Finding a dessert that’s both easy to make and irresistible is no small feat, but these Sweet Churro Donut Bites hit the mark perfectly. With just a few basic pantry ingredients and no deep frying involved, these cinnamon-sugar coated treats are ready in just 45 minutes. Whether you’re in need of an after-school snack, a party treat, or simply something sweet to enjoy with your favorite drink, these churro donut bites will become a fast favorite!
Why You’ll Love These Churro Donut Bites
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Quick and Easy: These churro donut bites come together in just 45 minutes, making them perfect for busy days when you need a sweet treat without the hassle of complicated baking techniques.
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No Deep Frying: Unlike traditional churros, these donut bites are baked, making them a healthier and less messy option for your family.
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Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, like flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter.
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Perfect for Sharing: Bite-sized and perfect for parties, potlucks, or just as a fun after-school snack. The cinnamon-sugar coating and chocolate drizzle make them look fancy with minimal effort!
Ingredients
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Plain flour (all-purpose flour)
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Baking powder
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Milk (whole, 2%, or plant-based milk like almond or oat)
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Vanilla extract (or any other vanilla form like bean paste)
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Butter (melted, for the batter and coating)
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Granulated sugar
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Ground cinnamon (for the cinnamon-sugar coating)
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Chocolate (your choice of milk, dark, or white)
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Heavy cream (or plant-based cream for the drizzle)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or spray a mini muffin tin or donut hole pan with non-stick spray.
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Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the plain flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine until you achieve a thick, cake-batter-like consistency (not too runny, but it should drop slowly from a spoon).
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Fill the Pan: Spoon the batter into each muffin cavity or donut hole tin, filling each one about 2/3 full to allow for the dough to rise during baking. Don’t overfill!
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Bake: Bake the donut bites for about 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden. Let them cool for a few minutes.
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Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: While the donut bites cool, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
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Coat the Donut Bites: While the donut bites are still warm (but not hot), brush them with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are coated evenly.
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Make the Chocolate Drizzle: For the drizzle, melt your chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in short 20-second bursts, stirring frequently. Once melted, stir in the heavy cream to make a smooth, glossy drizzle.
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Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cinnamon-sugar-coated donut bites and serve immediately while still warm.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: About 12 donut bites
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
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Flavor Variations: Add a bit of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a unique twist.
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Chocolate Swap: You can substitute the chocolate drizzle with a caramel drizzle or even a fruit syrup for a fresh take.
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Add-ins: Fold mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit into the batter before baking for extra texture.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: These churro donut bites are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture and keep them from getting too soft.
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Make Ahead: You can mix the dry ingredients and store them in a sealed container for up to a week. When you’re ready to bake, just add the wet ingredients and continue with the recipe.
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Warm Up: To bring back that fresh-made taste, pop the donut bites in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. You might need to roll them in a fresh cinnamon-sugar mix afterward to restore their signature coating. Keep in mind that the chocolate drizzle will get a bit melty when reheated.
FAQs
Can I use self-raising flour instead of plain flour?
Yes, you can use self-raising flour instead of plain flour, but be sure to omit the baking powder from the recipe, as the self-raising flour already contains it.
What type of milk should I use?
Any type of milk will work! Full-fat milk will provide the richest taste, but you can use 2% or plant-based milk options like almond or oat milk for a lighter version.
How do I ensure the batter has the right consistency?
To get the perfect consistency, add the milk gradually and stop when the batter drops slowly from a spoon, similar to cake batter thickness. It shouldn’t be too runny or too thick.
Can I make these churro bites without a donut hole pan?
Yes! You can use a mini muffin tin or even shape the dough into small balls and bake them on a regular baking sheet, just keep in mind they won’t have the donut hole shape.
How can I make these churro bites without butter?
You can swap the butter for neutral-flavored oil in the batter. For the topping, stick with butter as it helps the cinnamon-sugar adhere to the donut bites.
How long can I store these churro donut bites?
These donut bites are best consumed within 1-2 days for the freshest taste. After that, they will still be edible but might lose some of their crunch and flavor.
Can I freeze churro donut bites?
It’s not recommended to freeze these after they’re coated with cinnamon-sugar, as the coating will soften. However, you can freeze the uncoated, baked donut bites, and when you’re ready to serve them, reheat in the oven and coat them in fresh cinnamon-sugar.
What should I serve these churro donut bites with?
These churro donut bites pair beautifully with hot chocolate, coffee, or a cold glass of milk. You can also serve them with fresh berries for a contrast in flavor.
How do I prevent the donut bites from sticking to the pan?
Ensure you lightly grease the pan with non-stick spray or butter before filling the cavities. If you don’t have a donut hole pan, a mini muffin tin works just as well!
Can I add more cinnamon to the batter?
Absolutely! If you love cinnamon, feel free to add an extra teaspoon to the batter for an added spice kick.
Conclusion
Sweet Churro Donut Bites are the ultimate treat for those moments when you want something delicious but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and an easy baking process, these bite-sized delights are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, as a snack, or alongside your favorite drink, they’re sure to be a hit. Make them today and enjoy the warm, cinnamon-sugar goodness!
Print
Sweet Churro Donut Bites
- Total Time: 35-45 minutes
Description
These Sweet Churro Donut Bites are a quick and easy dessert that combines all the warm, cinnamon-sugar goodness of churros with the ease of a baked donut. Ready in just 45 minutes, no deep frying required! These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, potlucks, or after-school snacks. With a chocolate drizzle for an extra touch, they’re sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
For the Donut Bites:
1 ½ cups (180g) plain flour (all-purpose flour)
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
⅓ cup (75g) granulated sugar
½ cup (120ml) milk (any type)
2 tablespoons (30g) melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons (28g) melted butter (for coating)
For the Chocolate Drizzle (optional):
½ cup (90g) chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white)
2 tablespoons (30ml) cream (or milk/coconut cream)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Donut Bites Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut hole pan or mini muffin tin (if you don’t have a donut pan, mini muffin tins work great).
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and sugar.
In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter should be thick but still spoonable.
Step 2: Fill and Bake the Donut Bites
Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
Once baked, allow the donut bites to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan.
Step 3: Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar
In a shallow bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
Brush each donut bite with the melted butter and immediately roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well-coated.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Drizzle (Optional)
Place chocolate chips and cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Drizzle the melted chocolate over the coated donut bites.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Churro Donut Bites immediately while they are still warm, paired with a glass of milk or your favorite hot drink.
Notes
Batter Consistency: Be careful not to over-mix the batter, as it can lead to dense donut bites. Stir until just combined.
Substitutions: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk or even non-dairy alternatives.
Add-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips or small pieces of nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Storage Instructions:
Keep Fresh: These churro donut bites are best enjoyed warm, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For freshness, place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture.
Reheat: Reheat for 10-15 seconds in the microwave. Freshen up the cinnamon-sugar coating with a quick roll if desired.
Make Ahead: The dry ingredients can be mixed and stored in a sealed container for up to a week, so you can prepare ahead and mix in the wet ingredients when ready.
FAQ:
Can I use different flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can use self-raising flour, but skip the baking powder. Make sure to use plain flour for the best texture!
Can I freeze these churro donut bites?
While filled donuts don’t freeze well due to the cream, the unfilled donut bites can be frozen before coating. Freeze the unfilled bites on a sheet pan, then transfer to a bag or container for storage. Thaw, warm, and then coat with cinnamon-sugar before serving!
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert