Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of making Baked Churro Bites! These little bites of heaven are not just delicious, but they’re also a healthier twist on the classic fried churros we all love. I remember the first time I made them for a family gathering. The kitchen was filled with that magical scent of cinnamon and sugar, and as soon as they came out of the oven, my family couldn’t get enough! Everyone was raving about how they taste just like the real deal, but without the guilt. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked! They’re perfect for sharing or for a cozy night in with a warm cup of hot chocolate. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your delicious Baked Churro Bites:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – This is the base of your dough, giving it structure and that delightful fluffy texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming and a rich flavor.
- 1/2 cup sugar – This adds sweetness to the dough, helping to mimic that sugary churro experience.
- 2 large eggs – These help bind everything together and add moisture to your bites.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – This little splash of flavor truly elevates the taste; I never skip it!
- 1 tsp baking powder – This is your leavening agent, ensuring your churro bites rise perfectly in the oven.
- 1/4 tsp salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup sugar (for coating) – This is what gives your churro bites that signature sweet, crunchy exterior.
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for coating) – The star of the show! It adds that warm, cozy spice we all associate with churros.
How to Prepare Baked Churro Bites
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making these delightful Baked Churro Bites. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of sweet, cinnamon-y goodness in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial! Preheating ensures that your churro bites cook evenly, giving you that perfect golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. So, don’t skip it!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Whisk them together until they’re well mixed. This helps distribute the baking powder and salt evenly throughout the flour, which is vital for that perfect rise. Set this mixture aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1/2 cup sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Achieving that smooth texture is super important, as it helps incorporate air into the dough, making your churro bites tender and airy.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, add in the 2 large eggs and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want to make sure there are no streaks of egg left, so mix it until the batter is smooth and uniform.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. I usually do this in about three parts, mixing gently after each addition. This helps to prevent lumps and ensures everything is well incorporated—nobody wants a lumpy churro bite!
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to shape it! Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart; this gives them room to expand while baking. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden brown.
Step 7: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While your churro bites are baking, mix 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tbsp ground cinnamon in a separate bowl. As soon as your bites come out of the oven, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they’re still warm. This will give them that irresistible sweet, crunchy coating we all love!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutrition of these delightful Baked Churro Bites. Each bite is packed with flavor while still being relatively light. Here’s what you can expect per serving (that’s one churro bite):
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on the ingredients used, so they can vary slightly based on how you prepare them. But trust me, these little bites are a perfect treat when you’re craving something sweet without feeling guilty! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a delightful snack throughout the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation Time: With just about 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up these delightful bites in no time—perfect for when a sweet craving strikes!
- Healthier Than Fried Options: These churro bites are baked, not fried, making them a healthier alternative without sacrificing that delicious taste we all adore.
- Great for Parties: They’re bite-sized and easy to share—ideal for gatherings, parties, or even just a fun family night!
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to get creative! You can add chocolate chips, switch up the spices, or even drizzle them with a sweet glaze for an extra special treat.
- Kid-Friendly: Everyone, especially kids, will love these! They’re simple enough to make together as a fun family activity.
- Perfect Pairing: Enjoy them with a warm cup of hot chocolate or coffee for a cozy treat any time of the day.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make your Baked Churro Bites, here are some pro tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!
- Soften the Butter: Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. If it’s too warm, your dough can become greasy, which affects the texture of your churro bites. Leave it out at room temperature for about an hour before you start.
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science! Use proper measuring techniques—spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy. This helps prevent dry or dense bites.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher bites, and we want them to be light and fluffy!
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your churro bites as they bake. Ovens can vary, so start checking them around the 12-minute mark. You want them golden brown, not too dark!
- Coat While Warm: Toss your churro bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they’re still warm. This helps the coating stick better and gives that delicious crunch we all love.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They’re best enjoyed within a few days, but I bet you won’t have any left to store!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be a churro bite pro in no time! Enjoy the process and happy baking!
Variations
One of the best things about these Baked Churro Bites is how adaptable they are! If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some fun variations to try:
- Chocolate Chip Churro Bites: Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips into the dough for a deliciously gooey surprise in every bite. Chocolate and cinnamon are a match made in heaven!
- Spiced Churro Bites: Add a twist by incorporating 1/2 tsp nutmeg or 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice along with the cinnamon for a seasonal flavor boost. Perfect for fall gatherings!
- Nutty Churro Bites: Mix in 1/4 cup finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for added crunch and richness. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as nuts can brown faster.
- Coconut Churro Bites: Stir in 1/4 cup shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical flair. You can even roll them in a mix of sugar and toasted coconut for an amazing texture!
- Glazed Churro Bites: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or vanilla extract over your churro bites after they’re baked. It adds an extra layer of sweetness that’s hard to resist!
- Maple Syrup Churro Bites: Swap out the vanilla extract for 1 tbsp maple syrup in the dough for a delightful maple flavor that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon coating.
Feel free to mix and match these variations to suit your taste! The possibilities are endless, and experimenting is part of the fun. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made your delicious Baked Churro Bites, you’ll want to store them properly to keep them fresh and tasty! Here’s how to do it:
- Storage: Place any leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can store them in the fridge, but I recommend enjoying them at room temperature for the best texture!
- Reheating: If you have some leftover churro bites and want to enjoy them warm again, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste and keep them soft and delightful. You can also microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat, as they can become a bit chewy.
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor your churro bites for days to come. Enjoy every last bite!
Print
Baked Churro Bites: 7 Irresistible Steps to Happiness
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 churro bites 1x
Description
Delicious baked churro bites coated in cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup sugar (for coating)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture; mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden.
- In a separate bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.
- Toss the baked churro bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Serve warm for best taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 churro bite
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Baked Churro Bites