Crispy on the outside, pillowy-soft inside, and buried under a cloud of cinnamon-sugar—Churros Poppers have all the magic of classic churros in fun, bite-sized bursts. Whether you’re indulging your sweet tooth after dinner or making movie night extra special, these little treats transform any moment into a fiesta. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you’ll find that Churros Poppers are as easy to make as they are blissful to devour!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by their irresistible appeal—Churros Poppers require just a handful of pantry basics! Each ingredient is a building block: giving the dough its golden crunch, melt-in-your-mouth softness, or irresistible cinnamon sparkle.
- Water: The key liquid that brings the dough together and helps it cook up light.
- Granulated sugar: Lends sweetness to both the dough itself and the crunchy outer coating.
- Salt: Just the right touch brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Vegetable oil: Two uses in this recipe: a bit in the dough brings tenderness, and the rest is for frying to crisp perfection.
- All-purpose flour: The hearty backbone that gives the poppers their signature chew.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for deep frying—it guarantees gorgeously golden Churros Poppers.
- Granulated sugar (for coating): Extra sugar makes the cinnamon-sugar coating stick and sparkle.
- Ground cinnamon: The hero spice for that unmistakable churro aroma and warmth.
- Optional: Chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping: For an extra flourish, serve with your favorite dessert sauces!
How to Make Churros Poppers
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and bringing together the water, sugar, salt, and two tablespoons of oil. As the mixture heats, sugar dissolves and the oil helps ensure a soft, supple dough. Keep an eye on it and bring it all to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, remove from the heat—now’s when the transformation happens! Immediately add in the flour and stir briskly until a smooth dough forms. You’ll see it pull away from the sides into a soft, elastic ball. Let the dough cool for a few minutes so it’s easier to handle (and safer for piping!).
Step 2: Get Ready to Fry
Next, pour enough vegetable oil into a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to submerge your poppers as they cook. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C) and try to keep the temperature steady—too hot and the outsides will brown before the middles cook, too cool and they’ll absorb excess oil. (A candy thermometer is your friend here!) Meanwhile, scoop your still-warm dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, for that beloved churro texture.
Step 3: Pipe and Fry Churros Poppers
When the oil is hot, carefully pipe 1-inch sections of dough directly over the pot, snipping each segment with kitchen scissors so they fall and sizzle. Fry a few at a time so the oil stays at temperature and the Churros Poppers cook evenly. Turn occasionally with a slotted spoon—these will puff and turn gloriously golden in just 2 to 3 minutes. As they finish, set them down gently on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 4: Coat and Serve
While the poppers are still warm (the key for perfect coating!), toss them in a shallow bowl where you’ve mixed cinnamon and extra sugar. Each one will emerge coated in that dreamy, sparkly layer of flavor. For the ultimate treat, serve your Churros Poppers with a swirl of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping—and get ready for applause!
How to Serve Churros Poppers
Garnishes
For a touch of drama, dust your Churros Poppers with a little extra cinnamon-sugar just before serving. Swirls of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce can take them right over the top. If you want to add a pop of color, scatter a few berries or edible flowers around the platter for a festive finish.
Side Dishes
Power up your dessert spread by pairing Churros Poppers with bowls of creamy vanilla ice cream—the hot-and-cold mix is unbeatable! For a more decadent combo, offer a plate of fresh fruit, or serve alongside a mug of thick, steaming hot chocolate for that classic churros-and-chocolate feeling.
Creative Ways to Present
Try skewering a few Churros Poppers onto party sticks for a whimsical, grab-and-go treat at gatherings. Or, arrange them in mini paper cones for a street-fair vibe. For family nights, build a “Churros Poppers bar” with toppings and dips ranging from melted chocolate to dulce de leche—everyone can personalize their plate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Churros Poppers (an impressive feat!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. While they’re best eaten fresh for maximum crispness, a quick refresh can bring them right back to life.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Churros Poppers! Lay them in a single layer on a sheet pan in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to a month. Wait to coat with cinnamon-sugar until after reheating for the very best texture.
Reheating
To restore that signature crunch, reheat the poppers in a 350°F (175°C) oven or toaster oven for about 5–7 minutes. If you’re working from frozen, add an extra couple of minutes. Once they’re warm and crisp again, toss them in fresh cinnamon-sugar and serve right away!
FAQs
How do I keep Churros Poppers from collapsing or becoming soggy?
Keep your oil at a steady 375°F so the outsides crisp up quickly and create that essential shell. Drain them well on paper towels as soon as they come out of the fryer, and don’t cover tightly while they’re warm or steam will soften the coating.
Can I make the dough for Churros Poppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before frying. Just let it come to room temperature for easier piping when you’re ready to get frying.
Are there gluten-free alternatives for Churros Poppers?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free blend. Textures may vary a little, but you’ll still get a delicious result with that signature cinnamon-sugar finish.
What dipping sauces work best with Churros Poppers?
Classic hot fudge and caramel are always winners, but don’t be shy—Nutella, strawberry sauce, or even a thick vanilla custard make fantastic dips for these cinnamon-dusted morsels.
Can I bake instead of fry Churros Poppers?
While frying delivers the classic crispy bite, you can bake them on a parchment-lined tray at 400°F (200°C) until golden, about 12–15 minutes. Brush with a little melted butter before tossing in cinnamon-sugar for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Churros Poppers are proof that great things come in small packages! Brighten up your table with these charming bites, and watch friends and family fall in love at first crunch. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to whip up a batch of Churros Poppers for every celebration—or any time you need a little sweet inspiration.
Print
Churros Poppers Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 30 poppers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Churros Poppers are a delightful twist on the classic churros, perfect for snacking or entertaining. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, they are a crowd-pleaser for all occasions.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup water
- 2 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
For Frying and Coating:
- Vegetable oil for frying
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, salt, and oil. Boil, then stir in flour until a ball forms. Cool slightly.
- Fry the Churros: Heat oil, pipe dough into hot oil, fry until golden brown and crispy.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Toss warm churros in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with optional sauces.
Notes
- You can refrigerate the dough for up to a day before frying.
- Maintain consistent oil temperature for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 poppers
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
