These delicious baked churro bites are everything I want in a sweet treat—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and tossed in a cinnamon-sugar coating that hits the spot every time. Best of all, they’re baked instead of fried, which means I get to enjoy that classic churro flavor without the mess or extra oil. I love making a batch for family gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or just because I’m craving something warm and sugary.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked, Not Fried
I skip the deep fryer but still get that golden crunch, making these bites lighter and easier to prepare.
Quick and Simple
The ingredients are pantry staples I usually have on hand, and the process is easy enough to whip up on a whim.
Great for Sharing
The bite-sized shape makes them perfect for serving at parties or gatherings—and everyone always wants seconds.
Kid-Friendly Fun
Rolling the warm bites in cinnamon sugar is one of those kitchen moments that little hands love to help with.
Versatile and Customizable
I’ve tried everything from cocoa-sugar coatings to serving with chocolate sauce—and it’s hard to go wrong.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Butter
- Water
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
Directions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a saucepan, I bring water, butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt to a simmer. Once the butter is fully melted, I stir in the flour until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides. I let it cool slightly before moving on.
Step 2: Add the Eggs
Once the dough is warm (not hot), I beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly between each addition until the batter is smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Pipe the Churro Bites
Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, I pipe 1-inch long pieces onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. I make sure to leave space between them so they puff up properly.
Step 4: Bake
I bake the bites at 375°F (190°C) for about 20–25 minutes or until they’re puffed and golden brown.
Step 5: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While they’re still warm, I toss the churro bites in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar until they’re perfectly coated.
Servings and Timing
Servings: About 30 bite-sized churros
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Cocoa Coating: I mix 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the cinnamon sugar for a chocolatey twist.
- Almond Spice: A few drops of almond extract instead of vanilla gives a warm, nutty flavor.
- Coconut Sugar: For a different kind of sweetness, I use coconut sugar in place of granulated sugar.
- Mini Filled Bites: I pipe a small amount of dulce de leche into the center using a piping bag with a narrow tip.
Storage/Reheating
Room Temperature: I store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To re-crisp, I place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.
Freezer-Friendly: These freeze well! I let them cool completely, freeze in a single layer, and reheat directly from frozen.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. I prepare the dough a few hours in advance and keep it covered at room temperature. For longer storage, I refrigerate it and let it come to room temperature before piping.
Why didn’t my churro bites puff up?
Most likely, the oven wasn’t hot enough or the dough was piped too thick. Make sure to preheat to 375°F and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Do I have to use a piping bag?
A piping bag gives them their signature shape, but if I don’t have one, I scoop the dough with a small spoon. The texture’s still great, even if they don’t look like traditional churros.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can be used, but I’ve found the texture can be a bit more delicate. Still tasty, though!
What dips pair well with churro bites?
I love serving them with chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, dulce de leche, or even a simple vanilla glaze.
Conclusion
These baked churro bites are everything I want in a dessert—easy, fun, and absolutely addictive. I love that I don’t need a fryer or complicated tools to pull them off. Whether I’m baking for a crowd or just indulging on a cozy night in, this recipe always hits the mark. Once I made these the first time, I knew I’d be baking them on repeat.
PrintDelicious Baked Churro Bites
These Delicious Baked Churro Bites are crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and tossed in cinnamon sugar for the perfect sweet treat. Baked instead of fried, they’re easy, mess-free, and a hit for any occasion—from parties to cozy nights in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 30 churro bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Spanish-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- For Coating:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a simmer until butter melts.
- Stir in flour and mix until a smooth dough forms and pulls from sides. Cool slightly.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla until batter is smooth and glossy.
- Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe 1-inch bites onto prepared sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and puffed.
- In a bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Toss warm churro bites in mixture to coat thoroughly.
Notes
- Use cocoa powder in the coating for a chocolate twist.
- Try almond extract in place of vanilla for a nutty flavor.
- Replace sugar with coconut sugar for a different sweetness profile.
- Fill cooled churros with dulce de leche using a narrow piping tip.
- Reheat in the oven to re-crisp or freeze for later enjoyment.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 bites
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg