Churros Poppers

Craving churros but don’t want the hassle of frying long strips of dough? These Churro Poppers are the perfect solution! These bite-sized, golden, and crispy treats are coated in cinnamon sugar and filled with delicious flavor. Whether you’re making them for a party, a fun snack, or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, these mini churros are sure to be a hit. Serve them with chocolate, caramel, or dulce de leche for an extra indulgent treat!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup water

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For Dipping (Optional):

• Chocolate sauce

• Dulce de leche

• Caramel sauce

Substitutions

• Butter – Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

• Flour – Swap for a gluten-free flour blend for a GF version.

• Sugar – Try coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper caramel taste.

• Eggs – Substitute with ¼ cup applesauce or a flax egg for an egg-free version.

How to Make Churro Poppers

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a medium saucepan, bring water, butter, sugar, and salt to a boil over medium heat.

2. Reduce heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir continuously until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 2 minutes).

3. Remove from heat and let the dough cool for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Eggs & Vanilla

4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition (a hand mixer or wooden spoon works best).

5. Stir in vanilla extract and mix until the dough is smooth and sticky.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

6. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot to 350°F (175°C).

Step 4: Fry the Churro Poppers

7. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip (or a plastic bag with a small corner cut).

8. Pipe small dollops of dough into the hot oil, using scissors to cut them as they drop into the oil.

9. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown.

10. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

11. While warm, roll the churro poppers in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

12. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Mix-Ins & Additions

• Stuffed Churro Poppers – Fill them with Nutella, CREAM CHEESE, or dulce de leche using a piping bag.

• Spiced Churros – Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the dough for extra warmth.

• Chocolate-Coated Churros – Dip them in melted chocolate for a fun twist.

Recipe Tips

• Use a piping bag – This helps create the signature churro ridges for a crispier texture.

• Maintain oil temperature – Keep the oil at 350°F for even frying and crispy churros.

• Work in batches – Fry in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:

Churro poppers are best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Freezing:

Freeze after frying but before coating in cinnamon sugar. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes, then coat with sugar.

Reheating:

Reheat in an Air Fryer or oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness.

Recipe Variations

• Air Fryer Churro Poppers – Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

• Baked Churro Poppers – Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

• Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches – Cut poppers in half and sandwich them with vanilla ice cream.

FAQs

Can I make these in advance?

Yes! Make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Fry when ready to serve.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Absolutely! While frying gives the classic crispy texture, baking is a great alternative.

What’s the best dipping sauce?

Chocolate sauce, caramel, or even strawberry jam pairs wonderfully with these bite-sized churros.

These Churro Poppers are the perfect way to enjoy the flavor of traditional churros in a fun, bite-sized treat! Try them today and watch them disappear in seconds.