Step 1: Make the Dough
- Heat the Liquid: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to melt the butter completely.
- Add the Flour: Once the mixture boils, reduce the heat to low and add 1 cup of all-purpose flour all at once. Stir quickly using a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Cool the Dough: Remove the dough from the heat and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. This prevents the egg from scrambling when added.
Step 2: Incorporate Egg and Flavor
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Once the dough has cooled slightly, add 1 large egg and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. Stir vigorously until the egg is fully incorporated, and the dough becomes smooth and slightly sticky.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- Mix the Coating: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 tsp ground cinnamon. Set aside for coating the churro bites after frying.
Step 4: Fry the Churro Bites
- Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Pipe the Dough: Transfer the churro dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (if you have one). If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a zip-top bag with a corner cut off.
- Pipe and Cut: Pipe bite-sized pieces of dough (about 1 inch long) into the hot oil, using kitchen scissors or a knife to cut each piece as it drops into the oil.
- Fry Until Golden: Fry the churro bites in batches, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides. This should take about 2-3 minutes per batch.
- Drain the Bites: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried churro bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar
- Toss in Cinnamon-Sugar: While the churro bites are still warm, toss them in the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are evenly coated.
Serving Suggestions
- Dipping Sauces: Serve your churro bites with a side of melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or Nutella for extra indulgence.
- On-the-Go Treat: These churro bites make a great snack to bring to parties or gatherings, and they’re portable for a quick sweet treat.
- Ice Cream Topping: Use them as a topping for vanilla ice cream to add a crispy, sweet texture to your dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With no fancy equipment or long prep times, you can whip these churro bites up in less than 30 minutes.
- Bite-Sized Goodness: The small, poppable size makes these perfect for snacking and sharing.
- Irresistible Flavor: The crispy exterior, soft interior, and sweet cinnamon-sugar coating make these churro bites impossible to resist.
Pro Tips
- Frying Temperature: Be sure to maintain the oil at 350°F. If the oil is too hot, the churro bites will brown too quickly and remain undercooked inside. If the oil is too cool, they will absorb more oil and become greasy.
- Extra Crispiness: If you like your churro bites extra crispy, fry them a little longer until they achieve a deep golden brown color.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 1 day. Bring it back to room temperature before frying.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Churro Bites are a delightful way to satisfy your cravings for something sweet, crispy, and cinnamon-sugary. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a fun treat, or simply in the mood for a quick dessert, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Just one bite, and you’ll be transported to a fairground, enjoying fresh churros with every bite!