These baked churro bites are mini treats rolled in cinnamon and sugar, giving you all the tasty joy of churros without the frying fuss. They’re soft, sweet, and oh-so-dippable!
Who doesn’t love a treat that’s a bit crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside? I like to serve them warm with chocolate sauce for dipping—it’s a real crowd-pleaser! 🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Water: The warm water should be about 110°F to help activate the ingredients. If you don’t have a thermometer, warm it until it feels comfortably warm to the touch. You could also use milk for a richer flavor!
Vegetable Oil: This adds moisture to your dough. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use melted coconut oil or even unsalted butter instead for a slight flavor twist.
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for structure. If you want a gluten-free version, consider using a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might change a bit.
Vanilla Extract: This is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or substitute with a little almond extract—just a drop since it’s stronger.
Cinnamon Sugar: Instead of plain sugar, consider adding nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor twist. You can also reduce the sugar amount if you prefer a less sweet treat!
How Do You Pipe Churro Bites Perfectly?
Piping the dough may seem tricky, but with a little practice, you can get the perfect shape! Here’s a quick guide:
- Use a large star tip for the best shape, and a sturdy piping bag for easy control.
- Hold the bag straight up and squeeze gently, moving your hand to create even strips.
- Don’t worry if some are not perfect; they’ll taste delicious no matter what!
By the way, for even more fun, you can try other shapes like spirals or rings if you’re feeling adventurous!
Baked Churro Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus more for greasing)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing the baking sheet
- Chocolate sauce or caramel sauce, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to bake, for a total of about 35 minutes. After baking, let the churro bites cool for a couple of minutes before tossing them in cinnamon sugar. That’s it—quick and easy for a delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While that heats up, lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the warm water with 2 1/2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Give it a little stir to combine everything well.
3. Create the Dough:
Now, add in the flour. Stir it into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If you’re using vanilla extract, add that in and mix until everything is well combined.
4. Pipe the Dough:
Transfer your dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (or a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off will work, too). Pipe the dough into 2-3 inch strips on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 1 inch of space between each churro bite.
5. Bake Until Golden:
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10 minutes. After that, flip the churro bites over and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until they’re golden and crisp!
6. Sugar Coating:
While your churro bites are baking, mix the 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. This will be the yummy coating they’ll get after they come out of the oven!
7. Toss and Serve:
Once your churro bites are done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool for about 2 minutes. Then, toss the warm churro bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they’re nicely coated.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your warm, crispy churro bites immediately with chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping, if you’d like. Enjoy this delightful treat!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of flour! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend should work well. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly from traditional churros.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Any leftover churro bites can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm and crispy again.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before piping and baking for the best results.
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well?
Chocolate and caramel sauces are classic choices! Additionally, you can try peanut butter, dulce de leche, or even whipped cream for a fun twist. Get creative and enjoy!
