Name: Churros Poppers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1/2 cup water; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Vegetable oil, for frying; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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If you’re craving the ultimate bite-sized dessert, look no further than Churros Poppers. Imagine everything you love about churros—crisp, golden, sugar-coated exterior and a warm, fluffy center—but in a cute, snackable form perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself). With just a handful of pantry staples and under half an hour, you’re minutes away from enjoying these irresistible treats that bring a taste of carnival magic right to your kitchen. Whether for a sweet brunch, family movie night, or just because, Churros Poppers will always bring smiles—and second helpings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Churros Poppers is how a few modest ingredients transform into something truly crave-worthy. Each item plays a starring role: from the water that creates steam and volume to the final kiss of cinnamon sugar that delivers that classic churro flavor—don’t leave out a thing!

Water: Helps form the structure of the dough and gives the poppers their signature airy inside.
Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and ensures the dough blends smoothly.
Granulated sugar: A little in the dough for gentle sweetness, more for that irresistible sugary coating.
Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the flavors—don’t skip it!
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough, creating crisp golden exteriors.
Large egg: Binds the dough and gives the poppers their satisfying chew.
Vanilla extract: A touch of warmth and aromatic sweetness in every bite.
Vegetable oil: For frying; makes the poppers puff up light and crisp.
Ground cinnamon: Classic, fragrant, and absolutely essential in the coating.

How to Make Churros Poppers

Step 1: Make the Dough Base

Start by combining your water, butter, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Heat gently over medium until the butter melts and the mix just simmers. This quick boil sets up the dough for that light, airy pop once fried. Trust me: it might look humble, but this is where churro dreams are made!

Step 2: Stir in the Flour

Lower the heat and add the flour in one go. Immediately start stirring with a wooden spoon—really work it! The mixture will look a bit shaggy at first, but stick with it. In about a minute or so, the dough will come together, smooth out, and pull away from the pan’s sides. That’s your cue to stop!

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Take the pan off the burner and let that dough cool for a couple of minutes—you don’t want scrambled eggs! Next, stir in the egg and vanilla extract. It will look slippery and weird at first, but keep mixing. Soon, you’ll have a glossy, sticky dough that’s ready for frying.

Step 4: Fry the Dough Balls

Pour about two inches of oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and bring it up to 350°F (175°C). Scoop heaping teaspoons of dough—using a mini cookie scoop or even two spoons—and gently slide them into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and puffy. The sizzle and aroma at this stage are pure joy!

Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

Once your Churros Poppers are crisp and golden, lift them out with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. While they’re still warm (the heat helps the sugar stick!), roll each popper in your cinnamon sugar mixture until they’re lavishly coated and glistening.

How to Serve Churros Poppers

Garnishes

Let’s elevate your Churros Poppers with irresistible garnishes! They’re fantastic dipped in a glossy bowl of chocolate sauce or drizzled with velvety dulce de leche. A little dusting of powdered sugar never hurts for extra flair. For a fresh finish, serve alongside sliced strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream.

Side Dishes

Churros Poppers shine bright as the star of the table, but they’re also great paired with other treats. Set out bowls of fresh fruit or serve them with creamy vanilla ice cream to contrast their warm crunch. For brunch spreads, pair with cafe con leche or spiced hot chocolate for a truly festive moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a party? Skewer Churros Poppers onto bamboo sticks for churro kabobs, or pile them high in a rustic bowl for easy sharing. Fill tiny paper cones for grab-and-go treats, or nestle them on a plate surrounded by edible flowers and colorful fruit. However you style them, they always disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Churros Poppers uncovered at room temperature for up to one day. Covering them tightly can make them a bit soggy, so keep them loosely covered if you must store them a bit longer. Their texture is best enjoyed the day they’re made, but don’t worry—they won’t last long anyway.

Freezing

Churros Poppers actually freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then stash them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. When your next craving hits, you can reheat a few straight from the freezer, making spontaneous dessert moments a reality.

Reheating

To restore their fresh-from-the-fryer crispiness, pop your Churros Poppers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes—no need to thaw if frozen. Wait to roll them in the cinnamon sugar until after reheating for the most satisfying crunch and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Churros Poppers gluten free?

Absolutely! Substitute a measure-for-measure gluten-free all-purpose flour, and your Churros Poppers will come out tastefully crisp. Just be sure to use a good quality blend that contains xanthan gum for the best result.

Do I need a piping bag to shape the poppers?

No fancy tools required—heaping spoonfuls work perfectly for this recipe, giving you charmingly rustic Churros Poppers. However, if you prefer a neater look, a piping bag with a large round tip makes it extra tidy (and a little fun too).

Can I bake instead of fry?

While frying gives the best classic texture, you can bake the poppers at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes. They’ll be lighter and a touch less crispy, but still very tasty. For the most authentic Churros Poppers, though, frying is the way to go!

What dipping sauces go best with Churros Poppers?

Classic chocolate sauce is always a hit, but try caramel, dulce de leche, or even fruit coulis for something different. Nutella or vanilla bean pastry cream also make decadent dipping companions for your Churros Poppers adventures.

How do I know when the oil is ready?

Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy—350°F (175°C) is your target. If you don’t have one, drop in a small bit of dough: it should bubble and rise to the surface promptly (not sink or brown too quickly). Too hot, and the outsides burn; too cool, and they absorb oil.

Final Thoughts

Beneath their sugar-dusted exteriors, Churros Poppers deliver pure joy in every bite—crispy on the outside, soft-centered, and utterly nostalgic. It’s truly a treat anyone can master in their own kitchen, and I can’t recommend them enough for sweet moments shared. Dive in, enjoy, and get ready for rave reviews—these Churros Poppers are about to become your new go-to dessert!

Churros Poppers Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 20 poppers 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Churros Poppers are a delightful twist on the classic churros, transformed into bite-sized, fried dough balls coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. Perfect for a fun and indulgent dessert!

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil, for frying

Coating:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a small saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Stir in flour until a smooth dough forms. Remove from heat; mix in egg and vanilla.
Fry the Poppers: Heat oil to 350°F, drop spoonfuls of dough, fry until golden. Drain on paper towels.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Roll warm poppers in cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.
Serve: Enjoy warm with chocolate sauce or dulce de leche if desired.