Baked Churro Bites are a fun, easy treat that brings a taste of the fair to your home! These little bites are fluffy and coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for snacking.
They are baked, not fried, so you can enjoy them without the guilt! I love serving them warm with chocolate sauce for dipping—it makes snack time feel extra special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for the dough’s structure. If you’re gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve found it works well without compromising the taste!
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness. For a dairy-free version, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. This keeps the texture lovely!
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the dough and is also used in the cinnamon sugar coating. You can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or use a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Ground Cinnamon: The key flavor for churros! If you want a twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for extra warmth.
How Do I Get My Churro Bites to Puff Perfectly?
Puffing is all about the dough consistency and baking technique. Here’s how to get it right:
- Combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt in a saucepan and bring it to a boil to create steam, which helps the dough puff up.
- When adding the flour, stir quickly until a smooth dough forms. This will help develop the right structure.
- Allow the dough to cool slightly before adding the eggs; this prevents cooking them too quickly.
- Pipe the churro shapes onto the baking sheet with some space; they will puff up as they bake.
- Don’t open the oven door while they bake, as this can cause them to deflate.
These tips should help you achieve that perfect puffiness, resulting in deliciously fluffy churro bites every time!
How to Make Baked Churro Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
- Non-stick cooking spray or oil for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes to create these delightful churro bites, making them a quick and easy treat for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). To make it easy for the churro bites to release, lightly grease a mini muffin pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Create the Dough:
In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Place it over medium heat and bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, remove it from the heat and stir in the flour all at once. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
3. Cool and Add Eggs:
Let the dough cool down for about 5 minutes to avoid cooking the eggs. Once it’s slightly cooler, beat in the eggs one at a time. Ensure you mix well after each egg; your dough should look smooth and glossy. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Pipe the Churro Bites:
Grab a piping bag and fit it with a large star tip. Spoon the dough into the piping bag. Pipe small churro shapes, about 2 inches long, onto your prepared baking sheet or into the mini muffin pan, leaving some space in between.
5. Bake the Churro Bites:
Pop the churro bites in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. This is where the magic happens!
6. Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
While the churros are baking, mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow dish. Once the churro bites are done and still warm, roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the churro bites warm. For an extra treat, consider providing chocolate sauce or caramel for dipping. Enjoy these tasty bites with friends and family!
Happy snacking on your crispy yet tender baked churro bites!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Absolutely! If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly, but they should still turn out delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Churro Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer them warm later, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to get them crispy again!
Can I Freeze Churro Bites?
Yes, you can freeze churro bites! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven for a tasty treat later!
What Other Coatings Can I Try?
Besides traditional cinnamon sugar, you can experiment with different coatings like powdered sugar, nutmeg, or even a drizzle of icing. For a chocolate twist, consider rolling them in cocoa powder mixed with sugar!
