Mini Churros Recipe That’ll Make You Forget Store-Bought Exists

Mini Churros: Because Who Needs Self-Control Anyway?

Let me guess: You told yourself you were just browsing recipes, and now you’re three swipes deep into dessert TikTok wondering if you should deep fry something at 11 PM. Friend, you’re in the right place.

This mini churros recipe is the snack-sized solution to your sweet cravings. They’re bite-sized. They’re golden. They’re crunchy on the outside and soft inside. Basically, they’re tiny sticks of happiness, and yes, they’re dangerously easy to make. If you’ve ever paid $8 for a theme park churro that tasted like sadness and regret, these babies will be your redemption arc.

Why This Mini Churros Recipe Is the Dessert You Deserve

• Crispy, golden perfection.
• Soft and pillowy centers that taste like a warm hug.
• Dippable. Shareable. Stackable.
• You probably already have the ingredients.
• Impress your friends. Or don’t share at all. We won’t judge.
• They freeze well, so make a double batch and live your best life.

Ingredients You Need (A.K.A. Churro Magic)

• 1 cup water
• 2 1/2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating)

Substitutions?

• Gluten-free flour works fine.
• Dairy-free? Swap butter for coconut oil and use an egg replacer.

Tools & Kitchen Gadgets Used

Affiliate link heaven, coming right up:

• Heavy-bottom saucepan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Mixing bowls
• Piping bag with star tip (or a ziplock bag with the corner cut off)
• Slotted spoon
• Baking sheet + paper towels
• Tongs
• Candy thermometer (optional but ideal)

Step-by-Step Instructions (a.k.a. Your Churro Game Plan)

1. Prep Time, Baby

In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, salt, and butter. Bring to a boil like you mean it.

2. Flour Power

Once it boils, reduce heat and add flour all at once. Stir like your life depends on it. It should form a dough ball that pulls away from the sides.

3. Cool Off

Let the dough chill for about 10 minutes. You don’t want scrambled egg churros, trust me.

4. Egg-cellent

Add the egg and vanilla to your slightly cooled dough. Stir until it turns into a thick, glossy paste. It’ll look weird. Keep going.

5. Pipe It Real Good

Scoop the dough into your piping bag with a star tip. Pipe 2-inch lines onto a parchment-lined tray. Pop them in the freezer for 10 minutes so they hold their shape.

6. Fry Time

Heat oil to 350°F (get that candy thermometer out). Fry churros in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Don’t overcrowd unless you want a churro mosh pit.

7. Cinnamon Sugar Shower

Drain on paper towels, then roll in that dreamy cinnamon sugar mix while still warm. Yes, it will smell like heaven.

Calories & Nutritional Info (Per 3-4 Mini Churros)

• Calories: ~180
• Fat: 9g
• Carbs: 22g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 8g
• Fiber: 0.5g

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding the egg too soon. You’ll end up with sweet scrambled eggs. No thanks.
• Not using a star tip. That classic churro ridged shape? It’s not optional, it’s iconic.
• Skipping the chill step. Your mini churros will melt into shapeless blobs. Cute? Maybe. Tasty? Meh.
• Overcrowding the fryer. You’ll tank the oil temp and get soggy sadness instead of crisp glory.
• Rolling in sugar too late. Sugar sticks to hot churros. Timing matters.

Variations & Customizations

• Chocolate-Dipped: Melt chocolate chips and dip your churros like the royalty they are.
• Stuffed Churros: Pipe Nutella or dulce de leche inside once fried. (Yes, really.)
• Keto-Friendly: Sub almond flour and erythritol. Fry fast. Snack guilt-free.

FAQ: Mini Churros Edition

Q1: Can I bake mini churros instead of frying? Yes, but they won’t be as crispy. Bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes. Broil the last minute for extra crunch.

Q2: Can I make churros in an air fryer? Yep! Pipe onto parchment, freeze, then air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes. Still tasty.

Q3: How do I store leftover churros? Store in an airtight container for 2 days. Reheat in the oven for 5-7 minutes at 350°F.

Q4: Can I freeze mini churros? Totally. Freeze pre-fried dough or already-cooked churros. Reheat from frozen for a quick snack.

Q5: Do I need a piping bag? Not technically. You can use a ziplock bag, but you’ll lose that churro vibe.

Q6: Why are my churros hollow inside? Oil too hot! Reduce the temp to avoid overcooking the outside too fast.

Q7: What do I dip them in? Chocolate sauce, caramel, condensed milk, or cinnamon cream cheese. Or just eat them plain and glorious.

Final Thoughts

Making these mini churros is like unlocking a cheat code for joy. Once you try them fresh and warm from your kitchen, you’ll laugh at the overpriced, overhyped theme park versions.

So go on—fry up a batch, snap a pic for the ‘Gram, and try not to eat them all in one sitting. (But if you do, we totally get it.)