Treat yourself to these delightfully crispy, cinnamon-sugar churro bites that are golden brown on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, and full of rich flavor. Perfect for snacking, parties, or as a fun treat for the family, these churro bites offer all the charm of traditional churros in a bite-sized form! Pair them with chocolate or caramel sauce for an unforgettable experience.
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- For Frying:
- 2 cups vegetable oil (or more if needed)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Stir occasionally until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a simmer.
- Once simmering, add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Continue stirring for another minute to cook off any excess moisture.
- Remove the pan from heat and let the dough cool for about 5 minutes.
- Add Eggs:
- After the dough has cooled slightly, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. The dough should be smooth and shiny.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until well mixed. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
- Heat Oil:
- In a large skillet or deep saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Test with a small piece of dough – it should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly.
- Fry the Churro Bites:
- Pipe 1-inch pieces of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting each piece with kitchen scissors. Fry in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry each batch for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove the churro bites and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
- In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for coating.
- While the churro bites are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are evenly coated.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve warm with dipping sauces like melted chocolate or caramel for an extra treat. Enjoy your crispy, cinnamon-sugar churro bites!