Get ready to fall in love with these Mexican Churros Poppers! Imagine everything you adore about classic churros—the warm, cinnamon-sugar crunch and fluffy tender interior—transformed into bite-sized, poppable delights. They’re playful, totally irresistible, and perfect for sharing (but trust me, you’ll want to keep a few just for yourself). Whether you’re hosting brunch, planning a family movie night, or just craving a sweet pick-me-up, these little treats are destined to be the highlight of your day. Dive into this recipe, and let’s bring the vibrant spirit of the fair home with the magic of Mexican Churros Poppers!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how simple, pantry-friendly ingredients can come together to make something so special. Each item plays a vital role, adding flavor, structure, or that signature churro charm your taste buds crave.
- Flour: All-purpose flour lays the foundation for your dough, giving the poppers their tender yet sturdy bite.
- Butter: Melted butter adds incredible richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth interior texture.
- Water: Simple and essential, water binds everything together and helps form the classic churro dough.
- Sugar: White granulated sugar sweetens the dough and is key for rolling the hot poppers, giving that signature sparkly crunch.
- Eggs: Eggs give the poppers a fluffy rise and ensure they hold their shape when fried.
- Salt: Just a pinch wakes up all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Ground Cinnamon: The classic churro flavor hero—aromatic, warming, and utterly necessary.
- Oil (for frying): Choose a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for crisp, golden poppers every time.
How to Make Mexican Churros Poppers
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by combining the water, butter, sugar, and salt in a saucepan and bring it just to a gentle simmer. As soon as the butter melts, stir in the flour all at once. Keep stirring vigorously—soon you’ll have a smooth, thick dough pulling away from the pan’s sides. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before adding the eggs (so you don’t end up with scrambled eggs in your churros!).
Step 2: Incorporate the Eggs
Crack in the eggs one at a time into your slightly cooled dough, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Don’t worry if it looks a bit odd at first! It’ll come together into a glossy, pipe-able dough that’s just right for making perfect Mexican Churros Poppers.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Fill a heavy-bottomed pot with at least 2 inches of neutral oil. Heat it to 350°F (175°C), using a kitchen thermometer if you have one. Proper oil temperature is crucial here: it ensures the outside turns snappy and golden while the inside stays pillowy and light!
Step 4: Pipe and Fry the Poppers
Scoop your dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (for those classic churro ridges). Pipe 1-inch dollops directly into the hot oil, slicing them off with scissors. Fry in batches, gently turning occasionally, until the poppers are deeply golden and crisp—usually about 2-3 minutes per batch.
Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Drain the poppers briefly on a paper towel, but don’t let them cool off too much! While they’re still warm, roll them generously in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. This is when your kitchen starts smelling like an authentic Mexican mercado.
How to Serve Mexican Churros Poppers
Garnishes
Try dusting your Mexican Churros Poppers with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or even a light zesting of orange peel for a fun citrusy flair. A dollop of whipped cream on the side adds a delightful creamy contrast!
Side Dishes
Turn the treat into a fiesta by serving alongside mugs of thick hot chocolate or café con leche. If you want a chilly companion, a scoop of vanilla or dulce de leche ice cream next to warm poppers is pure dessert heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your Mexican Churros Poppers high in a pretty basket lined with parchment, or thread a few onto skewers for a playful presentation. For parties, serve in paper cones or mini cupcake liners—everyone will love grabbing their own little serving of joy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If any Mexican Churros Poppers manage to survive the first round, stow them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll lose a bit of their initial crispness but will still offer wonderful cinnamon-sugar flavor.
Freezing
To keep that just-fried taste, let the poppers cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to one month. Reheat straight from the freezer when churro cravings strike!
Reheating
Restore lost crunch by warming the Mexican Churros Poppers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 6-8 minutes. Skip the microwave for this one—oven heat will revive the texture beautifully. Finish with a fresh dusting of cinnamon-sugar if you like!
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying?
You absolutely can! Pipe the dough onto a parchment-lined sheet, mist with a bit of oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until golden. While they won’t be quite as crunchy, you’ll still get fantastic flavor and less mess.
What’s the best way to keep them crispy if making ahead?
After frying, let the poppers cool fully on a wire rack (not on paper towels, which trap steam). Store loosely covered, and pop in a hot oven for a few minutes before serving to restore their crispness.
Can I add fillings to my Mexican Churros Poppers?
Yes, and it’s a delicious upgrade! Try piping in a bit of dulce de leche, Nutella, or jam using a small piping tip once they’ve cooled slightly. The poppers transform into decadent stuffed treats—like churro truffles!
Is it necessary to use a star tip for piping?
The star tip creates those classic ridges that hold onto cinnamon-sugar and become extra crisp. But if you don’t have one, a plain piping bag (or even a zip-top bag with a snipped corner) will still yield tasty results. The texture will just be a little smoother.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! This Mexican Churros Poppers recipe doubles beautifully. Just be sure to fry in batches without crowding the pot so each popper cooks evenly and stays nice and crisp.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a treat that’s equal parts fun and delicious, give Mexican Churros Poppers a spot on your must-try list. They bring instant joy to any occasion and will have friends and family begging for more—so don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to dessert!
PrintMexican Churros Poppers Recipe
These Mexican Churros Poppers are a delightful twist on the classic churros, perfect for snacking or a fun dessert. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated in cinnamon sugar, these bite-sized treats are irresistible!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 24 churros poppers 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: In a saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in flour until mixture forms a ball.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
- Fry Churros: Heat oil in a pan. Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe small amounts of dough into hot oil and fry until golden brown.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: In a bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Roll fried churros in the mixture to coat evenly.
- Serve: Enjoy these churro poppers warm and crispy!
Notes
- Make sure the oil is hot enough to fry the churros quickly and evenly.
- You can customize the coating by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne for a unique flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 churro popper
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg