Craving something sweet, crunchy, and absolutely delightful? Look no further! Churros Poppers are bite-sized versions of the classic churro, perfect for snacking, parties, or satisfying that sudden dessert craving. These mini treats are easy to make, incredibly delicious, and are sure to become a favorite in your household. Keep reading to discover the best Churros Poppers recipe, tips, and tricks to make sure yours turn out perfectly every time!

What are Churros Poppers?
Churros Poppers are a fun twist on the traditional churro, offering all the deliciousness of a churro in small, poppable bites. Regular churros are typically long, ridged, and dusted in cinnamon sugar, but Churros Poppers take a more compact form. Instead of piping long strips of dough, you’ll make small dough balls that are fried to golden perfection. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend. They’re ideal for dipping in chocolate sauce, caramel, or dulce de leche!
These mini churros are perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a quick indulgent treat for yourself. Whether you’re a churro enthusiast or new to the churro game, you’ll love these bite-sized delights. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the ingredients!
Ingredients List for Churros Poppers
Here are the basic ingredients you’ll need to make the most scrumptious Churros Poppers:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter – Cut into small pieces for even melting.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness to the dough.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – To enhance the flavors.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – The foundation of the dough.
- 2 large eggs – These will help bind the dough and give it a soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a delicious depth of flavor.
- Vegetable oil – For frying. You’ll need enough to fill your pan to about 2-3 inches deep.
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating) – For that classic churro finish.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating) – The perfect complement to the sugar coating.
Optional Dipping Sauces:
- Chocolate sauce – Melted chocolate or store-bought works well.
- Caramel sauce – A rich, creamy caramel pairs perfectly with the churro poppers.
- Dulce de leche – This sweet and sticky sauce is a crowd favorite.
Substitutions and Variations
- Butter: If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Just ensure the alternative has a solid form when cold to match the texture of butter.
- Eggs: For an egg-free version, try using a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). The texture may differ slightly, but it works well for those avoiding eggs.
- Flour: If you want to make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Choose one that is specifically designed for 1:1 substitution for best results.
- Sugar Coating: Want to take your Churros Poppers to the next level? Add some finely grated chocolate or a touch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Baked Version: If you're avoiding fried foods, you can bake the churro dough instead of frying it. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and pipe small dough balls onto a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. They won’t be as crispy as the fried version but will still be delicious!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Make the Dough:
- Boil the Liquid: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to melt the butter completely.
- Add Flour: Once the mixture reaches a boil, remove the pan from heat and immediately add the flour all at once. Stir quickly with a wooden spoon or spatula until the mixture forms a ball of dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Cool and Add Eggs: Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes. Once cooled slightly, add the eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition until fully incorporated. The dough will become smooth and thick. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Transfer Dough to Piping Bag: Fit a piping bag with a large round or star-shaped tip and transfer the dough into the piping bag. For poppers, a large round tip works best to create the small dough balls.
How to Fry Churros Poppers:
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil—it should sizzle and rise to the top.
- Pipe Dough into Oil: Hold the piping bag over the oil and squeeze out small 1-inch rounds of dough. Use kitchen scissors or a knife to cut the dough as you pipe it directly into the oil.
- Fry Until Golden Brown: Fry the churro poppers in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown on all sides. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Drain the Poppers: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried poppers from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar: While the poppers are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many churro poppers at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy poppers. Fry in small batches to maintain a consistent oil temperature.
- Not Letting the Dough Cool: If you add the eggs while the dough is too hot, they may cook prematurely, resulting in a lumpy batter. Let the dough cool for at least 5 minutes before adding the eggs.
- Skipping the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: The cinnamon-sugar coating is essential for that authentic churro flavor! Make sure to coat the churro poppers while they’re still warm so the sugar sticks well.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Churros Poppers
Churros Poppers are best enjoyed fresh and warm. They’re perfect for serving as a snack, dessert, or party treat. Serve them alongside small bowls of dipping sauces like melted chocolate, caramel, or dulce de leche to elevate the experience.
For an added touch, dust the poppers with a little powdered sugar or drizzle them with your favorite sauce for extra indulgence.
Presentation Ideas for Churros Poppers
- Serve in Paper Cones: For a fun street-food-inspired look, serve the Churros Poppers in paper cones. This makes them easy to hold and perfect for parties or on-the-go snacking.
- Dipping Station: Set up a churro dipping station with small bowls of different sauces like chocolate, caramel, strawberry sauce, or whipped cream. Guests can mix and match to find their favorite combination.
- Stack Them High: Arrange the churro poppers in a pyramid shape on a large serving platter, and dust with extra cinnamon-sugar or powdered sugar for a visually impressive presentation.
Churros Poppers Recipe Tips
- Keep the Oil Temperature Consistent: If the oil gets too hot, the poppers will burn on the outside and remain raw on the inside. Use a thermometer to keep the temperature steady at around 350°F (175°C).
- Make-Ahead Option: You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to fry, just bring the dough back to room temperature before piping and frying.
- Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftover churro poppers (though they’re so tasty it’s unlikely!), you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Churros Poppers ahead of time?
While they are best served fresh, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Reheat them in the oven if you make them ahead of time.
Can I bake Churros Poppers instead of frying them?
Yes, baked churros poppers are possible, but they won't have the same crispy texture. Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
How do I store leftover churros poppers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I freeze Churros Poppers?
You can freeze the dough before frying. Once shaped, freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry straight from frozen, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Conclusion
Churros Poppers are the ultimate bite-sized treat, combining the crispy, sweet flavors of traditional churros in a fun, snackable form. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them with family, or indulging solo, they’re sure to be a hit. Follow the steps above, avoid common mistakes, and try out different dips and presentation ideas to make these Churros Poppers a standout dessert. Ready to get cooking? Grab your ingredients and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade churros poppers today!
PrintChurros Poppers Recipe
Churros poppers are crispy, golden treats made from a simple dough, fried to perfection, and coated with cinnamon sugar. These bite-sized delights are a fun twist on traditional churros, making them perfect for snacking or dessert. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, churros poppers will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 churros poppers 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil for frying
- ½ cup sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring water, 2 tablespoon sugar, salt, and butter to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in flour until dough forms.
- Add vanilla and eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Pipe small dollops of dough into hot oil and fry until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and immediately coat in cinnamon sugar.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Serve churros poppers with a side of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping.
- Make sure the oil is not too hot, as it can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 churros poppers
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 75mg
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