There’s something magical about biting into a warm churro—its crisp, cinnamon-sugar-coated exterior giving way to a soft, airy interior. But what if you could take that experience and turn it into a perfectly poppable treat? Enter Churro Poppers: a bite-sized twist on the beloved classic churro. Perfect for parties, family movie nights, or even a quick snack, these poppers pack all the flavors of traditional churros into a fun, shareable form.
In my family, churros have always been a festival favorite. Whether at carnivals or cozy street-side stalls during the holidays, churros evoke a sense of joy and indulgence. These poppers take that nostalgia and turn it into something you can make right in your own kitchen, no special equipment required. With their golden-brown exterior, a dusting of cinnamon sugar, and the option to dip them in sauces, these little treats are hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No special tools needed: Forget about needing a piping bag or star tips; these poppers are simple to shape and fry.
- Quick and easy: Ready in no time, they’re perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings.
- Customizable: Pair with chocolate, caramel, or even fruit dips for a dessert that fits any occasion.
- Kid-friendly: Little ones love helping to coat these in cinnamon sugar!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup water
- 2 ½ tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
How to Make Churro Poppers
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the dough
In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, salt, and butter. Heat over medium until the butter melts and the mixture begins to boil. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball of dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
2. Let it cool slightly
Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial to avoid cooking the eggs when they’re added.
3. Add the eggs
Using an electric mixer, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth, shiny, and slightly sticky.
4. Heat the oil
Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet, filling it to about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
5. Fry the poppers
Using two spoons, scoop and shape small balls of dough, dropping them carefully into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed up. Remove the poppers with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
6. Coat with cinnamon sugar
Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. While the churro poppers are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
7. Serve and enjoy
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as chocolate ganache, caramel, or even a creamy vanilla glaze.
Helpful Tips
- Test your oil temperature: If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. It should sizzle and float to the top within a few seconds.
- Work in small batches: Overcrowding the pot will lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy poppers.
- Use a slotted spoon: This makes it easier to remove poppers without bringing excess oil along.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 24 poppers
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- These poppers are best enjoyed fresh and warm. If needed, reheat them in an oven at 350°F for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
- You can experiment with the coating by adding nutmeg or swapping cinnamon for a chai spice blend.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 375°F. Pipe or spoon small mounds of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store churro poppers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
3. Can I freeze churro poppers?
Yes, you can freeze them after frying. Let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in an oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes.
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Conclusion
These Churro Poppers are the perfect way to bring a little festival fun into your home. With their golden, crispy exterior and cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of hot chocolate or serving them up for a party, they’re guaranteed to disappear in no time. Try them today and add a sweet touch to your day!
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Churro Poppers: A Bite-Sized Twist on a Sweet Classic
Description
There’s something magical about biting into a warm churro—its crisp, cinnamon-sugar-coated exterior giving way to a soft, airy interior. But what if you could take that experience and turn it into a perfectly poppable treat? Enter Churro Poppers: a bite-sized twist on the beloved classic churro. Perfect for parties, family movie nights, or even a quick snack, these poppers pack all the flavors of traditional churros into a fun, shareable form.
In my family, churros have always been a festival favorite. Whether at carnivals or cozy street-side stalls during the holidays, churros evoke a sense of joy and indulgence. These poppers take that nostalgia and turn it into something you can make right in your own kitchen, no special equipment required. With their golden-brown exterior, a dusting of cinnamon sugar, and the option to dip them in sauces, these little treats are hard to resist.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 ½ tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
1. Prepare the dough
In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, salt, and butter. Heat over medium until the butter melts and the mixture begins to boil. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball of dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
2. Let it cool slightly
Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial to avoid cooking the eggs when they’re added.
3. Add the eggs
Using an electric mixer, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth, shiny, and slightly sticky.
4. Heat the oil
Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet, filling it to about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
5. Fry the poppers
Using two spoons, scoop and shape small balls of dough, dropping them carefully into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed up. Remove the poppers with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
6. Coat with cinnamon sugar
Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. While the churro poppers are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
7. Serve and enjoy
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as chocolate ganache, caramel, or even a creamy vanilla glaze.
Notes
- These poppers are best enjoyed fresh and warm. If needed, reheat them in an oven at 350°F for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
- You can experiment with the coating by adding nutmeg or swapping cinnamon for a chai spice blend.