Get ready for some fun with baked churro bites! These little treats are rolled in cinnamon and sugar, making them sweet and crunchy. No frying means they’re a bit healthier too!
These bites are perfect for sharing or snacking. I love dipping them in chocolate sauce—it’s like a party in my mouth! 😄 Plus, they’re super easy to whip up for a quick dessert.
Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your churro bites. If you’re gluten-free, try almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. However, the texture might vary slightly.
Unsalted Butter: While I love using unsalted butter for better control over salt levels, you can use coconut oil for a dairy-free version. It adds a unique flavor too.
Granulated Sugar: Use white sugar for a classic taste, but brown sugar can provide a deeper flavor if you prefer. You could also use a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option!
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is traditional, but feel free to mix it with nutmeg for some extra warmth. Use pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist!
What’s the Best Way to Get the Dough Smooth and Glossy?
Getting the right consistency for the dough is key to perfect churro bites. Start by boiling the water and mixing in sugar, salt, and butter, then add flour all at once. Stir vigorously! This helps cook the flour, creating a thick paste. Let it cool a bit before adding eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Add the eggs until the dough becomes smooth and shiny, which means it’s ready for piping.
- Make sure your piping bag has a star tip for those beautiful ridges that are iconic in churros.
Don’t rush this step—taking your time makes a big difference for texture and flavor!
How to Make Baked Churro Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
- Optional for dipping: chocolate sauce or caramel sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation and 15-18 minutes of baking time, plus a few minutes for cooling. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have delicious, warm churro bites ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your churro bites will bake evenly. While the oven is warming up, take a mini muffin tin and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent your churro bites from sticking.
2. Make the Dough:
In a medium saucepan, pour in the water, then add 2 tablespoons of sugar, salt, and butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. When it starts boiling, quickly remove it from heat and stir in the flour all at once. Mix vigorously until it forms a smooth ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
3. Add Flavor and Eggs:
After the dough cools for about 5 minutes, add the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. Next, transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and add the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition until the dough becomes smooth and glossy. This step is crucial for getting the right texture!
4. Pipe the Dough:
Now, take a piping bag fitted with a star tip and fill it with your churro dough. Pipe the dough into the greased mini muffin tin, filling each cup almost to the top, as the dough will puff up during baking.
5. Bake Your Churro Bites:
Pop the filled muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until your churro bites are golden brown and puffed up. You’ll love how fragrant your kitchen smells during this step!
6. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
Once baked, remove the churro bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. While they are cooling, mix 1/4 cup of sugar with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. After cooling slightly, roll or sprinkle the churro bites in the cinnamon sugar until they are well coated.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm churro bites right away with your choice of dipping sauce, like chocolate or caramel. Enjoy these delightful treats with friends or family—it’s hard to just have one!
Enjoy your crispy, cinnamon-sugar coated baked churro bites!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Yes! While all-purpose flour gives the best texture, you can try a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option. Just keep in mind that results may vary slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Mini Muffin Tins?
You can use a regular muffin tin or even pipe small amounts of dough directly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Just adjust the baking time as needed for larger or smaller sizes!
How Can I Make These Dairy-Free?
Substituting the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine works well for a dairy-free version. Just make sure the oil is in solid form for the best results.
Can I Store Leftover Churro Bites?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them and reheat in the oven to regain their crispiness!
