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- Prepare the Dough:
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and a pinch of salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the butter melts and the water comes to a simmer.
Add the sugar, flour, and baking powder to the saucepan, stirring continuously. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball.
Remove from heat and let the dough cool slightly for 5 minutes. Once it has cooled a bit, add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky. - Shape the Churro Bites:
Heat about 2-3 inches of oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of dough into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is hot enough.
While the oil is heating, transfer the churro dough into a piping bag or a large plastic zip-top bag (with the tip of the bag snipped off) for easy piping.
Pipe small dots of dough (about 1-inch in diameter) into the hot oil. You can also use a spoon to drop spoonfuls of dough into the oil if you don’t have a piping bag. Fry in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry the churro bites for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the churros from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. - Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar:
While the churro bites are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Gently toss the churro bites in the mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated on all sides.
After coating in cinnamon sugar, lightly sprinkle the churro bites with a pinch of flaky sea salt. The salt adds a nice contrast to the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of each bite. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once all the churro bites are coated and salted, serve them up in a bowl or plate, and enjoy immediately while they’re warm and crispy. These little bites are perfect for dipping in chocolate sauce, caramel, or even a bit of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Why Sweet and Salty Churro Bites are So Addictive
Perfect Flavor Contrast: The addition of a pinch of sea salt amplifies the sweetness of the cinnamon-sugar coating, creating a truly addictive contrast that keeps you coming back for more. The slight saltiness works wonders with the sweet dough, making each bite irresistible.
Crispy Yet Tender: The churro bites are crispy on the outside thanks to the hot oil, but the inside remains soft and pillowy, just like traditional churros. This contrast in texture is one of the key reasons why churros are so beloved—and in bite-sized form, it’s even more enjoyable.
Customizable Dips: While the churro bites are delicious on their own, they’re also great for dipping. Try serving them with a side of chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or a vanilla cream dip to elevate the experience. You can even experiment with flavored dips like Nutella or a tangy cream cheese dip for variety.
Perfect for Sharing: These churro bites are the perfect size for sharing at a party, family gathering, or movie night. They’re easy to eat with your fingers, making them the perfect finger food for snacking or serving at a buffet-style gathering.
Tips for Perfect Churro Bites
Be Careful Not to Overcrowd the Oil: When frying the churro bites, avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry them in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and become crisp all around.
Use Flaky Sea Salt for Best Results: While table salt can work, flaky sea salt (such as Maldon or fleur de sel) creates the perfect crunchy, salty finish that enhances the flavor of the churros. The larger salt flakes give a satisfying burst of flavor that works perfectly with the sweetness.
Customize the Cinnamon Sugar: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a little twist to the cinnamon-sugar coating. Try adding a dash of nutmeg or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give your churro bites a spiced kick. A little cocoa powder in the mix can also create a chocolatey version.
Serve Warm: Churro bites are best when they’re fresh and warm, so try to serve them right after they’re made. If you need to prepare them ahead of time, you can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back that crispy texture.
Make it a Churro Bar: Set up a churro bite bar at your next party with different dips, toppings, and flavor variations for your guests to enjoy. You can include chocolate sauce, caramel drizzle, whipped cream, and even fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for a fun twist.
Conclusion: A Sweet, Salty, and Irresistible Snack
Sweet and Salty Churro Bites are the perfect treat when you’re craving something indulgent yet balanced in flavor. These crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated morsels, finished with a pinch of sea salt, provide the ultimate snack experience. With their delicious flavor, satisfying texture, and ease of preparation, churro bites will become your new go-to dessert or snack for any occasion.
Serve them at your next gathering, pack them in lunchboxes, or enjoy them as a treat for yourself—no matter when or where you enjoy them, Sweet and Salty Churro Bites are sure to be a hit!
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