There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the air, instantly transporting you to a cozy café or a bustling street fair. Churros have long been a beloved treat, known for their crispy golden exterior, fluffy interior, and irresistible coating of cinnamon and sugar. But what if you could enjoy all that deliciousness in a bite-sized form? That’s where these Churro Poppers come in!
Perfectly crisp on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, and coated in a generous layer of cinnamon sugar, these little poppers are everything you love about classic churros—only smaller and easier to eat. They make for the perfect party treat, afternoon snack, or even a fun weekend baking project. Whether you’re dipping them in chocolate sauce, caramel, or enjoying them as-is, these poppers will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bite-sized goodness: Easier to eat and serve than traditional long churros.
- Quick & simple: No need for a piping bag—just scoop and fry!
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a fun snack at home.
- Crispy and fluffy: The perfect texture combination in every bite.
- Kid-friendly: A fun treat for little hands to help make and enjoy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup water
- 2 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Oil, for frying
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
How to Make Churro Poppers
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, granulated sugar, and salt over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter melts and the mixture begins to simmer. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir quickly and continuously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
Remove the dough from the heat and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. This step is important to ensure you don’t accidentally scramble the egg when you add it!
Step 2: Incorporate the Egg and Flavoring
Once the dough has cooled slightly, add the egg, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Stir vigorously until the egg is fully incorporated and the dough becomes smooth again. This step may take a bit of effort, but keep mixing until the dough is cohesive and glossy.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a deep frying pan or heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is ready, drop in a small piece of dough—if it sizzles and rises to the top, your oil is at the right temperature.
Step 4: Fry the Churro Poppers
Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, carefully drop small portions of dough into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp on all sides.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the poppers from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
In a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating. While the churro poppers are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
These are best enjoyed fresh while still warm! Serve them on their own or with a dipping sauce like melted chocolate, caramel, or even a simple vanilla glaze.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Churro Poppers
- Cool the dough slightly before adding the egg to prevent it from cooking too early.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying—this ensures even cooking and keeps the oil at the right temperature.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil at around 350°F (175°C) for the best texture. If the oil is too hot, the poppers will burn outside while staying raw inside.
- Work quickly with the cinnamon-sugar coating while the churros are still warm so the mixture sticks better.
- Double the batch! These disappear fast, so if you’re making them for a group, consider making extra.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 20 poppers
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish, Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- If you prefer to bake instead of fry, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the dough in small mounds on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown.
- Want an extra crunch? Drizzle a bit of melted chocolate or caramel over the churro poppers for a gourmet touch.
- Leftover poppers can be reheated in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 4 poppers)
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Sugar: 10g
(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a few hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before frying.
Can I use an air fryer instead of deep frying?
Yes! While they won’t have quite the same crispy texture, you can air-fry the poppers at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Then, coat them in cinnamon sugar while warm.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover churro poppers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat them in the oven before eating.
Can I freeze churro poppers?
Yes! After frying and cooling, place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes before serving.
Related Recipes
If you loved these Churro Poppers, you’ll definitely enjoy these other sweet treats:
- Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes
-
Fluffy Japanese Cheesecake – The Dreamiest Dessert You’ll Ever Make
Conclusion
Churro Poppers are the ultimate sweet treat—crispy, golden, and coated in a delicious cinnamon-sugar blend. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family movie night, or just because you’re craving something indulgent, these poppers are sure to be a hit. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and even more delightful when paired with your favorite dipping sauce.
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Churro Poppers: Bite-Sized Cinnamon-Sugar Delights
Description
There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the air, instantly transporting you to a cozy café or a bustling street fair. Churros have long been a beloved treat, known for their crispy golden exterior, fluffy interior, and irresistible coating of cinnamon and sugar. But what if you could enjoy all that deliciousness in a bite-sized form? That’s where these Churro Poppers come in!
Perfectly crisp on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, and coated in a generous layer of cinnamon sugar, these little poppers are everything you love about classic churros—only smaller and easier to eat. They make for the perfect party treat, afternoon snack, or even a fun weekend baking project. Whether you’re dipping them in chocolate sauce, caramel, or enjoying them as-is, these poppers will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Oil, for frying
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, granulated sugar, and salt over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter melts and the mixture begins to simmer. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir quickly and continuously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
Remove the dough from the heat and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. This step is important to ensure you don’t accidentally scramble the egg when you add it!
Step 2: Incorporate the Egg and Flavoring
Once the dough has cooled slightly, add the egg, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Stir vigorously until the egg is fully incorporated and the dough becomes smooth again. This step may take a bit of effort, but keep mixing until the dough is cohesive and glossy.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a deep frying pan or heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is ready, drop in a small piece of dough—if it sizzles and rises to the top, your oil is at the right temperature.
Step 4: Fry the Churro Poppers
Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, carefully drop small portions of dough into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp on all sides.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the poppers from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
In a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating. While the churro poppers are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
These are best enjoyed fresh while still warm! Serve them on their own or with a dipping sauce like melted chocolate, caramel, or even a simple vanilla glaze.
Notes
If you prefer to bake instead of fry, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the dough in small mounds on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown.
Want an extra crunch? Drizzle a bit of melted chocolate or caramel over the churro poppers for a gourmet touch.
Leftover poppers can be reheated in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to regain their crispiness.