Description
Churro poppers are bite-sized, golden-fried dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar, delivering the perfect balance of crispiness and softness. This easy recipe requires minimal ingredients and is beginner-friendly, making it the perfect homemade dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Dough:
- 1 cup water
- 2 ½ tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
For Frying:
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a medium bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set aside for later use.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 2-3 inches of oil into a deep pan or fryer and heat it to 375°F (190°C). Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial to achieving a crispy exterior.
- Make the Dough: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine water, sugar, salt, and vegetable oil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat. Stir in the flour quickly until a dough forms and begins to pull away from the sides of the pan.
- Shape the Dough: Allow the dough to cool slightly until it is safe to handle. Scoop small portions about the size of a walnut and gently roll them into smooth balls. A cookie scoop or rounded measuring spoon can help maintain uniformity.
- Fry the Poppers: Carefully drop a few dough balls into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown. Adjust the heat if needed to prevent burning.
- Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the poppers to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, toss them in the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
- Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy the churro poppers fresh and warm. Serve them on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce like chocolate ganache or caramel.
Notes
- If the dough is sticky when shaping, lightly dust your hands with flour.
- For extra crispiness, let the fried poppers rest for a minute before rolling them in cinnamon sugar.
- To make ahead, prepare and fry the poppers but wait to coat them in cinnamon sugar until just before serving.
- Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 poppers
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 236mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0.04g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg