These Baked Churro Bites are delightful little treats that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Tossed in cinnamon sugar, they’re simply irresistible!
Making these bites is a breeze! I love how they satisfy my sweet tooth without all the frying mess. Perfect for sharing, or maybe just keeping all to myself! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to the dough. If you’re out of butter, you can use margarine or coconut oil, which works great too.
All-Purpose Flour: Regular all-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe. If you’re gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can be a good substitute.
Granulated Sugar: For sweetness, granulated sugar is essential. If you prefer, you could use coconut sugar for a different flavor, though the color may be darker.
Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together and give the churro bites their fluffy texture. For a vegan option, you can try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg).
Cinnamon: This gives the churros that classic flavor. If you’re not a fan, you could try nutmeg or even pumpkin spice for a twist!
What is the Best Way to Pipe the Dough?
Piping the dough can seem tricky, but it really enhances the shape. Use a piping bag with a large star tip to get those ridges that mimic traditional churros. Here’s how:
- Fill the piping bag with the churro dough, being careful not to overfill it to avoid mess.
- Hold the bag vertically above the baking sheet, and apply gentle pressure while moving downwards to create 2-inch lengths.
- Release pressure at the end to create a clean tip. Remember to space them apart for even baking!
Practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if they don’t look perfect the first time. You’ll perfect your technique with each batch!
Baked Churro Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Churro Bites:
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (half a stick)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil for greasing baking sheet
Optional Chocolate Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for preparation and 15-18 minutes for baking. If you choose to make the chocolate dipping sauce, add an extra 5 minutes. Your churro bites will be ready for a tasty treat in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or brush it with a bit of oil. This helps the churro bites to not stick during baking.
2. Make the Dough:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, butter, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, quickly remove it from heat and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
3. Incorporate the Eggs:
Let your dough cool for about 5 minutes. This step is important! Then, add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition until fully blended. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract for a lovely flavor.
4. Pipe the Churro Bites:
Prepare a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and transfer the dough into it. Pipe out 2-inch bite-sized pieces onto your baking sheet, making sure to space them about an inch apart.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Place the churro bites in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until they’re puffed and golden brown. For a crunchy exterior, you can turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end, but keep a close eye on them!
6. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
While the churro bites are baking, mix the 1/2 cup of sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl. Once the churro bites are out of the oven and still warm, quickly roll them in this cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
7. Optional Chocolate Sauce:
If you’re going for the chocolate dipping sauce, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just starts to simmer. Pour it over the chocolate chips in a bowl, let it sit for a minute, and then stir until it’s smooth and glossy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious churro bites warm with the optional chocolate dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy every crispy, sweet bite!
These fresh baked churro bites are sure to delight! Enjoy your time in the kitchen, and don’t forget to share with friends and family (if you want to)!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Yes! While all-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option. Just make sure it’s suitable for baking!
How Should I Store Any Leftovers?
Store the 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 up to a week, though they might lose some crispiness. To revive them, warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Can I Freeze Baked Churro Bites?
Definitely! After baking, allow them to cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Add Other Flavors to the Dough?
Of course! You can get creative by adding chocolate chips, or even orange zest or almond extract for a fun twist. Just be mindful of not adding too much liquid, as it may alter the dough’s consistency.