These bite-sized churro pieces are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, dusted with cinnamon sugar and a hint of paprika for a touch of heat. Served alongside a rich, velvety chocolate dipping sauce, they are the perfect balance of sweetness and spice in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Churro Bites with Chocolate Sauce offer the ultimate indulgence—crispy, golden pastries coated in aromatic cinnamon sugar and served with a silky chocolate dip. They’re fun to make, perfect for sharing, and require simple ingredients. The bite-sized format makes them ideal for parties, gatherings, or just a cozy dessert at home. The touch of paprika adds a subtle, intriguing twist to a classic favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (for coating)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Directions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water and butter over medium heat. Stir until the butter is fully melted.
- Add the flour, cinnamon, and salt to the pan. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides, about 3–5 minutes.
- Remove the pan from heat and allow the dough to cool slightly. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition until smooth and glossy.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a piping bag or a spoon, carefully drop small portions of dough into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove churro bites with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Mix the sugar, cinnamon, and paprika in a shallow bowl. Toss the warm churro bites in the mixture to coat thoroughly.
- To make the chocolate sauce, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until smooth and fully melted.
- Serve churro bites warm with the chocolate sauce on the side for dipping.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories per serving: 310 kcal
Variations
- Spicy-Sweet: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sugar coating for more heat.
- Filled Version: Pipe the churro dough around a small cube of chocolate or dulce de leche before frying.
- Different Dips: Serve with caramel, white chocolate ganache, or fruit sauces instead of chocolate.
- Vegan: Substitute butter with vegan margarine, eggs with flax eggs, and use dairy-free chocolate and cream.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
storage/reheating
Churro bites are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy. The chocolate sauce can be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated in a microwave or over low heat.
FAQs
Can I make churro bites in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before frying.
Can I bake churro bites instead of frying?
Baking is possible but won’t yield the same crispy texture. If baking, pipe onto a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil are ideal for frying churros.
Can I make the chocolate sauce in the microwave?
Yes, heat the cream in the microwave and stir in chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
Why did my churros turn out soggy?
Oil that’s not hot enough can lead to soggy churros. Ensure the oil maintains a temperature of 375°F (190°C).
How do I get even shapes when frying?
Use a piping bag with a star tip for traditional shape and more consistent results.
Is the paprika in the coating very spicy?
No, it’s mild and adds a subtle warmth that complements the cinnamon and sugar.
Can I freeze churro bites?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture changes upon thawing. They are best enjoyed fresh.
Can I use milk instead of cream for the sauce?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly thinner and less rich than when made with cream.
Are churro bites kid-friendly?
Absolutely. You may omit the paprika for a more classic, sweet-only version that kids will love.
Conclusion
Churro Bites with Chocolate Sauce are a delightful dessert or snack that brings a festive, indulgent feel to any occasion. Their crisp exterior, warm spiced coating, and luscious dipping sauce create a sensational combination of textures and flavors. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, they are sure to become a go-to treat for parties, holidays, or whenever you crave a sweet, comforting bite.
PrintChurro Bites with Chocolate Sauce
These crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside churro bites are coated in cinnamon sugar with a hint of paprika and served with a rich, smooth chocolate dipping sauce, making them a delightful sweet-and-spicy treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (for coating)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine water and butter over medium heat and stir until the butter melts.
- Add flour, cinnamon, and salt, stirring constantly until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the dough cool slightly. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Drop small portions of dough into the oil using a piping bag or spoon. Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Remove churro bites and drain on paper towels.
- Mix sugar, cinnamon, and paprika in a bowl. Toss warm churro bites in the mixture to coat.
- To make the chocolate sauce, heat heavy cream until simmering, then remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until smooth.
- Serve churro bites warm with the chocolate sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature stays consistent for even frying.
- Use a star tip on the piping bag for traditional churro texture.
- Adjust paprika for more or less heat as desired.
- Leftover chocolate sauce can be stored and reheated for later use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 batch
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg