Churros Poppers Recipe
There’s nothing quite as irresistible as a batch of Churros Poppers—these golden, cinnamon-sugar studded bites are a true crowd-pleaser, bursting with flavor and perfect for sharing (if you can part with them!). With a crisp, crackly shell and a soft, tender interior, these poppers capture the spirit of classic churros in a delightfully snackable form. Enjoy them plain, or take things to the next level with a gooey dulce de leche or chocolate filling. Trust me, these treats will be gone in a flash—don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Churros Poppers keep things simple, but every ingredient plays a supporting role in achieving that signature crunch and flavor. Here’s what makes each element essential to these bite-sized delights.
- Water: The foundation of the dough, water brings everything together and ensures a soft, pillowy center.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the dough come together smoothly while giving a lovely flavor.
- Granulated sugar: For just a touch of sweetness in the dough and crucial for that sparkly cinnamon-sugar finish.
- Salt: Balances out the sweet notes and sharpens all the other flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure, resulting in churros that are crisp on the outside and tender inside.
- Eggs: Give the dough its lift and ensure a light, creamy texture.
- Vanilla extract: This simple addition adds warmth and depth to every bite.
- Vegetable oil: For frying the poppers to an irresistible golden brown.
- Granulated sugar (for coating): Essential for getting that classic, sparkly churro finish.
- Ground cinnamon (for coating): Infuses every bite with warm, nostalgic flavor.
- Optional – Dulce de leche or chocolate ganache: For those who love a creamy, oozy surprise tucked inside each popper!
How to Make Churros Poppers
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by combining water, butter, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat—watch as the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, creating a fragrant base. Once bubbling, add the flour all at once and stir like you mean it. The dough will soon come together in a ball and start pulling away from the sides of the pan—this means you’re on the right track! Let it cool for about five minutes; a little rest prevents the eggs from scrambling in the next step.
Step 2: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla
Once your dough has cooled a bit, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing very well between each addition. It may look a little lumpy or stubborn at first, but hang in there—the result is a rich, glossy, and sticky dough. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring all the flavors blend together seamlessly.
Step 3: Get Ready to Fry
Pour oil into a deep skillet or pot, aiming for about two inches of depth, and heat until it shimmers at 350°F (175°C). While the oil heats, transfer your dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. This setup makes sure your Churros Poppers look and taste just like the ones from a street market—crisp ridges and all!
Step 4: Pipe and Fry the Poppers
Gently squeeze out 1-inch sections of dough directly into the hot oil, snipping each one with a pair of scissors for those perfect little bites. Take your time and fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Watch as they puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown—this usually takes just 2 to 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out and drain on a layer of paper towels.
Step 5: Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
While the Churros Poppers are still warm (and their outsides are just a touch sticky), toss them generously in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Each piece should get an even coat, transforming them into sparkly, fragrant temptations.
Step 6: Optional Filling
If you’re feeling decadent, grab a piping bag fitted with a small tip and inject each popper with a little dulce de leche or chocolate ganache. Watch as friends and family light up when they discover these hidden treasures inside!
How to Serve Churros Poppers
Garnishes
For an extra special finish, you can dust your Churros Poppers with a bit more cinnamon-sugar just before serving, or add a tiny sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra flair. If you love a gooey dip, presenting them alongside small ramekins of warm chocolate or caramel sauce feels like a party all on its own.
Side Dishes
Churros Poppers pair fantastically with fresh berries, bowls of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream, or even a cup of spicy Mexican hot chocolate. The contrast of hot, crispy poppers and cool, creamy sides delights everyone at the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the poppers high on a platter, nestling them into mini baking cups for an elegant display, or building a “popper tower” with skewers for a show-stopping look at parties. For gifting, tuck a handful into parchment-lined boxes—just be ready for glowing reviews and recipe requests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Churros Poppers (lucky you!), let them cool completely before storing. Tuck them into an airtight container lined with paper towels; this keeps them crisp for up to two days at room temperature. Just avoid sealing them up while still warm, as steam can make them soggy.
Freezing
Churros Poppers freeze remarkably well. Once cooled, spread them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature on the day you want to enjoy them.
Reheating
To recapture that just-fried magic, reheat your poppers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until crisp and hot. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to soften the shell. A quick trip in the oven and they’ll taste like they were made fresh!
FAQs
Can I make Churros Poppers without a piping bag?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a sturdy zip-top bag with the tip cut off. They might not get the traditional ridges, but they’ll still be totally delicious.
What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil is a great choice since its neutral flavor lets the cinnamon and sugar shine. You can also use canola or sunflower oil—just make sure whatever you choose has a high smoke point for optimal frying.
Can I bake the poppers instead of frying?
Baking won’t quite deliver the signature crisp shell of classic Churros Poppers, but you can pipe them onto a lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden. The result is lighter and less indulgent, but still tasty.
How do I prevent the dough from getting too runny or too stiff?
Make sure to add eggs one at a time and mix well after each addition, watching the dough’s texture. It should be thick and sticky, not pourable—if it’s too stiff, add an extra tablespoon of beaten egg; if too runny, sprinkle in a bit more flour.
Can I make Churros Poppers in advance for a party?
Definitely! Fry your poppers a day or two ahead, let them cool, and freeze as directed. When ready to serve, just pop them in the oven to warm and crisp up—sprinkle freshly with cinnamon-sugar before indulging.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about sharing a plate of warm, homemade Churros Poppers—each little bite is a burst of comfort and joy. I hope this recipe brings the same smiles to your home as it has to mine. Give it a try, and don’t forget to save a few for yourself before they disappear!
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Churros Poppers Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 30 poppers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Churros Poppers are a delightful twist on traditional churros, featuring bite-sized portions perfect for snacking. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, these poppers can be filled with either dulce de leche or chocolate ganache for an extra decadent treat.
Ingredients
Main Dough:
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- vegetable oil for frying
Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Filling:
- 1/2 cup dulce de leche or chocolate ganache
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Boil, then add flour. Remove from heat, cool, and mix in eggs and vanilla.
- Fry the Dough: Heat oil, pipe dough into hot oil, fry until golden brown.
- Coat and Fill: Toss in cinnamon sugar while warm. Optionally, fill with dulce de leche or chocolate.
Notes
- For an extra indulgent touch, serve with chocolate or caramel dipping sauce.
- To make ahead, fry and freeze the poppers, then reheat in the oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 poppers
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
