If you have a sweet tooth and love a fun, crunchy treat, then this Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Churros Poppers with Chocolate Dipping Sauce Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These golden bites are perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and slightly doughy on the inside, then generously coated with a fragrant cinnamon sugar blend. Paired with a velvety chocolate dipping sauce, they are the ultimate indulgence to brighten any day. Whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking a few as a secret snack, these churros poppers deliver crave-worthy sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, which makes the process as approachable as it is delicious. Each one plays a critical role: from the flour creating the perfect dough texture, to the cinnamon and sugar bringing unmistakable warmth and sweetness, and the chocolate sauce adding that irresistible finishing touch.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base to give the churros poppers their tender but structured bite.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to the dough itself.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the dough puff slightly for a light interior.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup water: The liquid that brings the dough together into a smooth batter.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and keeps the dough moist.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a subtle, comforting aroma.
- 1 egg: Binds the dough and contributes to its luscious texture.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Essential for achieving that irresistible crispy exterior.
- 1/2 cup sugar: For coating the churros poppers after frying, creating a sweet crust.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice to the sugar coating.
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate): For melting into a dreamy dipping sauce.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Creates a smooth, rich ganache when mixed with the chocolate chips.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the dipping sauce with a sweet finish.
How to Make Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Churros Poppers with Chocolate Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by heating the water, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Keep an eye on it as the butter melts completely and the mixture starts to simmer—this is your cue to remove from heat. Quickly stir in the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until the dough forms a smooth ball. This simple base is what makes your poppers delightfully tender yet firm enough to hold their shape.
Step 2: Incorporate the Egg
Let the dough cool for several minutes to avoid scrambling the egg, then stir in the egg thoroughly until fully blended. The dough’s texture should be thick but slightly sticky, primed for frying. This step adds that necessary richness and elasticity to the churros poppers.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour a generous amount of vegetable oil into a deep pot or heavy frying pan to reach 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). To test if it’s ready, drop a tiny piece of dough into the oil; it should sizzle immediately and float to the top. This ensures your poppers will fry quickly to the perfect crispy golden brown.
Step 4: Shape and Fry the Poppers
Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, carefully drop tablespoons of dough into the hot oil. Work in batches to prevent overcrowding, as this helps maintain the oil temperature for crispiness. Fry each batch for 2 to 3 minutes until the poppers puff up and turn a gorgeous golden color. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While still warm, roll each churros popper in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon until well coated. The heat helps the cinnamon sugar adhere beautifully, creating that signature sweet and spicy crust that makes these poppers so addictive.
Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Dipping Sauce
Warm the heavy cream on the stove over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling, then remove from heat. Stir in the chocolate chips and vanilla extract until the chocolate melts completely and the sauce is silky and smooth. This luscious sauce is the perfect counterpart to the crunchy churros poppers.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange your Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Churros Poppers with Chocolate Dipping Sauce Recipe on a platter while still warm. Serve alongside the rich chocolate sauce. The combo of textures and flavors makes for an unforgettable treat that everyone will rave about.
How to Serve Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Churros Poppers with Chocolate Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top for a little more crunch and spice, or dust lightly with powdered sugar for a delicate sweetness. For a fun twist, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne to the cinnamon sugar coating to bring a subtle kick that pairs wunderbar with the chocolate sauce.
Side Dishes
Serve these poppers alongside a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to contrast the warm, crispy churros. A cup of rich Mexican hot chocolate or a bold coffee can also elevate this snack into a heartwarming dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by threading the churros poppers on skewers for easy dipping and sharing at parties. You can even build a fun dessert board with bowls of dipping sauces – think caramel, berry coulis, or peanut butter sauce alongside the classic chocolate dip. Presentation is part of the fun and makes these poppers an instant hit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your churros poppers crispy for later, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Avoid refrigeration as the moisture can make them soggy. Reheat thoughtfully for the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, freeze the fried poppers on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag for up to one month. This way, you can enjoy your Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Churros Poppers with Chocolate Dipping Sauce Recipe anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or leftover churros poppers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them chewy or soggy.
FAQs
Can I bake the churros poppers instead of frying?
While frying gives the poppers their signature crispy crust, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. They won’t be quite as golden or crunchy, but still tasty!
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but results may slightly vary in texture. It’s best to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for better structure.
Can I make the chocolate dipping sauce dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap heavy cream for canned coconut milk or any dairy-free creamer and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a delicious vegan version.
How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?
The easiest way is to drop a small piece of dough into the hot oil. If it bubbles vigorously and floats to the surface quickly without burning, the oil is ready for frying.
Can I use other spices besides cinnamon for coating?
Definitely! Try mixing sugar with nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice for different flavor profiles. The key is balancing sweetness with the warm spices you love.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Churros Poppers with Chocolate Dipping Sauce Recipe enough for anyone looking to brighten up snack time or dessert hour. They bring pure joy with every bite, marrying delightful textures and rich flavors that feel like a little celebration. Trust me, once you try making these poppers, they will be a repeat guest in your kitchen. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and dive into this scrumptious, crispy treat today!
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Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Churros Poppers with Chocolate Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish
Description
Churros Poppers are bite-sized, crispy fried dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar, served warm with a rich and smooth chocolate dipping sauce. This delightful treat combines the classic flavors of churros with the convenience of poppers, making it perfect for sharing or serving at parties.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 2-3 inches deep)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Chocolate Dipping Sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture begins to simmer. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until the dough comes together and becomes smooth.
- Add the egg: Allow the dough to cool for a few minutes so it does not cook the egg. Then add the egg and stir vigorously until fully incorporated. The dough should be thick, pliable, and slightly sticky, perfect for frying.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot or frying pan to a depth of about 2-3 inches and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Test the temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil; it should sizzle and float to the surface promptly.
- Shape the poppers: Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, carefully drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each batch for 2-3 minutes until the poppers turn golden brown and become crispy on the outside.
- Drain and coat: Remove the fried churros poppers using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, roll each popper in the cinnamon sugar mixture until thoroughly coated.
- Prepare the dipping sauce (optional): In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips and vanilla extract until the chocolate melts completely and the sauce is smooth and glossy.
- Serve: Serve the churros poppers warm alongside the chocolate dipping sauce. Enjoy the crispy, cinnamon-sugared poppers dipped in luscious chocolate for a perfect treat.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F for even frying and crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan during frying to prevent the poppers from clumping and to maintain oil temperature.
- The dipping sauce can be prepared ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use a flax egg.
- These poppers are best served fresh while crispy but can be reheated briefly to regain crunch.
