If you have a sweet tooth and love a little fun-sized treat, this Churros Poppers Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine the classic churro flavors you adore, but in adorable bite-sized pieces that are crispy on the outside, tender and airy inside, and perfectly coated in cinnamon sugar. These delightful poppers are not just delicious, but they’re also incredibly easy to make, making them the perfect indulgence for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a comforting dessert, these churro bites deliver that warm, cinnamon-spiced goodness that feels like a little hug for your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing too fancy here; just simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create the magic of churros poppers. Each one plays a key role—from the buttery richness to the warm cinnamon coating, every bite is bursting with flavor and texture.
- 1 cup water: Essential for creating the dough’s proper consistency and moisture.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps form a smooth dough.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Balances the dough’s flavor with a touch of sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and softness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and give the dough its signature lightness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lends a subtle, comforting aroma and flavor.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Crucial for that golden, crispy exterior.
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating): Gives the churros that classic, crunchy sweetness.
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that delivers characteristic warmth and zest.
How to Make Churros Poppers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Churro Dough
Start by bringing water, butter, sugar, and salt to a boil over medium heat in a medium saucepan. This combination melts together to form the perfect base for your dough. As soon as it boils, reduce the heat and add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously. Watch closely as the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a smooth ball – this is the sign your dough is ready for the next step. Let it cool for about 5 to 10 minutes so it’s not too hot to mix with the eggs.
Step 2: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Once the dough has cooled slightly, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is where your dough transforms from thick and sticky to silky and glossy. Finish by stirring in the vanilla extract, which adds that wonderful fragrance and depth of flavor to your churro poppers.
Step 3: Heat the Oil and Fry Your Poppers
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to about 350°F, which is perfect for frying without burning the outside. Transfer your dough to a piping bag fitted with a round or star nozzle. Pipe 1-inch pieces directly into the hot oil, snipping the dough with scissors to separate each popper. Fry in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally until each piece is golden brown and perfectly crispy.
Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Once fried, remove the churros poppers with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, toss them gently in a mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon, ensuring every bite is coated with that irresistible sweet-spicy goodness. This simple step elevates your poppers into the classic treat they are known to be!
How to Serve Churros Poppers Recipe
Garnishes
To make your churro poppers even more special, consider sprinkling some powdered sugar over the top or drizzling a little melted chocolate or caramel sauce for added decadence. Fresh berries or a dusting of cocoa powder also work beautifully and add a fresh twist to these traditional bites.
Side Dishes
Serve your churros poppers alongside a small bowl of rich chocolate sauce, dulce de leche, or even warm caramel for dipping. These sauces complement the cinnamon and sugar perfectly, adding an extra layer of indulgence to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange churro poppers on a decorative platter with dipping sauces in the center so guests can help themselves. You can also skewer them on wooden sticks for a fun, easy-to-eat treat. Another fun idea is to fill small cups with sauces and place poppers upright for a visually appealing and mess-free presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s hard to stop at just a few), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Be aware that they will lose some of their original crispiness but will still taste delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked churro dough by shaping it into the poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, fry them straight from frozen, just add a minute or two to the frying time to ensure they cook through.
Reheating
To bring back their crispy magic, reheat churro poppers in a hot oven or air fryer rather than microwaving. This method refreshes their texture nicely without making them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for this Churros Poppers Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour, but keep in mind the texture may be a little different—slightly less chewy and crisp. Experiment with a blend that includes xanthan gum for the best results.
Why do my churro poppers get soggy after frying?
Often this happens when oil temperature is too low, causing the dough to absorb excess oil. Make sure your oil stays at 350°F and fry in small batches to keep the temperature consistent for that crispy exterior.
Can I bake churro poppers instead of frying?
While frying is traditional and gives the best texture, you can bake them but expect a softer, less crispy finish. Brush them lightly with butter and bake at a high temperature to get some crunch.
What’s the best way to pipe the dough if I don’t have a piping bag?
If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Just make sure the hole is the right size for 1-inch pieces and pipe directly into the hot oil carefully.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. Bring it back to room temperature and stir gently before piping to maintain the right consistency for frying.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making churros in bite-size poppers that brings joy with every crispy, cinnamon-coated mouthful. This Churros Poppers Recipe is one of those gems that feels both nostalgic and exciting, perfect for sharing or treating yourself anytime. So grab your piping bag, heat that oil, and get ready to enjoy a little delicious magic that’s bound to brighten your day!
Print
Churros Poppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 30 poppers
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Churros Poppers are bite-sized, crispy fried dough treats coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for a delightful Mexican-inspired dessert. These delicious morsels are easy to make and ideal for parties, served hot and crispy with a side of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frying and Coating
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Stir in all the flour at once and stir vigorously until the mixture forms a dough ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Cool the dough: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the dough cool for 5 to 10 minutes to avoid cooking the eggs when added.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract, stirring until the dough becomes smooth and glossy.
- Heat oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot to a depth of about 2 inches and heat it to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for frying.
- Pipe the dough: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round or star tip. Pipe 1-inch segments directly into the hot oil and cut each piece with scissors.
- Fry the poppers: Fry the churro poppers in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even golden-brown crispiness without burning.
- Drain excess oil: Use a slotted spoon to remove the poppers from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: In a shallow bowl, mix sugar with ground cinnamon. Toss the warm churro poppers in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the churros poppers hot with optional dips such as chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Notes
- Serve with chocolate sauce or caramel for dipping to enhance flavor.
- You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before frying.
- Maintain the oil temperature carefully to avoid burning or undercooking the poppers.
