Delight in these bite-sized churro poppers, crispy fried dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for a sweet snack or dessert. Served warm with optional chocolate or caramel dipping sauces, they offer a fun and flavorful twist on classic churros.
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:24 poppers
Ingredients
Churro Dough
1 cup water
½ cup unsalted butter
2 tbsp granulated sugar
¼ tsp salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
½ tsp vanilla extract
For Frying
Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying, about 4 cups)
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Dipping Sauces (Optional)
Chocolate sauce
Dulce de leche or caramel sauce
Instructions
Make the Churro Dough: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and add flour all at once, stirring continuously until the dough forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the pan sides. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract until fully incorporated and dough is thick.
Fry the Churro Poppers: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a round or star tip. Pipe small dollops into hot oil or use a spoon to drop the dough carefully. Fry in batches for about 3 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar: Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. While churro poppers are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated for a sweet, spiced crust.
Serve & Enjoy: Serve warm with optional chocolate sauce or dulce de leche/caramel for dipping to enhance sweetness and flavor.
Notes
Ensure the oil temperature remains steady at 350°F for even frying; use a thermometer if possible.
You can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
Use a star tip for piping to create classic ridged churro texture or a round tip for smooth shapes.
Store leftover churro poppers at room temperature in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to restore crispness.
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for frying.
