Sweet Churro Donut Bites

These adorable sweet churro donut bites capture all the cinnamon-sugar magic of traditional churros but in bite-sized form that's incredibly easy to make at home. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the hassle of deep frying, these little treats deliver that authentic churro taste with minimal effort.

The first time I made these was for my niece's birthday party as a last-minute dessert option. They disappeared so quickly I had to make a second batch before the party ended. Now they're requested at every family gathering.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: creates the perfect structure for these donut bites
• Granulated sugar: provides sweetness in both the batter and coating
• Baking powder: ensures they puff up beautifully during cooking
• Ground cinnamon: adds that distinctive churro flavor both inside and on the coating
• Milk: helps create a moist tender interior
• Egg: binds everything together and adds richness
• Melted butter: enriches the batter and helps the cinnamon sugar coating stick
• Vanilla extract: provides that warm aromatic note that elevates the flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

Combine the flour sugar baking powder cinnamon and salt in a large mixing bowl. Use a whisk to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed as this prevents any bitter spots from undistributed baking powder or salt. The cinnamon in the batter gives these a distinct churro flavor throughout.

Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl whisk together the milk egg melted butter and vanilla extract until completely combined. Make sure your melted butter has cooled slightly before adding to avoid cooking the egg. The vanilla adds a wonderful aromatic quality that complements the cinnamon perfectly.

Create the Batter:

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix as this can develop too much gluten and make your donut bites tough. The batter should be thick enough to scoop and hold its shape but still soft.

Form the Donut Bites:

Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon measure form approximately 1inch balls of batter. If the batter is sticking to your scoop dip it in a little water between scoops. This size ensures they cook through completely while maintaining a tender center.

Air Fry to Perfection:

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and spray the basket lightly with cooking spray. Arrange the donut bites in a single layer leaving space between each one as they will expand. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Create the Coating:

While the donut bites are cooking mix together the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Have your melted butter ready in another bowl for brushing. Using a separate bowl for the coating makes it easier to toss without making a mess.

Apply the Coating:

While still warm brush each donut bite with melted butter on all sides. The warmth of the donuts helps the butter absorb slightly which helps the cinnamon sugar adhere better. Work quickly as the coating sticks best when the donut bites are still hot.

Toss in Cinnamon Sugar:

Immediately roll the buttered donut bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture until completely coated. Gently shake off any excess. The contrast between the warm soft interior and the sweet crunchy exterior is what makes these irresistible.

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The cinnamon is truly the star ingredient here. I discovered that adding it to both the batter and the coating creates that authentic churro flavor that transports me back to the street fairs of my childhood. My grandmother always said good cinnamon should be fragrant enough to make your kitchen smell like a bakery, and these little bites definitely accomplish that.

Oven Baking Option

If you don't have an air fryer, these donut bites bake beautifully in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Space the donut bites about an inch apart and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. The texture will be slightly different than air-fried but equally delicious with a bit more caramelization on the bottom.

Storage and Reheating

These churro donut bites are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh them, pop them in a 300°F oven or air fryer for 2-3 minutes until warm again. The cinnamon sugar coating might absorb a bit during storage, so you can give them a fresh dusting before serving if desired.

Dipping Sauce Suggestions

While these donut bites are perfect on their own, they become even more special when served with dipping sauces. Try warm chocolate ganache made with equal parts heavy cream and chocolate chips, dulce de leche for a caramel flavor, or even a simple vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. For a grown-up version, add a splash of rum or bourbon to your chocolate sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is the best way to coat the donut bites?

Brush the warm donut bites with melted butter first, then toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for even coating.

→ Can I bake instead of air frying?

Yes, you can bake these bites at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes or until golden brown.

→ How do I ensure the batter holds its shape?

Use a small scoop or spoon to form round balls and avoid overhandling the batter.

→ What dipping sauces pair well?

Chocolate, caramel, or even a vanilla glaze are great options for dipping these bites.

→ Can I store leftovers and reheat them?

Yes, store them in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes to regain crispness.