Best Ever Churro Bites Recipe
Delightfully crispy and golden, these Best Ever Churro Bites are bite-sized treats coated in a classic cinnamon-sugar blend. Perfect for snacking or dessert, they combine a soft, pillowy interior with a crunchy exterior, fried to perfection and bursting with vanilla-flavored dough goodness.
- Author: Naya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 30 churro bites 1x
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dough Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 cup water
- 1 Tbsp granulated white sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (1½ – 2 inches deep for frying)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
- 1–2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour 1½ to 2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 360°F using a candy or deep-fat thermometer to monitor the temperature carefully.
- Prepare the Coating: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1-2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Set aside this cinnamon-sugar mixture for coating the churro bites after frying.
- Make the Dough: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the cubed butter, water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and a pinch of salt. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon over low heat until a soft dough forms. It’s normal if the dough appears a bit lumpy and some flour isn’t fully incorporated. Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Transfer the dough to the bowl of a stand mixer, or a large bowl if using a handheld mixer. Quickly add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed for 30 seconds to combine thoroughly. This quick action prevents the hot dough from scrambling the egg. Spoon the dough into a disposable piping bag fitted with a large open star tip.
- Pipe and Fry: Carefully pipe the dough into the hot oil, clipping off 1 to 1½ inch pieces with kitchen scissors to drop the churro bites into the oil. Fry 6-8 at a time, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon for 90 seconds to 2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Coat: Use a slotted spoon to remove the churro bites from the oil, placing them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While the next batch fries, toss the cooked churro bites in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated. Arrange on a cool plate or baking sheet.
- Repeat and Serve: Continue frying and coating remaining dough until all churro bites are cooked. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor. For storage, place churro bites in a paper bag to keep them crisp for up to one day, although they are best fresh.
Notes
- Be sure the oil temperature stays steady around 360°F to ensure crispy, evenly cooked churro bites.
- Work quickly when adding the egg to the dough to avoid scrambling.
- Use a disposable piping bag fitted with a large open star tip for the classic churro ridges.
- Store leftover churro bites in a paper bag to maintain crispness but consume within a day for best results.
- Adjust cinnamon quantity in the coating according to your taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 churro bites
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: churro bites, cinnamon sugar churros, Mexican dessert, fried dough balls, snack recipe