry staples in just 30 minutes.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to something sweet and satisfying, these Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites are the perfect indulgence.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites
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Quick & Easy: From mixing to frying, everything is done in about 30 minutes.
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Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything in your pantry.
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Perfect Texture: Crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside.
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Versatile Serving Ideas: Pair with chocolate ganache, caramel dip, or even fruit sauces.
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Ideal for Any Season: While cozy and comforting in winter, they’re also perfect for summer fairs and parties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this irresistible treat:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup water
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
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Oil for frying (vegetable or canola works best)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and a pinch of salt. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter melts and the mixture begins to simmer.
Next, stir in the flour and baking powder all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a thick dough forms and starts pulling away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat.
Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes before mixing in the vanilla extract. This step is essential to avoid cooking the vanilla.
2. Heat the Oil
In a deep frying pan or pot, heat oil to about 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy, as the right temperature ensures a perfectly golden crust without soaking up too much oil.
3. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the oil heats, prepare the coating. In a medium bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
4. Pipe the Churro Bites
Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (the star tip gives churros their signature ridges). Pipe 1-inch segments directly into the hot oil, cutting each piece with clean kitchen scissors.
Tip: Pipe 5–7 pieces per batch to avoid overcrowding the oil.
5. Fry Until Golden
Fry the churro bites for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Turn occasionally for even coloring. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
6. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While the churro bites are still warm, roll them generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Looking for another bite-sized treat? Don’t miss these Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites—savory, crispy, and perfect for party platters or snack time!
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites
These churro bites are fabulous on their own, but even better with a dip! Here are a few favorite pairing ideas:
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Classic Chocolate Sauce: Melt dark chocolate with a splash of cream for a smooth, decadent dip.
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Salted Caramel Sauce: Sweet and slightly salty—great for a gourmet twist.
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Berry Compote: Add a fruity contrast to the rich, fried bites.
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Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Serve on the side for dunking—just like in Spain!
Tips for Perfect Churro Bites
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Don’t skip the piping tip: It creates that crisp texture and beautiful shape.
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Use a thermometer: Keeping oil at the right temperature is key.
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Fry in small batches: Too many bites at once will lower the oil temp and result in soggy churros.
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Serve immediately: They’re best warm, with the sugar coating still crackling.
How to Store & Reheat
While churros are best fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat:
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Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp.
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Air Fryer: Reheat at 325°F (160°C) for 4–5 minutes.
Avoid microwaving, as this softens the crisp exterior.
Fun Variations to Try
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Spiced Sugar Bites: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the cinnamon sugar.
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Filled Churro Bites: Use a skewer to poke a hole and pipe in dulce de leche or Nutella.
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Vegan Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil and skip the dairy-based dips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes! Pipe churros onto a parchment-lined tray, brush with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes. They’ll be slightly less crisp but still delicious.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
The dough is best used immediately, but you can refrigerate for a few hours. Let it warm to room temperature before frying.
What oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or sunflower are ideal. Avoid olive oil as it can overpower the flavor.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a treat that’s simple yet indulgent, Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites are a must-try. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a holiday, or just craving a nostalgic snack, these bites are guaranteed to satisfy. Serve them warm with a dip, and watch them disappear in minutes.
Give this recipe a try and let me know—did you add your own twist? Maybe a unique filling or a special dip? Share your churro creations in the comments or tag your photos with #ChurroBitesLove!