Churros Poppers Recipe

Churros poppers are a delightful spin on the traditional churro, offering bite-sized pieces of crispy dough dusted with cinnamon sugar. These mini treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and are easy to make at home. Whether you're serving them as a party snack or enjoying them with family, these churros poppers are sure to impress. Read on for a step-by-step guide, substitutions, variations, and tips to perfect this recipe!

this Recipe

What are Churros Poppers?

Churros poppers are small, bite-sized versions of the classic churro. Traditionally, churros are long strips of dough fried until golden and coated in cinnamon sugar. With churros poppers, the dough is shaped into small balls or mini logs, making them easier to snack on. This portable and versatile dessert can be served plain, filled, or paired with a dipping sauce like chocolate or caramel.

Ingredients List for Churros Poppers

Before we dive into the instructions, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create these golden, crispy churros poppers:

Dough Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Frying:

• 3 to 4 cups of vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Optional Dips:

• Chocolate sauce
• Caramel sauce
• Dulce de leche

Substitutions and Variations

While the classic churros poppers recipe is already delicious, there are several ways to switch it up and make it your own. Here are a few substitutions and variations to consider:

1. Gluten-Free Churros Poppers: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking.
2. Vegan Option: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water equals one egg).
3. Filled Poppers: To add an extra layer of indulgence, inject a small amount of filling like chocolate ganache, dulce de leche, or vanilla pastry cream into the churros poppers after frying.
4. Baked Churros Poppers: For a slightly healthier version, you can bake the churros poppers instead of frying them. Simply pipe the dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Spiced Sugar Coating: Instead of cinnamon sugar, experiment with other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice for a different flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking churros poppers is a straightforward process that involves making the dough, frying the poppers, and coating them in cinnamon sugar. Follow this simple guide for perfect churros poppers every time:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the butter is fully melted and the mixture comes to a simmer.
• Remove the saucepan from heat, and quickly stir in the flour using a wooden spoon. The dough will start to come together and form a ball. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan.
• Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes before adding the eggs.

Step 2: Add the Eggs

• Once the dough has cooled slightly, add in the eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition until the dough becomes smooth and glossy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

• In a deep pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature for frying.

Step 4: Pipe the Dough

• Transfer the churros dough into a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic sandwich bag with a corner snipped off.
• Pipe small, 1-inch dough balls or mini logs directly onto a parchment paper-lined tray. You can use scissors or a knife to cut the dough as you pipe it out.

Step 5: Fry the Poppers

• Carefully drop a few churros poppers into the hot oil. Fry them in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry each batch for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the poppers from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

• While the churros poppers are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to evenly coat. Make sure each popper gets a generous dusting of the sweet coating.

How to Cook Churros Poppers: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Melt the Butter: Start by simmering the butter, water, salt, and sugar until the mixture is smooth.
2. Mix in Flour: Stir in the flour until it forms a ball of dough.
3. Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring the dough is smooth and glossy.
4. Pipe and Shape: Use a piping bag to create bite-sized poppers.
5. Fry: Fry the poppers in batches until golden and crispy.
6. Coat: Roll the fried poppers in cinnamon sugar while still warm.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overheating the Oil: If the oil is too hot, the churros poppers will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. Use a thermometer to maintain the ideal temperature of 350°F (175°C).
2. Not Letting the Dough Cool: Adding the eggs to hot dough will cause them to scramble. Be sure to let the dough cool for at least 5 minutes before mixing in the eggs.
3. Overcrowding the Pot: Fry the churros poppers in small batches to ensure they cook evenly. Too many poppers in the oil at once can lower the temperature and result in soggy, greasy churros.
4. Skipping the Piping Bag: Piping the dough ensures the churros have the signature ridged texture, which allows the cinnamon sugar to stick better.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Churros poppers are best served fresh and warm. To elevate the presentation, you can serve them in a fun and creative way:

1. Dipping Station: Set up a dipping station with small bowls of chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or dulce de leche. You can even add fruit dips like strawberry or raspberry for a fruity twist.
2. Party Skewers: Skewer 3-4 churros poppers on a stick and serve them upright in small cups or glasses. This makes them easier to handle for parties and gatherings.
3. Mini Dessert Cups: Place a handful of churros poppers in mini dessert cups and drizzle with sauce for an elegant touch.
4. Ice Cream Sundae: Serve churros poppers on top of a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert.

How to Serve Churros Poppers

Churros poppers are versatile enough to serve at any occasion. Here are some fun ideas:

• At Parties: Serve in large bowls with different dipping sauces on the side.
• As a Dessert Platter: Arrange them alongside other bite-sized desserts like mini cupcakes or macarons.
• Brunch Addition: Add churros poppers to a brunch spread alongside pancakes and fruit.

Presentation Ideas for Churros Poppers

The way you present your churros poppers can make them even more inviting:

• Mason Jars: Fill small mason jars with churros poppers and tie them with a ribbon for a charming rustic presentation.
• Paper Cones: Serve churros poppers in paper cones for a carnival or street food vibe.
• Edible Bowls: Create edible bowls using melted chocolate or caramel, and fill them with churros poppers for an extra indulgent presentation.

Churros Poppers Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Oil: For the crispiest results, always use fresh oil when frying.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: A cooking thermometer is essential to avoid under or overcooking.
• Flavorful Coatings: Consider mixing cocoa powder with the cinnamon sugar for a chocolatey twist.
• Batch Cooking: Fry in small batches to prevent the oil from cooling down too much, ensuring crispy results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make churros poppers ahead of time?
A: While churros poppers are best enjoyed fresh, you can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 1 day before frying.

Q: Can I freeze churros poppers?
A: Yes! Freeze the fried churros poppers in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes before serving.

Q: What kind of dip goes best with churros poppers?
A: Classic chocolate sauce or caramel sauce is perfect, but you can also try fruit sauces

like strawberry or raspberry for a tangy contrast.

Q: Can I air fry churros poppers?
A: Yes! You can air fry churros poppers at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a slightly healthier option.

Conclusion

Churros poppers are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of traditional churros in bite-sized form. With the crispy exterior, soft interior, and sweet cinnamon sugar coating, these little treats are sure to become a crowd favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with different fillings and dips, churros poppers offer endless possibilities for dessert lovers. Give this recipe a try at your next gathering or just as a treat for yourself, and watch these poppable churros disappear in no time!

Print