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.
