Baked churro bites are tiny, soft treats that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They’re rolled in cinnamon sugar for that perfect sweet kick!
Who can resist a bite-sized churro? I love serving them warm with a side of chocolate dip—it’s like a party in your mouth! 🍫 Let’s just say, I make twice as many to avoid sharing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is crucial for the structure of the churro bites. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, you can substitute it with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. It often works well, but check the packaging for specific ratios.
Unsalted Butter: Use unsalted for better control over the salt levels in your recipe. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a dairy-free butter spread can be excellent substitutes!
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works for both the dough and coating. For a different spin, try using brown sugar in the coating for a deeper flavor, or even coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
Vanilla Extract: This adds warmth and depth of flavor. If you’re out of vanilla, you could try almond extract—just use a smaller amount as it’s quite potent.
Chocolate Dipping Sauce: The heavy cream and semi-sweet chocolate combo creates a rich sauce. You can use dark chocolate for a richer flavor or even almond milk for a lighter version.
How Do I Get the Perfect Churro Bites?
Getting the right texture in churro bites can be tricky, but here’s how to nail it!
- Choux Pastry Prep: When you heat the butter and water, make sure it’s at a rolling boil before adding the flour—this helps create the right consistency.
- Incorporating Eggs: After you add the flour and cool the mixture, add the eggs one at a time while mixing. This is key to achieving that perfect light and airy texture in your bites.
- Piping Tips: Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip for those lovely ridges. If you don’t have one, a ziplock bag with a cut corner will work fine.
- Baking: Keep an eye on them while baking. They should be golden brown and puffed up, but ovens can vary, so adjust the time if needed.
- Coating Immediately: Roll the churro bites in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm. This helps the sugar adhere better and gives that extra sweetness!
These tips should help you achieve delicious baked churro bites. Happy baking!
Baked Churro Bites Recipe
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)
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing the baking sheet
- Optional: Chocolate Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This baking project will take around 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll spend about 10 minutes on prep, around 15 minutes for baking, and the rest cooling and coating your churro bites. If you’re making the chocolate sauce, allow an extra 5 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Surface:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating up, grab a mini muffin tin or a baking sheet and grease it with cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Dough:
In a medium saucepan, add the water, unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and salt. Place it over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally until the butter melts completely.
3. Add the Flour:
Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat. Immediately stir in the flour all at once using a wooden spoon. Mix vigorously until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan—this should only take a couple of minutes.
4. Incorporate the Eggs:
Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. After it’s slightly cooler, transfer it to a mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat in the eggs one by one, mixing until fully incorporated before adding the next. Finish by mixing in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
5. Shape the Churro Bites:
Now, spoon the prepared dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe small bite-sized pieces (about 1-1.5 inches long) onto your greased baking surface, keeping some space between each piece for expansion while baking.
6. Bake the Churro Bites:
Place the baking sheet or muffin tin in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the churro bites are puffed up and have a lovely golden brown color.
7. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
As soon as they’re out of the oven, mix the 1/2 cup of sugar with the tablespoon of cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Roll each churro bite in the cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm to coat them well.
8. Prepare the Chocolate Dipping Sauce (Optional):
If you want to make the chocolate dip, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it’s just about to simmer. Take it off the heat and stir in the chopped chocolate until it’s smooth and melted—this should only take a minute!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your baked churro bites warm, with the rich chocolate dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy your delicious treat!
Indulge in these fluffy, crispy churro bites rolled in sweet cinnamon sugar, and don’t forget the chocolate dip for that extra sweetness!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly, making it a bit denser. Consider using a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for a balanced approach.
How Can I Store Leftover Churro Bites?
Store any leftover churro bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to crisp them up again.
Can I Freeze the Churro Bites?
Absolutely! Once cooled, freeze the churro bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven for a quick treat!
What’s a Good Dip Besides Chocolate?
If you want to try something different, caramel sauce or dulce de leche works beautifully with churro bites. You could also enjoy them plain with just the cinnamon sugar coating!
