Delicious Baked Churro Bites (Crowd-Pleasing Recipe)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me all the churro flavor I crave, but in a healthier and simpler baked form. There’s no splattering oil or frying mess—just a quick bake and a generous cinnamon-sugar toss. These bites are perfect for entertaining, fun to make with kids, and easy to serve as finger food or a sweet snack anytime.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Whole milk

• Butter

• Granulated sugar

• Egg

• Vanilla extract

• Ground cinnamon (for coating)

• Melted butter (for brushing before coating)

directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.

2. In a mixing bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another bowl, I mix the milk, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla until well combined.

4. I stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until a soft batter forms.

5. I spoon the batter into the mini muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.

6. I bake for 12–15 minutes, until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

7. While the bites bake, I mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.

8. Once out of the oven, I brush each bite with melted butter and roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

9. I serve them warm, optionally with a side of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 churro bites. It takes 10 minutes to prep and 12–15 minutes to bake, so I have them ready to serve in under 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I fill them with a bit of Nutella or dulce de leche before baking by adding a small dollop into the center of the batter. I’ve also made a cream cheese-stuffed version by mixing a sweetened cream cheese filling and piping it into the center after baking. For a festive touch, I occasionally sprinkle a little orange zest or pumpkin spice into the cinnamon sugar mix.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them tasting fresh, I reheat them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or in the microwave for just 10–15 seconds. I don’t recommend refrigerating, as they can lose their texture.

FAQs

Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of a mini one?

Yes, I just bake them a little longer—about 18–20 minutes—and they’ll come out more like churro muffins.

Can I make these ahead of time?

I bake the bites ahead and warm them slightly before serving, then coat them in cinnamon sugar right before bringing them to the table.

Do I have to brush with butter before the sugar coating?

Yes, the butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick and gives that classic churro flavor. I don’t skip it.

Can I freeze baked churro bites?

Yes, I freeze them without the cinnamon sugar coating, then reheat and coat just before serving.

What can I dip them in?

I like dipping them in chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or a sweet cream cheese dip—whatever I’m in the mood for.

Conclusion

These Baked Churro Bites are a total crowd-pleaser and one of my favorite go-to treats when I want something sweet, easy, and shareable. They’ve got all the charm of classic churros with none of the fuss. Whether I’m making them for a party or just because, they’re always a hit.