Eggless Churro Bites Recipe | Crispy, Cinnamon-Sugar Treats!

Eggless Churro Bites

There’s something irresistible about a warm, cinnamon-sugar churro—crisp on the outside, tender within, and perfumed with vanilla and spice. These Eggless Churro Bites bring all that joy in small, snackable pieces you can share (or keep all to yourself). They’re simple to make, wonderfully comforting, and easy to customize with dips and toppings. If you’ve ever wanted the churro shop experience at home—no eggs required—you’re in the right place.

Table of contents
  1. Reasons You’ll Fall for These Eggless Churro Bites
  2. What You’ll Need: Ingredients with Purpose
  3. Your Roadmap: A Clear, Step-by-Step Method
  4. Practical Timing & Prep Notes
  5. Helpful Pointers for the Best Results
  6. Nutrition at a Glance
  7. Your Questions, Answered
    1. Can I make these completely vegan?
    2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
    3. Can I bake them instead of frying?
  8. Parting Notes: A Sweet Bite to Share

Reasons You’ll Fall for These Eggless Churro Bites

These churro bites are everything you want in a cozy treat: crisp, golden edges with soft interiors and a generous coat of cinnamon sugar that clings to every ridge. Because the dough is naturally egg-free, the texture is light without being cakey, and the process is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll pipe bite-sized pieces straight into hot oil, toss them in cinnamon sugar while still warm, and watch them disappear quickly. They’re perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or a weekend baking project with kids. Plus, the recipe includes tips for baking or air-frying if you prefer a lighter approach.

What You’ll Need: Ingredients with Purpose

  • All-purpose flour (2 cups / 250 g) – Provides structure and bite; the base of the dough.
  • Baking powder (1 teaspoon) – Lends a bit of lift and lightness to the centers.
  • Fine sea salt (1/2 teaspoon) – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
  • Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon, for the dough) – Optional, but helps gentle browning and adds a hint of sweetness.
  • Water (1 cup / 240 ml) – Hydrates the flour and creates a pliable dough when heated.
  • Milk or plant milk (2 tablespoons / 30 ml) – Adds richness and a more tender interior; use water if you prefer ultra-traditional.
  • Unsalted butter or neutral oil (3 tablespoons) – Supplies fat for tenderness and flavor; use oil for a dairy-free version.
  • Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – Subtle aromatic warmth that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
  • Neutral oil for frying (about 4 cups / 1 liter) – Peanut, canola, or sunflower oil with a high smoke point keeps the bites crisp and clean-tasting.

For the cinnamon-sugar coating:

  • Granulated sugar (3/4 cup) – Classic coating that gives churros their signature sparkle and crunch.
  • Ground cinnamon (2–3 teaspoons) – Fragrant spice that defines a churro’s identity.
  • Pinch of fine salt – Makes the cinnamon pop and keeps the sweetness balanced.

Optional chocolate dipping sauce:

  • Dark chocolate, chopped (100 g) – Melts into a silky sauce and adds a touch of bitterness for contrast.
  • Heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (1/2 cup) – Creates a luscious, glossy finish.
  • Vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon – Rounds out the flavor and ties it to the churro’s spice.

Your Roadmap: A Clear, Step-by-Step Method

  1. Mix the coating first. In a shallow bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Set next to a wire rack lined with paper towels so you can coat the churros while they’re still warm.
  2. Set up for piping. Fit a piping bag with a large open star tip (such as 1M or 2D). The ridges help the churros cook evenly and latch onto the cinnamon sugar. No piping bag? A zip-top bag with a corner snipped off works, though the ridges will be minimal.
  3. Whisk dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and the tablespoon of sugar (if using). This ensures even distribution and prevents lumps.
  4. Heat liquids and fat. In a saucepan, combine the water, milk (or extra water), and butter or oil. Warm over medium heat until the butter melts and the liquid reaches a gentle simmer. You don’t want a rolling boil—just enough heat to hydrate the flour properly.
  5. Form the dough. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Add the dry ingredients all at once. Using a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula, stir vigorously until the dough comes together. Return the pan to low heat and cook the dough for about 1 minute, pressing it against the sides of the pan to “dry” it slightly. The dough should be soft, cohesive, and pull away cleanly from the sides.
  6. Rest briefly. Transfer the dough to a bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes. It should still be warm and workable, but not so hot that it melts your piping bag. If the dough feels too stiff to pipe, knead in 1–2 tablespoons of hot water until pliable.
  7. Heat the oil. Pour neutral oil into a deep, heavy pot to a depth of about 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm). Heat to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop in a small pinch of dough; it should bubble steadily and rise to the surface within a few seconds—not burn rapidly or sink without bubbling.
  8. Pipe and fry in batches. Spoon the warm dough into your piping bag. Carefully pipe 1-inch (2.5 cm) lengths directly into the hot oil, snipping with kitchen scissors to cut each piece. Fry 8–10 bites at a time for 2–3 minutes, turning once, until deeply golden and crisp. Avoid overcrowding to keep the oil temperature steady.
  9. Drain and coat. Use a slotted spoon to lift the bites onto the paper towel-lined rack for a few seconds, then tumble them immediately into the cinnamon sugar. Toss until each bite is fully coated. Repeat with the remaining dough, monitoring the oil temperature and allowing it to reheat between batches if needed.
  10. Optional: make a quick chocolate dip. Warm the cream (or coconut milk) until steaming, then pour over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 1 minute, then whisk until smooth. Stir in vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon. Serve warm.
  11. Enjoy while warm. Churro bites are at their very best fresh out of the sugar bowl—crisp, fragrant, and comforting.

