These baked churro bites are little pieces of heaven! Soft on the inside and coated in cinnamon sugar on the outside, they’re the perfect treat for any sweet tooth.
Let’s be honest, who can resist the warm, sugary goodness? I like to enjoy them with a side of chocolate sauce for dipping—yum! Making them is so easy, you’ll be a baking pro in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Water: This is essential for making the dough. If you want a hint of flavor, you can use milk instead. It adds a richness that’s delightful!
Butter: Unsalted butter is the go-to choice here for controlling the saltiness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil works well and adds a light coconut flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour leads to a good texture. However, you can use gluten-free flour blends if needed—they’ll work just fine for a gluten-free treat!
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is great for both the batter and the coating. For a healthier option, try using coconut sugar or a natural sweetener in the coating, but adjust quantities as needed.
Cinnamon: This spice is what gives churros their iconic flavor. For a variation, you can add a touch of nutmeg or allspice to the mix for a unique twist.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Churro Bites?
The texture of your churro bites is key to achieving that delightful experience. Here’s how to get it just right:
- When mixing the dough, make sure to stir vigorously after adding the flour. This helps to create structure in your churros.
- Letting the dough cool slightly before adding the eggs is essential. It prevents scrambling the eggs and allows the batter to stay smooth.
- Piping the churros into the pan requires a steady hand. Don’t overfill each cup; about 2/3 full is perfect as they will puff up while baking.
- Keep an eye on them while baking. They should turn golden brown; take them out just as they are about to reach that color for the best texture.
With these tips, your churro bites will come out soft inside and perfectly crisp on the outside, making them a hit at any gathering!
Baked Churro Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing the baking sheet
- Optional for serving: Chocolate sauce or caramel sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
To make these delicious baked churro bites, you’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for baking. Altogether, you should expect to spend around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and yummy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare to Bake:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is a super important step! Then, grease a mini muffin pan or a mini churro mold tray with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Dough:
In a medium saucepan, add water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, salt, and butter. Turn the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, take the saucepan off the heat and quickly stir in all the flour at once. Keep stirring vigorously until it forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This ensures a lovely doughy texture!
3. Cool and Mix:
Transfer the dough into a mixing bowl and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This waiting time is important so the eggs don’t cook when added! After it’s cooled, add the eggs one at a time, mixing really well after each one until the batter is nice and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract for some extra flavor.
4. Pipe the Churros:
Next, spoon the dough into a piping bag that has a large star tip. This will help you get those lovely churro shapes! Pipe small churro bites into the prepared pan, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Don’t worry about them being perfect; they’ll puff up and look great!
5. Bake:
Now it’s time to bake! Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the churros are puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
6. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
While the churro bites are baking, mix the 1/2 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Once the churros are done, take them out of the oven and immediately roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are fully coated. This step makes them extra yummy!
7. Serve:
Enjoy your warm churro bites right away. They taste amazing on their own, but feel free to serve them with chocolate sauce or caramel sauce for dipping. What a treat!
These baked churro bites deliver the classic flavor of churros with a soft inside and a crisp cinnamon sugar exterior, all done in the oven for a lighter treat! Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour works best for the classic texture, you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend if you’re avoiding gluten. Just make sure to follow any specific ratios suggested for the blend you choose.
What Should I Do If My Dough Is Too Thick?
If your dough seems too thick and hard to pipe, try adding a teaspoon of water or milk at a time until you reach a smoother, more manageable consistency. Remember, the dough should be thick but still pliable!
How to Store Leftover Churro Bites?
Store any leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. To reheat, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm—and they’ll be almost as good as fresh!
Can I Freeze the Dough?
Yes, you can freeze the churro dough! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to a month. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then pipe and bake as instructed.
