he Dough: Soft and Pillowy

The dough for these churro bites is made from a combination of water, butter, brown sugar, flour, eggs, and vanilla extract. The mixture comes together in a saucepan, where the butter, brown sugar, and water are combined and brought to a simmer. Once the flour is added, the dough begins to form into a sticky ball, and it’s then cooked for an extra minute to ensure it has the right consistency. The eggs are incorporated one at a time, giving the dough a smooth, soft texture. After cooling, the dough is piped into bite-sized churros, which bake up beautifully in the oven, creating a light, airy interior with a slightly crisp exterior.

The Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Sweet and Spicy

The cinnamon-sugar coating is what truly brings these churro bites to life. Made with a mixture of granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, the coating adds a sweet and aromatic flavor to each churro. After baking, the churros are brushed with melted butter and then rolled in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated and full of flavor. The cinnamon-sugar not only adds sweetness but also creates a slight crunch, making each bite even more satisfying. This classic combination of cinnamon and sugar gives the churros their signature taste, reminiscent of the ones served at carnivals and fairs.

Baking vs. Frying: A Lighter Option

One of the standout features of these churro bites is that they are baked, not fried. While traditional churros are deep-fried, which gives them that crispy exterior, baking them makes the churros lighter and less greasy. The dough puffs up in the oven, creating a light, airy interior, while the outer layer becomes crisp and golden. By spraying the churros with a little vegetable oil and misting the baking pan with water before baking, you can achieve a similar crispness to frying without the need for excessive oil. This makes the churro bites not only easier to make but also a bit healthier than their fried counterparts.

How to Make Baked Churro Bites

Making these Baked Churro Bites is simple and requires only a few steps. Here’s how to prepare them:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, butter, brown sugar, and salt. Stir the mixture until it comes to a simmer. Add the flour all at once, stirring constantly until the mixture forms a sticky dough ball. Continue cooking for another minute, then remove from heat and allow it to cool for 10 minutes.

2. Incorporate the Eggs: Once the dough has cooled slightly, add the vanilla extract. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The dough will initially appear separated, but it will come together smoothly as you mix.

3. Prepare for Piping: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat mats. Transfer the dough into a pastry bag fitted with a star tip, and pipe 3 to 4-inch long churro bites onto the baking sheets. Make sure to leave space between each churro and cut the dough neatly with a knife.

4. Bake the Churros: Lightly spray the tops of the churros with vegetable oil and mist the pan with water. Bake the churros for 20-25 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown. After baking, leave the oven door slightly ajar for 10 minutes to allow the churros to crisp up.

5. Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar: Brush the churros with melted butter and then toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are evenly coated. Repeat this process until all the churros are coated in the sweet, cinnamon-sugar coating.

6. Serve: Serve the churro bites immediately while they are warm, and enjoy your crispy, cinnamon-sugar coated treats!

Nutritional Benefits of Baked Churro Bites

Each serving of these Baked Churro Bites (approximately 12 churros) contains about 1500-1700 calories for the whole recipe. While this is a higher-calorie treat, it’s important to remember that these churros are indulgent and best enjoyed in moderation. Each churro bite contains about 20-25 grams of protein, making it a more substantial dessert option compared to some others. The recipe also includes 180-200 grams of carbohydrates, with 21 grams of sugar, primarily from the brown sugar in the dough and the cinnamon-sugar coating. The 80-90 grams of fat, including 12 grams of saturated fat from the butter, contribute to the richness and texture of the churros. Additionally, each serving provides 3 grams of protein and 1 gram of fiber, which helps with digestion.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Churro Bites are perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual family get-togethers to more formal gatherings. Here are some fun ways to serve them:

• With Chocolate Sauce: Serve with a warm chocolate dipping sauce for an extra layer of indulgence. The rich chocolate complements the cinnamon-sugar churros beautifully.

• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of sweetened whipped cream is a great addition for those who love creamy textures to contrast the crispiness of the churros.

• As a Party Snack: These churro bites make a great addition to a dessert table or party platter, as they are easy to eat with your hands and provide a fun, shareable treat.

Conclusion

Baked Churro Bites offer a delicious and easy-to-make alternative to traditional churros. With a sweet, cinnamon-sugar coating and a crispy exterior, they provide all the flavor of churros without the deep frying. Whether you’re craving a snack, hosting a party, or looking for a fun treat, these churro bites are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Light, crispy, and perfectly sweet, they’re the perfect way to satisfy your churro cravings!