If you’re looking for a fun twist on a classic treat, this Churros Poppers with Cinnamon Sugar Coating and Chocolate Dipping Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. Picture bite-sized, golden-fried dough balls, bursting with warmth and crunchy exterior, then lovingly rolled in a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. Paired perfectly with a luscious, creamy chocolate dipping sauce, these poppers deliver a blissful combination of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for more, whether it’s a party snack or a cozy dessert night at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with a handful of pantry staples, each playing a vital role in making your churros poppers irresistibly delicious. From the tender dough to the crunchy cinnamon sugar and the silky dipping sauce, every ingredient shines through.
- All-purpose flour: The base for our dough, providing structure and softness that’s perfect for frying.
- Baking powder: Adds just the right amount of lift to make the poppers light and fluffy inside.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness in the dough.
- Sugar: Sweetens the dough gently, complementing the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Water: Warm water helps bring everything together and cooks the dough slightly before frying.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and moisture, creating a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: A little touch that deepens the flavor and makes the poppers smell amazing.
- Egg: Binds the dough ingredients and lends richness and tenderness.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for frying — it gets hot enough to produce that perfect crispy exterior.
- Granulated sugar and ground cinnamon: The magical duo for the signature cinnamon sugar coating that makes churros so lovable.
- Chocolate chips and heavy cream (optional): Combine these for a silky chocolate dipping sauce that takes these poppers to dessert perfection.
How to Make Churros Poppers with Cinnamon Sugar Coating and Chocolate Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by bringing water, butter, and vanilla extract to a gentle boil in a saucepan. This warm mixture softens the flour and melts the butter, ensuring your dough ends up smooth and rich. Once boiling, remove from heat and quickly stir in the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until a dough forms. Cool the dough slightly before mixing in the egg to make sure it incorporates smoothly for the perfect texture.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Getting your oil temperature just right is crucial. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to about 350°F (175°C). This heat crisps the outside of each popper while cooking the inside to pillowy perfection. Use a deep pot to avoid splatters and make sure the poppers fry evenly.
Step 3: Fry the Churros Poppers
With a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough into the hot oil carefully. Don’t overcrowd the pan; frying in batches helps them cook evenly with plenty of space to crisp. Turn the poppers occasionally so they brown on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Once golden, remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to shed excess oil.
Step 4: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While still warm and inviting, roll your churros poppers in a bowl of cinnamon sugar—a classic finish that gives them the delightful sweetness and spice everyone craves. This step transforms simple fried dough into an addictive snack full of comfort and nostalgia.
Step 5: Make the Chocolate Dipping Sauce (Optional)
To elevate your churros poppers, gently heat heavy cream until it starts to simmer, then stir in chocolate chips until melted and glossy. This rich, smooth sauce is the perfect companion to the crunchy, cinnamon-sweet bites, offering a luscious contrast that’s sure to impress any chocolate lover.
How to Serve Churros Poppers with Cinnamon Sugar Coating and Chocolate Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon sugar on top for a sparkly finish. You can also dust lightly with powdered sugar for a subtle sweetness or add a pinch of sea salt to the chocolate sauce to bring out deeper flavors. Fresh berries on the side add a refreshing, colorful pop that balances the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These churros poppers shine best as a snack or dessert, but pairing them with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or oranges can add a zesty contrast. For a brunch spread, serve alongside warm coffee or hot chocolate to weave together that perfect cozy vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your churros poppers in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper for a casual homemade feel, or elevate the experience by placing them on a sleek platter with multiple dipping sauces—think caramel or berry coulis besides the chocolate. Skewer a few poppers on wooden sticks for a fun, party-friendly presentation that makes grabbing a bite super easy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the churros poppers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day to maintain their crispness. Refrigeration can soften the coating and dough, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or reheated well.
Freezing
These treat-sized churros freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. This way, you can enjoy them freshly fried anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-fryer crisp, reheat churros poppers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes or until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy. The dipping sauce can be gently reheated on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often to keep it silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I make these churros poppers gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Keep an eye on the dough consistency when mixing, as gluten-free doughs can behave slightly differently, but the frying and coating process stays the same.
Is there a way to bake the churros poppers instead of frying?
While frying offers that classic crispy texture, you can bake the poppers on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F (205°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture will be lighter and less crunchy but still delicious with the cinnamon sugar coating.
Can I use a different dipping sauce besides chocolate?
Definitely! Caramel sauce, dulce de leche, or even a creamy vanilla glaze make awesome alternatives. Choose whatever indulgent sauce you love most—these poppers are versatile and pair well with many sweet companions.
How long do churros poppers last if stored properly?
They’re best eaten within the first day for maximum crunch and freshness. If stored airtight at room temperature, they can last up to 24 hours. Beyond that, they tend to lose their crisp exterior and pleasant texture.
What’s the best way to ensure even frying?
Keep the oil at a steady temperature around 350°F (175°C) and avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry in small batches, turning the poppers as needed to cook them evenly golden all over—which makes all the difference in taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about Churros Poppers with Cinnamon Sugar Coating and Chocolate Dipping Sauce Recipe—they’re addictive, comforting, and downright fun to make. Whether you’re sharing these bite-sized delights with friends or indulging solo, the combination of crispy, sweet, and chocolatey flavors will brighten up any day. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to this crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
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Churros Poppers with Cinnamon Sugar Coating and Chocolate Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish
Description
These Churros Poppers are bite-sized, crispy fried dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for a sweet snack or dessert. Easy to make and delightful to eat, they come with an optional rich chocolate dipping sauce for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Optional Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium saucepan, bring water, butter, and vanilla extract to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove from heat and quickly stir in the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until the mixture forms a smooth dough ball. Allow it to cool slightly to avoid cooking the egg in the next step.
- Incorporate the Egg: After the dough has cooled, beat in the egg thoroughly until the dough is smooth and evenly combined, ensuring proper texture for frying.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat over medium-high heat until reaching about 350°F (175°C), ideal for frying.
- Fry the Churros Poppers: Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, carefully drop tablespoon-sized dough balls into the hot oil. Fry in batches, avoiding overcrowding, turning occasionally to ensure even golden crispness, for approximately 2-3 minutes per batch.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried poppers with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil, keeping them crispy.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: While still warm, roll the churros poppers in the cinnamon and sugar mixture until fully coated, giving them that classic sweet-spicy flavor.
- Prepare Optional Dipping Sauce: Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering, then remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until smooth and melted, creating a creamy chocolate dip.
- Serve: Serve the churros poppers warm with or without the chocolate dipping sauce for a delightful treat.
Notes
- Fry the poppers in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which helps keep them crispy.
- Ensure the dough is not too hot when adding the egg to prevent scrambling.
- The chocolate dipping sauce can be substituted with caramel or dulce de leche for variety.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in an oven to retain crispiness.
