Baked churro bites are tiny, sweet treats that are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They’re rolled in cinnamon sugar for that classic churro flavor!
Making these little bites is so fun and easy! I love serving them warm with a side of chocolate sauce for dipping—it’s hard to eat just one (or two)! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Water: The base of the dough, water combines with the flour to create a nice texture. You can use milk for a richer flavor, but water works perfectly!
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for the churro texture. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
Sugar: You’ll need sugar for both the dough and the coating. Feel free to use coconut sugar or Stevia if you want lower-calorie alternatives.
Cinnamon: This adds a deliciously warm flavor. If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, consider using a mix of nutmeg and allspice as a substitution.
Chocolate: Semisweet chocolate is classic, but you could use milk chocolate or dark chocolate depending on your taste. For a dairy-free option, try a dairy-free chocolate or carob chips.
How Do You Create Perfectly Cooked Churro Bites?
Getting the perfect churro bite texture takes a few simple steps. Start by ensuring your dough is not too dry or too wet; it should be smooth and a bit sticky. The pipe works best with a large star tip for that classic churro shape.
- Make sure to space out the churro strips on the baking sheet; they will puff up as they bake!
- Watch them closely in the oven. Once they turn golden brown (12-15 mins), remove them to avoid burning.
- When you roll the bites in cinnamon sugar, do so while they are still warm for better coating. It sticks nicely that way!
How to Make Baked Churro Bites
Ingredients
For the Churro Bites:
- 1 cup water
- 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 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 oil for greasing the baking sheet
For the Chocolate Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation time and an additional 12-15 minutes to bake. Including time for the chocolate dipping sauce, you can expect the whole process to be done in about 40 minutes—perfect for a quick and delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper, and give it a light spray of cooking spray or a brush of oil to prevent sticking. This will help your churro bites bake evenly!
2. Make the Dough:
In a medium saucepan, add the water, 2 1/2 tablespoons of sugar, salt, and vegetable oil. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts to bubble, remove it from the heat and stir in the flour quickly. Mix until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This step is key for the right texture!
3. Cool and Mix the Ingredients:
Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer it to a mixing bowl. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky.
4. Pipe the Dough:
Fit a piping bag with a large star tip and fill it with your churro dough. On the prepared baking sheet, pipe out 2-inch long strips of dough, making sure to leave some space between each one to allow for puffing while baking.
5. Bake the Churro Bites:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the churro bites for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them to catch them at their peak golden color!
6. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar:
While those churros are baking, mix together the 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This will coat your churro bites with that irresistible sweetness.
7. Coat and Serve:
Once the churro bites are out of the oven, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they are still warm to ensure even coating. They will be deliciously sugary and ready to enjoy!
8. Make the Chocolate Dipping Sauce:
For a fun twist, let’s make the chocolate dipping sauce! In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped chocolate until it’s completely melted and smooth. Add in the vanilla extract at the end for a little extra flavor!
9. Enjoy!
Serve the warm, baked churro bites alongside the rich chocolate dipping sauce. Dip, savor, and enjoy each bite of these delightful treats! They are fun to eat, great for sharing, and perfect for any sweet craving.
These baked churro bites really offer everything you love about traditional churros, but they are lighter since they’re baked instead of fried! Enjoy your sweet creations!
Can I Use Oil Instead of Butter in the Dough?
Absolutely! The vegetable oil in the recipe is intended to create a lighter dough. If you prefer, you can use melted butter for richer flavor, but the results will remain delicious either way!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Just reheat in the microwave or oven before serving to regain some of their original texture!
Can I Make These in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance! Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before piping and baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature before continuing with the baking process for best results.
Can I Freeze Baked Churro Bites?
Yes! Once they’ve cooled, you can freeze the churro bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container. They should keep well for up to a month. Reheat straight from the freezer in a warm oven for about 10-15 minutes!