If you’re craving something sweet, crunchy, and utterly irresistible, then this Churro Poppers Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine bite-sized, golden fried dough balls dusted in cinnamon sugar that perfectly capture the classic churro flavor with a fun twist. These poppers are quick to make, delightfully crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, offering a cozy and comforting dessert experience that’s just begging to be shared with friends and family. Whether for a party, a snack, or a cozy night in, these Churro Poppers are a little bundle of fried happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Churro Poppers Recipe keeps it simple with staple pantry ingredients that come together to create magic. Each element plays its part in crafting crispy, flavorful poppers that melt in your mouth.
- Water: The base to create the perfect dough consistency, ensuring a light and airy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness within the dough and for the irresistible cinnamon coating.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Enriches the dough for a tender crumb and slight richness.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for your poppers’ structure and softness.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and contributes to its characteristic fluffiness.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, sweet aroma that elevates the churro flavor.
- Vegetable oil: For frying to a perfect golden crisp.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for that iconic churro spice in the sugar coating.
- Chocolate chips and heavy cream (optional): To whip up a decadent dipping sauce that’s pure indulgence.
How to Make Churro Poppers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining water, sugar, salt, and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring this mixture to a boil, then quickly stir in all the flour at once. Stir vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a smooth ball—this usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes. This step is key to ensuring your poppers have the perfect texture that isn’t too dense or doughy.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Remove the dough from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes, just enough so you don’t scramble the egg in the next step. Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully combined and thick but sticky. This makes your dough elastic and ready for frying.
Step 3: Heat the Oil and Prepare the Coating
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat it to 350°F (175°C). While the oil is warming, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This cinnamon sugar coating is what transforms your poppers from good to unforgettable.
Step 4: Fry the Poppers
Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to drop tablespoon-sized dollops of dough into the hot oil carefully. Fry them in batches to prevent overcrowding, turning occasionally, until they’re puffed up and golden brown, roughly 2 to 3 minutes per batch. This frying step is where the magic happens — those crispy exteriors with tender centers everyone loves.
Step 5: Coat and Serve
Remove poppers using a slotted spoon and place them briefly on paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring every bite is coated with that perfect sweet and spicy crust.
Optional: Make Chocolate Dipping Sauce
For an extra touch of decadence, melt chocolate chips with heavy cream in 20-second intervals in the microwave, stirring until smooth. This warm, luscious sauce is the perfect partner to your cinnamon-coated poppers.
How to Serve Churro Poppers Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Churro Poppers with an extra dusting of cinnamon sugar or even a pinch of powdered sugar for a pretty finish. You could also drizzle a bit of caramel or chocolate sauce over the top for flair that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
Serve these poppers alongside a cup of rich hot chocolate or a creamy coffee for a cozy treat. Fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also add a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your churro poppers in a festive bowl or place them sparkling on skewers for fun finger food at parties. You can even fill mini paper cones with these poppers for a delightful street-food vibe that’s easy to carry and enjoy on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover poppers (though they rarely last!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. For best texture, enjoy them within that time as they might lose their crispness.
Freezing
To keep churro poppers longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen poppers maintain their flavor for up to 2 months and make for a quick treat anytime.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to restore their crunchy exterior. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to soften the poppers and lose that signature crispness.
FAQs
Can I make churro poppers without frying?
While frying provides that iconic crispy texture, you could experiment with baking for a lighter option. Just keep in mind the texture will be different—more cakey than crispy—but still delicious if you watch the baking time closely.
Is the dipping sauce necessary?
The chocolate dipping sauce is totally optional but highly recommended for chocolate lovers. The poppers are fantastic on their own or with just cinnamon sugar, but the warm sauce adds a luxurious touch to impress any guest.
How do I know when the oil is the right temperature?
Use a thermometer to keep the oil at a steady 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying results. If you don’t have one, test by dropping a small piece of dough—if it bubbles up immediately and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
It’s best to prepare and fry the dough fresh for optimal texture. If needed, you can refrigerate the dough overnight, but allow it to come to room temperature and stir well before frying.
Are churro poppers gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, you’d need to experiment with gluten-free flour blends, though results may vary in texture and crispiness.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this Churro Poppers Recipe as much as I do. It’s a delightful way to bring the warmth and fun of a classic Mexican treat into your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. So grab your apron and a skillet, and get ready to fall in love with these charming little bites of sweet, cinnamon-coated joy.
Print
Churro Poppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 poppers
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Churro Poppers are bite-sized, crispy fried dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar, inspired by traditional Mexican churros. These delightful mini churros are easy to make and perfect for a sweet snack or dessert, served warm with a luscious optional chocolate dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Dipping Sauce (optional)
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the dough. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water, sugar, salt, and butter. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and add flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 1–2 minutes.
- Cool and mix in egg. Remove the pan from heat and let the dough cool for 5 minutes. Then stir in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined; the dough will be thick and sticky.
- Heat oil and prepare coating. Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, mix the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl for coating and set aside.
- Fry poppers. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, carefully drop about 1 tablespoon of dough per popper into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and puffed, approximately 2–3 minutes per batch.
- Drain and coat. Remove the fried poppers with a slotted spoon, drain briefly on paper towels, then immediately roll each popper in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Make optional chocolate sauce. For dipping, heat chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth and warm. Serve alongside the poppers.
Notes
- For crispier poppers, fry in small batches and avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Serve churro poppers fresh and warm for the best taste and texture.
- The chocolate dipping sauce is optional but adds a delicious complement to the cinnamon sugar coating.
