Baked Churro Bites: Crispy Cinnamon-Sugar Bliss Recipe

Introduction

Baked churro bites offer a delightful twist on the classic fried treat, delivering crispy cinnamon-sugar bliss without the extra oil. These bite-sized pastries are easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (or plain flour if you’re in the UK or Australia)
• 1 cup Water (hydrates the dough)
• 1/2 cup Butter (or margarine for a dairy-free variation)
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (white sugar is a great replacement if needed)
• 2 large Eggs (mix in slowly after the dough cools)
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt (enhances flavor)
• 1/2 cup Cinnamon Sugar Mix (equal parts cinnamon and sugar, adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• Vegetable oil spray (for misting)
• Melted butter (for brushing after baking)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, butter, brown sugar, and salt. Stir gently until the mixture begins to simmer and the butter is fully melted.
2. Step 2: Add the all-purpose flour all at once to the boiling mixture. Stir vigorously for 3 to 5 minutes until a soft, sticky dough forms and pulls away from the pan sides.
3. Step 3: Transfer the dough to a bowl and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Once cooled, stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and cohesive.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Step 6: Fill a piping bag with the dough and pipe 3-4 inch ropes onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each.
7. Step 7: Lightly spray the dough ropes with vegetable oil and mist with a small amount of water to help them crisp up.
8. Step 8: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the churro bites are puffed and golden brown.
9. Step 9: Turn off the oven and leave the churro bites inside with the door slightly ajar for 10 minutes to help them set.
10. Step 10: Remove from the oven, brush with melted butter, and toss them in the cinnamon sugar mix until well coated.

Tips & Variations

• For dairy-free churro bites, substitute margarine for the butter and use a plant-based milk in place of water if desired.
• Adjust the cinnamon sugar ratio to suit your taste—more cinnamon for a stronger spice, or less for a sweeter finish.
• If you don’t have a piping bag, use a resealable plastic bag with a small corner cut off to pipe the dough.

Storage

Store leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to retain their crispness. Reheat by placing them in a warm oven (about 325°F or 160°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to restore their crunch. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze baked churro bites?

Yes, you can freeze baked churro bites in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat them in the oven directly from frozen to maintain their crisp texture.

Why are my churro bites not puffing up?

Make sure you stir the flour vigorously into the boiling mixture to properly cook the dough. Also, ensure you add the eggs one at a time and mix well. Baking at the correct temperature (425°F/220°C) is essential for proper puffing and browning.

Baked Churro Bites: Crispy Cinnamon-Sugar Bliss Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 114 reviews

These Baked Churro Bites are a delightful twist on the classic churro, offering a crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior coated in cinnamon sugar. Perfectly baked instead of fried, they provide a deliciously light and easier way to enjoy this popular Spanish treat in small, bite-sized pieces.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Spanish

Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients

• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (or plain flour)
• 1 cup Water
• 1/2 cup Butter (or margarine for dairy-free)
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (or white sugar as substitute)
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Topping

• 1/2 cup Cinnamon Sugar Mix (equal parts cinnamon and sugar, adjust to taste)
• Melted Butter (for brushing)
• Vegetable Oil Spray
• Water (for misting)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough Base: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, butter, brown sugar, and salt. Stir gently until the mixture simmers and the butter is fully melted.
2. Incorporate Flour: Add the all-purpose flour to the boiling mixture all at once. Stir vigorously for 3-5 minutes until a soft, sticky dough forms and leaves the sides of the pan clean.
3. Cool the Dough: Transfer the dough to a bowl and let it cool for about 10 minutes to prevent the eggs from cooking when added.
4. Add Vanilla and Eggs: Stir in the vanilla extract into the cooled dough. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until smooth and glossy.
5. Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
6. Pipe the Churro Bites: Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, pipe 3-4 inch ropes of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly.
7. Prepare for Baking: Lightly spray the tops of the dough ropes with vegetable oil and mist them with a small amount of water to encourage crispiness.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the churro bites are puffed and golden brown.
9. Rest and Toss in Cinnamon Sugar: Turn off the oven and leave the churro bites inside for 10 minutes with the door ajar to let them dry out slightly. Then, brush them with melted butter and toss in the cinnamon sugar mix until evenly coated.

Notes

• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with margarine or a plant-based butter alternative.
• If you don’t have brown sugar, granulated white sugar can be used instead with a slight adjustment to flavor.
• Use a star-shaped piping tip for the classic churro ridges and texture.
• Make sure the dough is cooled enough before adding eggs to prevent scrambling.
• Allowing the churro bites to rest in the warm oven helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.

Keywords: Baked Churros, Churro Bites, Cinnamon Sugar Snack, Spanish Dessert, Crispy Churros, Easy Churro Recipe