Churros poppers are the perfect treat for any occasion – bite-sized, crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and coated with a delightful dusting of cinnamon sugar. Whether you're preparing them for a family gathering, a fun party, or simply as a delicious snack to enjoy at home, these churro poppers are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings. Read on for the ultimate churros poppers recipe, complete with tips, tricks, and presentation ideas that will make these treats a standout hit!
What Are Churros Poppers?
Churros poppers are a smaller, more portable version of traditional churros. While classic churros are long and stick-like, churros poppers are round, bite-sized morsels of fried dough that deliver all the flavor and texture of their larger counterparts in one delightful mouthful. They’re typically rolled in cinnamon sugar and can be enjoyed plain, or with a variety of dipping sauces like chocolate, caramel, or dulce de leche. Their smaller size makes them perfect for sharing and snacking, and they’re a fun twist on a beloved treat.
Ingredients List for Churros Poppers
To make a batch of churros poppers, you’ll need a few simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Water - 1 cup
- Unsalted butter - ½ cup (1 stick)
- Granulated sugar - 2 tablespoons (for the dough)
- Salt - ¼ teaspoon
- All-purpose flour - 1 cup
- Large eggs - 2
- Vegetable oil (for frying) - enough for deep frying, around 3-4 cups
- Cinnamon - 1 tablespoon
- Granulated sugar - ½ cup (for coating)
Optional Ingredients for Dipping Sauces
While churros poppers are delicious on their own, adding a dipping sauce can elevate your dessert to the next level. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces that pair perfectly with churros poppers:
- Chocolate ganache
Ingredients:- Heavy cream (½ cup)
- Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (½ cup)
- Caramel sauce
Ingredients:- Granulated sugar (1 cup)
- Butter (6 tablespoons)
- Heavy cream (½ cup)
- Dulce de leche
Ingredients:- Pre-made or canned dulce de leche (available in most supermarkets)
- Vanilla glaze
Ingredients:- Powdered sugar (1 cup)
- Milk (2-3 tablespoons)
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon)
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to customize your churros poppers, there are a few substitutions and variations you can try to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Butter substitution: If you want a dairy-free version, you can use margarine or coconut oil instead of butter.
- Gluten-free churros poppers: Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 replacement, so you maintain the right texture and consistency.
- Spices: Besides cinnamon, you can try adding nutmeg, cardamom, or even a hint of cayenne pepper to the sugar coating for a unique twist.
- Flavored dough: For a more adventurous taste, you can infuse the dough with a splash of vanilla extract, orange zest, or almond extract.
- Stuffed churros poppers: You can also stuff your churros poppers with Nutella, dulce de leche, or cream cheese filling for an extra indulgent version. Just pipe the filling into the dough before frying!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s a breakdown of how to make these delightful churros poppers from scratch. Don't worry – the process is easy and quick once you get the hang of it.
- Prepare the dough:
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, ½ cup of unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted, and the mixture comes to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of flour all at once. Continue to stir until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This should take about 1-2 minutes. - Cool the dough slightly:
Remove the dough from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. You want it to be warm but not too hot, so you can add the eggs without cooking them. - Add eggs:
Once the dough has cooled slightly, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. You can use a wooden spoon or a hand mixer for this step. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky. - Heat the oil:
In a large, deep pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want the oil deep enough to fully submerge the churros poppers. - Pipe the dough:
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. - Fry the churros poppers:
Pipe small, 1-inch pieces of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting the dough off with a knife or scissors. Fry the churros poppers in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the poppers from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. - Coat with cinnamon sugar:
While the churros poppers are still warm, roll them in a mixture of ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Ensure each popper is fully coated for that perfect sweet and spicy flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making churros poppers, it’s essential to avoid a few common mistakes that can affect the final product:
- Not cooling the dough enough before adding the eggs: Adding eggs to hot dough can cause them to scramble. Let the dough cool slightly before mixing in the eggs.
- Overcrowding the oil: Frying too many churros poppers at once can lower the temperature of the oil, resulting in soggy or undercooked poppers. Fry in small batches for the best results.
- Not using a thermometer: Keeping the oil at the correct temperature is crucial. If the oil is too hot, the churros will burn on the outside and remain raw inside. Too cold, and they’ll absorb too much oil, making them greasy.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation can make your churros poppers even more irresistible. Here are some ideas for serving and displaying these treats:
- Dipping platter: Serve your churros poppers on a large platter surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces like chocolate, caramel, and vanilla glaze. This makes for a fun, interactive dessert that guests can customize to their liking.
- Skewers: Thread several churros poppers onto a wooden skewer for a cute, easy-to-serve presentation.
- Mini cones: Serve the churros poppers in small paper cones for a fun street food-style presentation.
- Dust with powdered sugar: For a delicate touch, dust the churros poppers with powdered sugar right before serving.
How to Serve Churros Poppers
Churros poppers are best served fresh and warm. You can present them in a bowl or on a serving platter, with small dishes of dipping sauces arranged around the edges. They’re a great party snack, dessert, or brunch treat. If you want to get extra creative, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful contrast between hot and cold!
Churros Poppers Recipe Tips
- Use a piping bag with a star tip: This gives your churros poppers their signature ridged appearance, which allows the cinnamon sugar to adhere better and gives them a crispier texture.
- Don’t skip the cinnamon sugar: Rolling the poppers in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they’re still warm ensures that the sugar sticks properly, giving each bite that classic churro flavor.
- Fry in small batches: Fry only 5-6 churros poppers at a time to keep the oil temperature consistent.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to fry, let the dough come to room temperature before piping and frying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I bake churros poppers instead of frying them?
A: Yes, you can bake them, but the texture will be different. To bake, pipe the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Coat with cinnamon sugar while warm.
Q: How do I store leftover churros poppers?
A: Churros poppers are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness.
Q: Can I freeze churros poppers?
A: Yes, you can freeze churros poppers after they’ve been fried and cooled. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Q: What can I serve with churros poppers?
A: Churros poppers pair well with a variety of dipping sauces like chocolate, caramel, or dulce de leche. You can also serve them with ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Conclusion
Churros poppers are a fun, delicious, and easy-to-make treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want a sweet snack, these bite-sized delights are perfect for any occasion. With the right ingredients, tips, and techniques, you’ll be whipping up batches of crispy, sugary churros poppers that will leave everyone wanting more. Don’t forget to experiment with different dipping sauces and presentation ideas to make this recipe truly your own!
PrintChurros Poppers Recipe
Deliciously crisp churros poppers are the ultimate sweet treat. Made with simple ingredients like flour, eggs, and cinnamon sugar, these bite-sized poppers are perfect for sharing. Follow this easy recipe for the best churros poppers that are golden, crunchy, and impossible to resist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 churros poppers 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, salt, and butter. Bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in flour until a dough forms.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F.
- Pipe small balls of dough into the hot oil using a piping bag.
- Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Roll the churros poppers in cinnamon sugar and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, dip churros poppers in chocolate or caramel sauce.
- Use a star-shaped piping tip for the classic churro texture.
- Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 45mg
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