There’s nothing quite like the aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the kitchen, and these Baked Churro Bites bring all that sweet magic without the deep-frying fuss! If you love churros but want a lighter, oven-baked version that’s perfect for parties, family nights, or a special sweet treat—you’re in for something truly special. These little bites are golden, fluffy on the inside, and covered in a generous coating of cinnamon sugar. Anything but boring!!
👉 Get this recipe sent straight to your inbox by subscribing! You’ll never miss a cozy, craveable dessert like this again!
Why You’ll Love These Baked Churro Bites
These aren’t just any cinnamon-sugar pastries. Baked Churro Bites are:
- Easy to make, no piping bag or frying required
- Lighter than traditional churros, since they’re baked, not fried
- Perfect for sharing—think parties, brunch spreads, or family movie nights
- Make-ahead friendly and even freezer-safe
- Full of that classic churro flavor—sweet, spiced, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! These are a crowd-favorite at birthdays, game days, and holiday get-togethers. Plus, they’re kid-approved and so fun to dip into chocolate or caramel sauces. 😍
What Do Baked Churro Bites Taste Like?
Imagine the toasty flavor of a snickerdoodle crossed with the fluffy bite of a cream puff—and then rolled in buttery cinnamon sugar. They’re soft and pillowy on the inside, golden and slightly crisp on the outside, and every bite is coated in a sparkling cinnamon-sugar mix that practically melts on your tongue. You won’t miss the frying at all.
Benefits of Making Baked Churro Bites
- Healthier alternative to traditional churros (no oil splatter, no deep fryer!)
- Made with pantry staples you likely already have
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Easy to double or triple for a crowd
- Can be adapted for dairy-free or gluten-free diets
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up these baked churro bites, grab the following:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
For the cinnamon sugar coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need much to make these—another reason to love them!
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl for cinnamon sugar
- Pastry brush (for butter)
Optional Additions and Substitutions
These are delicious on their own, but if you want to switch things up:
- Add vanilla: A teaspoon of vanilla extract in the dough adds a warm depth
- Spice it up: Try pumpkin spice or nutmeg in the sugar coating for a seasonal twist
- Go gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Dairy-free? Sub in plant-based butter
How to Make Baked Churro Bites (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Make the dough
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, stir in the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 1-2 minutes).
Step 2: Cool and add eggs
Transfer the dough to a bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Form the bites
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to form 1-inch balls of dough. Space them about 2 inches apart.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 20–24 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Don’t open the oven early—they need that heat to rise!
Step 5: Coat in cinnamon sugar
While the bites are still warm, brush each one with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
What to Serve with Baked Churro Bites
These little gems shine on their own, but I highly recommend pairing them with:
- Warm chocolate ganache (classic!)
- Salted caramel sauce
- Fresh berries and whipped cream
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a churro sundae vibe
Tips for Perfect Churro Bites
- Let the dough cool before adding eggs so they don’t scramble
- Stir the dough well after each egg—it’ll look separated at first but will come together
- Don’t underbake! You want a lightly crisp exterior and fluffy interior
- Brush with butter while warm for best cinnamon sugar adhesion
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly-sized bites (and faster rolling!)
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat at 300°F for 5 minutes to revive crispiness.
Freezer: Freeze uncoated baked bites for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven, then brush with butter and toss in cinnamon sugar before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temp before scooping and baking.
Can I make them in mini muffin tins?
Absolutely. Mini muffin tins help the bites hold a uniform shape and rise nicely. Just grease the tin or use liners.
Do these taste just like fried churros?
They’re a bit lighter in texture but still give that unmistakable churro flavor thanks to the cinnamon sugar coating!
Conclusion
These Baked Churro Bites are the kind of treat that makes you feel like you’re standing in a theme park or strolling through a fair—but from the comfort of your kitchen. They’re easy, shareable, and dangerously delicious. Whether you’re hosting friends or just need a sweet bite to lift your spirits, this is one recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
If you’re into sweet-and-savory magic, don’t miss these popular recipes on the blog too:
- Homemade Chicken Stroganoff – comforting, creamy, and weeknight-friendly
- Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders – crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor
- Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos – fun, filling, and always a hit at dinner
📸 Tried these? Snap a photo and tag us on Pinterest! I LOVE seeing your creations and how you make each recipe your own.
Nutritional Information (Per 2 Bites, Approximate)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 2g
Delicious Baked Churro Bites (Crowd-Pleasing Recipe)
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Yield: About 20–24 bites 1x
Description
These irresistible Baked Churro Bites are light, fluffy, and coated in buttery cinnamon sugar—everything you love about churros without the deep-frying! Perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in, they’re easy to make and dangerously delicious. Kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and totally crowd-pleasing!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
-
1 cup water
-
½ cup unsalted butter
-
1 tbsp granulated sugar
-
¼ tsp salt
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
3 large eggs
For the Coating:
-
½ cup granulated sugar
-
1 tsp ground cinnamon
-
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil.
-
Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball (1–2 minutes).
-
Transfer the dough to a bowl and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
-
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough will look separated at first—keep going until it’s smooth and glossy!
-
Scoop 1-inch balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
-
Bake for 20–24 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
-
While still warm, brush each bite with melted butter, then roll generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
-
Serve warm and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces!
Notes
-
Let the dough cool slightly before adding the eggs to avoid scrambling.
-
Use a small cookie scoop for evenly-sized bites (and quicker prep!).
-
For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 GF flour blend.
-
These reheat beautifully—just pop them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.
-
Want a flavor twist? Add a dash of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the cinnamon sugar coating!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–24 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Inspired by Mexican street food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Baked churro bites, oven-baked churros, churro dessert, cinnamon sugar snack, easy churro recipe, baked cinnamon treats