When that craving for something crunchy, golden, buttery, and coated in cinnamon sugar strikes, nothing hits the spot quite like Churro Snacks. These little bites of joy deliver all the flavors of classic churros in an irresistible snackable form, perfect for sharing or treating yourself to something sweet on a cozy afternoon. With a fluffy interior, crisp exterior, and that signature “just fried” cinnamon aroma, Churro Snacks are guaranteed to win you over at first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Churro Snacks is how the simplest pantry staples transform into pure magic. Every ingredient matters: they each play a role in building flavor, creating light texture, or giving that classic churro color.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the dough its structure and that signature hearty bite.
- Water: Creates steam in the dough, helping the snacks puff up light and tender inside.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the dough and the iconic cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Unsalted butter: Delivers richness and helps bind the dough together beautifully.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor and keeps the sweetness from being overpowering.
- Vanilla extract: Adds fragrant warmth that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- Large eggs: Work wonders for a glossy, smooth dough and those soft interiors.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): A neutral oil, perfect for getting that golden crispy shell.
- Extra granulated sugar (for coating): Turns every bite into a crunchy, sparkling treat.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses these churro snacks with classic Mexican dessert flair.
How to Make Churro Snacks
Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base
Start by adding water, 2 ½ tablespoons of sugar, butter, and salt to a medium saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium until it comes to a gentle boil—this helps the ingredients blend and ensures the butter melts completely. As soon as it starts bubbling, remove the pan from the heat and pour in your flour. Stir until a smooth ball of dough forms. Let it cool for a few minutes so that the next additions mix in easily.
Step 2: Mix in Eggs and Flavor
Now, stir in the vanilla extract for that irresistible aroma. With the dough slightly cooled, add the eggs one at a time, mixing vigorously after each addition (a wooden spoon works well, or a stand mixer if you have one). Don’t worry if it looks messy at first. Keep beating—it’ll soon come together as a glossy, thick batter perfect for piping.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet. Using a thermometer, carefully heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop in a tiny piece of dough—it should sizzle and rise to the surface right away.
Step 4: Pipe and Fry Churro Snacks
Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip (it’s classic for that authentic churro look). Gently pipe 2–3 inch strips of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting each piece with kitchen scissors. Work in batches so the oil temperature stays steady. Fry each snack until golden brown and crisp, about 2–3 minutes per side. Then, use a slotted spoon to transfer them onto a paper towel–lined plate to drain off excess oil.
Step 5: Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
Mix ½ cup of sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a shallow bowl. While the churro snacks are still warm, toss them into this magical mixture, rolling until each piece is thoroughly coated. The heat helps the coating stick and the scent… oh, just wait until you catch a whiff!
How to Serve Churro Snacks
Garnishes
If you want to dress up your Churro Snacks, try dusting with extra cinnamon sugar or a sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving. A drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce takes these treats completely over the top and is always a crowd-pleaser.
Side Dishes
Pair your churro snacks with a mug of Mexican hot chocolate, café con leche, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of creamy, cold sides with the warm, spiced crunch is irresistible and turns dessert into a true event.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Churro Snacks piled high in a parchment-lined basket, stacked on a pretty platter, or skewered onto party sticks for dipping. For entertaining, set out small bowls of chocolate, dulce de leche, or fruit sauces so everyone can dip and dunk their way to happiness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your churro snacks fresh, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They do lose some crispness over time but stay deliciously chewy on the inside.
Freezing
You can definitely freeze churro snacks! Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to 1 month—perfect for impromptu snacking.
Reheating
Refresh leftover or frozen churro snacks by popping them into a 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes, or just until warmed through and the outsides crisp up again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I bake churro snacks instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F on a lined baking sheet for about 12–15 minutes, then broil for a minute or two to get a touch of extra color. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried, but still totally delightful.
How do I make churro snacks gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a good-quality cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious, especially with that cinnamon sugar coating.
What can I use instead of a piping bag?
If you don’t have a fancy piping bag, just snip the corner off a sturdy zip-top bag. For the star effect, insert a star tip, but these taste just as heavenly even with a smooth edge.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely—just work in batches so you don’t crowd the frying pot and let the oil temperature drop. Warm the finished churro snacks on a tray in a low oven as you finish cooking the rest.
Are churro snacks suitable for kids?
They’re perfect for sharing with little ones! Just be sure to let the snacks cool enough before serving, as the sugar coating can get very hot right after frying.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Churro Snacks at home, you’re in for a real treat—crunchy, fluffy, cinnamon-sparkled little bites that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Give this recipe a try, grab a friend or two, and let the kitchen fill with the sweet scent of frying dough happiness. Enjoy every last golden piece!
Print
Churro Snacks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Churro Snacks – crispy, cinnamon-sugar coated treats that are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. These mini churros are simple to make and will surely be a hit at any gathering or as a special dessert for your family.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 2 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
For Frying and Coating:
- Vegetable oil for frying
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, 2 ½ tablespoons sugar, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then remove from heat and stir in flour until fully combined and a dough forms.
- Let the dough cool slightly, then mix in vanilla extract. Add eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously until smooth and glossy.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe 2-3 inch strips of dough into the hot oil, cutting them with scissors.
- Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a shallow bowl, mix ½ cup sugar with cinnamon. Toss warm churro snacks in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- You can use a stand mixer to incorporate the eggs more easily.
- For a chocolate dip, melt ½ cup chocolate chips with ¼ cup heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5-6 pieces
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
