If you’ve ever craved the crispy, cinnamon-sugary goodness of a classic churro but want something bite-sized and fun, then this Churros Poppers Recipe is an absolute must-try. These delightful little treats pack all the warm, comforting flavors of traditional churros into perfect poppable pieces, making them ideal for sharing (or sneaking a few extra bites yourself). You’ll love how the crunchy exterior gives way to a tender, light interior, all wrapped in a sweet cinnamon sugar coating that dances on your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but crucial for achieving that authentic churro popper texture and flavor. Each one plays a vital role, from the butter enriching the dough to the cinnamon adding that signature warm spice.
- 1 cup water: The base liquid that helps create the dough’s perfect consistency.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the poppers for a tender bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving structure and chewiness.
- 3 large eggs: These bind the dough together and contribute to its airy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Creates the golden, crispy exterior everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For that classic sugary coating that makes churros irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The aromatic spice that gives churros their signature warmth.
How to Make Churros Poppers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by bringing water, butter, and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Watching it bubble away, you’ll see how the butter melts perfectly, creating the ideal base for your dough. Once boiling, remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the flour until it comes together into a smooth dough — this step is crucial to avoid lumps and achieve the right texture.
Step 2: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla
After your dough has cooled slightly, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This not only helps bind the dough but also lightens its texture, making every churro popper wonderfully airy. Finish by stirring in the vanilla extract for that subtle yet essential touch of sweetness.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C). Getting the temperature just right is key to a perfect fry — too hot, and the poppers will brown too quickly without cooking through; too cool, and they will soak up oil and become greasy.
Step 4: Pipe and Fry the Dough
Transfer your dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip, which helps create that classic churro ridged look. Pipe 1-inch strips directly into the hot oil, frying in batches. Fry until they turn a beautiful golden brown, usually just a couple of minutes per batch, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Drain the fried poppers on paper towels to remove excess oil. While still warm, toss them in a cinnamon sugar mixture for that signature sweet and spicy coating. This final step transforms them into the irresistible treats you can’t wait to bite into.
How to Serve Churros Poppers Recipe
Garnishes
While traditional cinnamon sugar is the classic choice, consider dusting your Churros Poppers Recipe with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance or even a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce to amp up the indulgence. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add color and texture for a delightful twist.
Side Dishes
Churros poppers shine as a dessert, but they also pair wonderfully with house-made dips like chocolate ganache, dulce de leche, or a creamy vanilla custard. Serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate the experience to truly decadent heights, perfect for after-dinner decadence or sharing at parties.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation makes everything more exciting. Serve your poppers in fun paper cones, in small treat bags tied with ribbon, or in mini bowls nestled in colorful napkins. For events, arranging them on a tiered dessert stand creates a charming focal point that invites guests to dig in. Using edible flowers or cinnamon sticks as accents can also add a playful, festive feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the churros poppers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them from sogging, avoid stacking them too tightly and consider placing parchment paper between layers.
Freezing
Churros poppers freeze beautifully. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, they will keep their texture and flavor for up to 1 month.
Reheating
To enjoy your churros poppers fresh again, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes. This method revives their crunch without drying them out. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use different oils for frying churros poppers?
Yes! While vegetable oil is classic, you can substitute canola or peanut oil. Just make sure the oil has a high smoke point to avoid burning the churros and ruining their delicate flavor.
What if I don’t have a piping bag with a star tip?
You can use a zip-top bag and snip off one corner to pipe the dough. While it won’t have the traditional ridges, the poppers will still taste amazing and hold their shape during frying.
Is it possible to make churros poppers gluten-free?
Absolutely, though you’ll need to substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Keep in mind the texture might change slightly, but the flavor will still be delightful.
How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?
The easiest way is to use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature. Alternatively, you can drop a small bit of dough into the oil — if it sizzles and rises quickly without browning too fast, you’re good to go!
Can I bake churros poppers instead of frying?
You can try baking at a high temperature for a healthier option, but frying provides the signature crispness and color. If baking, brush the dough with melted butter and bake at 425°F (220°C) until golden, turning halfway through.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Churros Poppers Recipe that makes it a standout in the world of sweet treats. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, a party, or simply indulging on a cozy night in, these bite-sized delights offer all the joy of traditional churros with extra fun and ease. I can’t wait for you to try making them your new favorite snack. Get your piping bag ready, because this recipe is destined to become a beloved crowd-pleaser!
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Churros Poppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish
Description
Churros Poppers are bite-sized, crispy fried dough treats coated in cinnamon sugar. These delightful snacks are easy to make with a simple choux pastry dough fried to a golden perfection and sprinkled with a sweet cinnamon sugar blend, perfect for parties, dessert, or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Topping
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare boiling mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine water, unsalted butter, and salt. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat until the butter is fully melted and blended with the water and salt.
- Make dough: Remove the saucepan from heat immediately. Quickly stir in the all-purpose flour using a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth, cohesive dough ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Let the dough cool slightly for a minute or two. Add the eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing and incorporating each egg before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined, forming a smooth and shiny dough.
- Heat oil for frying: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat enough vegetable oil to reach 375°F (190°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent temperature for perfect frying.
- Pipe dough into oil: Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe 1-inch strips or small bite-sized pieces directly into the hot oil carefully to avoid splashing.
- Fry until golden: Fry the churros poppers for 2-4 minutes or until they puff up and become golden brown on all sides, turning as necessary for even cooking.
- Drain excess oil: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried poppers from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil thoroughly.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: While still warm, immediately roll the churros poppers in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well coated. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature is maintained at around 375°F (190°C) to get crispy, evenly cooked churros poppers.
- Do not overfill the piping bag to prevent dough from spilling out unevenly.
- The dough cools quickly, so work fast when adding eggs and piping into the oil.
- Churros poppers are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Leftovers can be reheated briefly in an oven to restore crispness.
- Use a star tip on your piping bag to create the classic ridged texture on the churros.
