Baked churro bites are sweet little treats that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Coated in cinnamon sugar, they’re perfect for a snack or dessert!
These bite-sized goodies melt in your mouth! I love dipping them in chocolate sauce, but honestly, they’re so good, you might not even need it! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter offers the best flavor balance in this recipe. However, you can substitute it with margarine or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
All-purpose flour: This is essential for texture. If you need a gluten-free version, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead.
Granulated sugar: For sweetness, stick with granulated sugar. For healthier options, consider coconut sugar or a sugar substitute in equal amounts.
Eggs: Eggs help provide structure. If you want a vegan option, try using flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg) for each egg.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and flavor. You can mix in a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a twist if you enjoy those flavors.
How Do You Get Churro Bites to Puff Up Just Right?
The key to puffy churro bites is the right dough consistency. After boiling your butter and water, make sure to mix the flour vigorously so that there’s no raw flour left and the dough forms a cohesive ball. Cooling the dough slightly before adding eggs is crucial; this way, you won’t cook the eggs and take away their binding power.
- Stir until dough forms a ball and pulls away cleanly from the pan.
- Don’t skip the cooling step; it makes it easier to incorporate the eggs smoothly.
- Piping the shapes offers a traditional churro look and helps them bake evenly.
Follow these tips, and your churro bites will turn out perfectly fluffy every time!
How to Make Baked Churro Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup water
- 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- Cooking spray or oil, for greasing
- Optional: Chocolate sauce or caramel sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake, so in total, you can enjoy freshly baked churro bites in about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and give it a light grease with cooking spray or a little oil. This will help the churro bites come out easily.
2. Make the Dough:
In a medium saucepan, mix the water, butter, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat until the butter is completely melted. Once that’s done, reduce the heat to low and quickly add all the flour at once. Stir it vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan—this should take about 2 minutes.
3. Cool and Add Eggs:
Transfer your dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Once it’s cooled slightly, beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next one. This will help create a smooth and creamy dough. Don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor!
4. Pipe the Churro Shapes:
Now for the fun part! Spoon your dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe out bite-sized churro shapes, around 2 inches long, onto your prepared baking sheet. Don’t forget to give the tops a light spray or brush of oil; this will ensure they turn golden brown while baking.
5. Bake the Churro Bites:
Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up. You want to keep an eye on them to avoid burning, as oven temperatures may vary.
6. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
While your churro bites are baking away, mix 1/4 cup of sugar with the ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Once the churro bites are done, take them out of the oven and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while they are still warm. This will help the sugar stick beautifully!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your churro bites are ready to be devoured! Serve them warm, and for an extra treat, add a side of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce for dipping. Enjoy every crispy, sweet bite!
There’s nothing quite like the delight of fresh churro bites right out of the oven—happy baking!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour gives the best texture, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute. Just make sure it’s one that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour!
What Should I Do if My Dough is Too Runny?
If your dough seems too runny, it might be helpful to add a bit more flour, about 1-2 tablespoons at a time, until you achieve a thicker consistency. Remember, the dough should be thick enough to hold its shape when piped out.
How Do I Store Leftover Churro Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week! Just reheat in the oven to restore their crispy texture.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time! Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just let it come to room temperature for 20 minutes before piping and baking.