Practical Timing & Prep Notes

Plan on about 35–45 minutes from start to finish:

  • Prep time: 15–20 minutes to measure, make the dough, and set up your frying station.
  • Frying and coating: 15–20 minutes, depending on batch size and your pot’s capacity.
  • Resting: A brief 5-minute dough rest is enough to make piping easier.

If you’d rather bake or air-fry, add a few extra minutes:

  • Baked option: Pipe onto a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden. Brush lightly with melted butter (or oil) and roll in cinnamon sugar right away.
  • Air-fryer option: Spray the basket and the piped dough lightly with oil. Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, turning once for even color. Brush with butter/oil and coat in cinnamon sugar while warm.

When are they ready? Your churro bites are ready to enjoy as soon as they’re coated and cool enough to handle—still warm, crisp, and fragrant.

Helpful Pointers for the Best Results

  • Keep the dough warm and soft. Eggless dough can firm up as it cools. If it becomes hard to pipe, knead in a spoonful of hot water to restore pliability.
  • Use a star tip for signature ridges. Ridges maximize surface area, promoting even frying and better cinnamon-sugar adhesion.
  • Mind the oil temperature. 350°F (175°C) is the sweet spot. Too cool, and bites absorb oil; too hot, and the exteriors brown before the centers cook.
  • Toss in sugar immediately. The warmth helps the coating cling beautifully. If they cool, the sugar won’t stick as well.
  • Start with small test pieces. Fry two or three test bites first to check texture and timing. Adjust heat or dough softness before committing to a full batch.
  • Flavor upgrades. Add orange zest, cardamom, or a pinch of nutmeg to the sugar for a fun twist. A touch of espresso powder in the chocolate dip is also lovely.
  • Make them dairy-free. Swap butter for neutral oil and use plant milk (or water). The results are still crisp and delicious.
  • Serving ideas. Pair with chocolate ganache, dulce de leche, salted caramel, or a simple vanilla custard (egg-free) for dipping.

Nutrition at a Glance

Approximate per serving (about 1/6 of the batch, roughly 6–8 bites, without dip):

  • Calories: ~310
  • Protein: ~4 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~44 g
  • Total fat: ~15 g
  • Saturated fat: ~4 g
  • Fiber: ~1 g
  • Sugars: ~16 g
  • Sodium: ~140 mg

Values will vary based on oil absorption, coating amounts, and specific ingredients. Air-frying or baking can reduce fat slightly, especially if you go light on the butter brush before coating.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I make these completely vegan?

Yes. Use plant milk (or extra water) and swap butter for neutral oil. The dough fries and browns beautifully without any dairy or eggs.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You can pipe the dough onto parchment-lined trays and freeze until firm, then store in bags for up to 1 month. Fry from frozen at 350°F (175°C), adding 30–60 seconds to the cooking time, and coat in cinnamon sugar while still warm.

Can I bake them instead of frying?

Absolutely. Pipe onto a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden. Brush with melted butter or oil and roll in cinnamon sugar while warm. The texture will be lighter and less crisp than fried, but still delightful.

Parting Notes: A Sweet Bite to Share

There’s a special kind of joy in setting down a warm bowl of cinnamon-sugar churro bites and seeing everyone light up. They invite you to slow down, savor, and share. With a few pantry staples and some simple steps, you’ll create a treat that feels celebratory on any day of the week. Whether you go classic with chocolate dip or give them a personal twist, these Eggless Churro Bites prove that comfort and creativity can fit in the palm of your hand. Enjoy the process, enjoy the aromas, and enjoy every last bite.

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