Discover this easy baked churro bites recipe for a crispy, cinnamon-sugar snack. Perfect for sharing or enjoying anytime with minimal effort.
Easy Baked Churro Bites
If you’re craving a quick, delightful treat, this easy baked churro bites recipe is your answer. It combines the irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating with a light, baked dough that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and soft within. Unlike traditional fried churros, these baked bites are lighter and easier to prepare, giving you that classic flavor without the mess or extra oil. Perfect for a snack, dessert, or party finger food, these churro bites come together with just a few simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time.
Why You’ll Love It
These easy baked churro bites are a game-changer for homemade sweets. They’re baked, not fried, so they’re less greasy but still packed with flavor. The cinnamon sugar offers a nostalgic touch that everyone loves. Plus, they’re adaptable, making them great for any time of the year. Whether it’s a quick treat for kids or a fun snack for guests, this recipe delivers crispy, sugary perfection in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (or puff pastry for flakier texture)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (substitute with coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for refined sugar-free)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
If you want to switch things up, you can use gluten-free dough for a gluten-free version or swap the sugar for a sugar substitute, keeping the cinnamon for its aroma and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Unroll the crescent dough and cut it into small 1-inch squares. Roll each piece into a ball to form bite-sized churros.
- Dip each dough ball into the melted butter to coat it evenly.
- Mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a bowl, then roll each buttered dough ball in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
- Place the coated balls on the baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bites turn golden and puffed.
- Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve warm for the best experience.
Expert Tips
For perfectly crispy churro bites, be sure not to overcrowd the pan; allow space for air circulation. If you want more intense cinnamon flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the sugar mix. Make-ahead tip: prepare the dough balls and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 hours before baking. For larger batches, freeze the coated bites on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag; bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Storage
Store any leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, place them in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat in the oven to restore crispiness. For extended storage, freeze the baked bites for up to 1 month and reheat from frozen.
Variations
- Vegan: Use dairy-free crescent dough and replace butter with melted coconut oil.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free dough alternatives or pie crust dough.
- Dairy-Free: Choose non-dairy butter or oil and verify dough ingredients.
- Refined Sugar-Free: Use coconut sugar or a natural sweetener blend in the cinnamon mix.
FAQ
- Can I make these Easy Baked Churro Bites ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the dough balls and store them in the fridge for a couple of hours or freeze them for longer. Bake when ready. - What can I substitute for crescent roll dough?
Puff pastry or biscuit dough can work well if crescent dough isn’t available. - How do I keep these churro bites crispy?
Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven before serving to restore crispiness. - Are these bites kid-friendly?
Absolutely! They’re a fun, sweet treat ideal for kids with less mess than traditional churros. - Can I add dipping sauces?
Creamy chocolate, caramel, or dulce de leche are excellent companions to these churro bites.
Feel free to leave a comment below sharing your experience, ideas, or variations on this easy baked churro bites recipe. Don’t forget to save it for later and share with friends who love quick and tasty desserts!
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