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These irresistible sweet churro donut bites combine the beloved flavors of churros with the comfort of homemade donuts, creating a treat that's perfect for weekend brunches or special desserts. The cinnamon-sugar coating delivers that authentic churro experience while the chocolate drizzle adds an indulgent finishing touch that makes these impossible to resist.
I first made these when my niece and nephew visited for the weekend, looking for a special breakfast treat that would impress them. The kitchen filled with the aroma of cinnamon and sugar, and they've requested these donut bites during every visit since. The look of delight on their faces when they bite into the warm cinnamon-sugar coating is worth every minute of preparation.
Ingredients
- Plain flour: Forms the foundation of these donuts creating the perfect soft but sturdy texture
- Granulated sugar: Provides just the right amount of sweetness in the batter
- Ground cinnamon: Gives that classic churro flavor profile throughout the donut
- Baking powder: Ensures your donuts rise beautifully in the oven
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the batter
- Milk: Creates moisture and tenderness in the finished product
- Vanilla essence: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the sweetness
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create that melt in your mouth texture
- Cinnamon sugar coating: Gives that authentic churro crunch and flavor
- Chocolate and cream: For the ganache adds a decadent finishing touch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl, whisking to remove any lumps and ensure even distribution of the leavening agents. In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk the eggs until slightly frothy before adding the milk, vanilla, and melted butter. The butter must be cooled to prevent cooking the eggs. Whisk until the mixture looks uniform with a slight glossiness.
- Create the Batter:
- Pour about one-third of the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just incorporated. Continue adding the remaining dry ingredients in two more batches, being careful not to overmix. The final batter should be smooth, pourable, and about the consistency of thick pancake batter. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flour to fully hydrate.
- Bake the Donuts:
- If using a DIY donut tin, carefully spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared molds, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising. Tap the tin gently on the counter to remove air bubbles. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, checking at the 18-minute mark. The donuts should spring back when lightly touched and appear golden around the edges. Allow them to cool in the tin for exactly 5 minutes too short and they may break, too long and they might stick.
- Prepare the Topping:
- While the donuts are cooling, melt the quarter cup of butter in a microwave-safe bowl using 15-second intervals, stirring between each until completely melted but not hot. In a separate shallow bowl, thoroughly mix the sugar and cinnamon until no streaks remain. The sugar mixture should be spread out in the bowl to make coating easier.
- Make the Chocolate Ganache:
- For the most decadent ganache, chop the chocolate into small, even pieces to ensure smooth melting. Heat the cream until just before boiling, then pour over the chocolate. Let it sit for 1 minute before stirring gently from the center outward until completely smooth and glossy. If needed, return to low heat or microwave in 10-second bursts to complete melting.
- Assemble the Donuts:
- Working with one donut at a time, brush every surface with melted butter using a pastry brush. Immediately roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage. Once all donuts are coated, place them on a wire rack with parchment paper underneath. Dip the top half of each donut into the slightly cooled ganache, allowing excess to drip off before placing back on the rack.
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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the contrast between the warm cinnamon sugar coating and the rich chocolate ganache. The first time I made these for my family gathering, my grandmother declared they reminded her of the churros she enjoyed as a child in Spain, which made the recipe instantly special to all of us.
Make-Ahead Options
These donut bites offer several convenient make-ahead possibilities. The batter can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container. When ready to bake, bring the batter to room temperature for about 30 minutes and stir gently before using. For fully baked donuts, you can prepare them without the toppings up to two days ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature, then warm slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds before applying the butter, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate when ready to serve.
Creative Variations
While the traditional cinnamon sugar coating is delicious, these versatile donut bites welcome numerous creative variations. Try an orange-infused chocolate ganache by adding orange zest to the cream before heating. For a nutty twist, fold finely chopped toasted hazelnuts or almonds into the cinnamon sugar mixture. During fall, incorporate a pinch of pumpkin spice into the batter and topping. For special occasions, add colorful sprinkles to the wet chocolate ganache or drizzle with white chocolate for a festive appearance.
Serving Suggestions
Transform these delightful donut bites into a spectacular dessert by creating a donut sundae. Place warm donut bites in a bowl, top with quality vanilla ice cream, and drizzle with additional warm chocolate sauce. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit and hot coffee or Mexican hot chocolate for an authentic pairing. These donut bites also make charming additions to dessert platters for parties when cut into quarters and arranged with other bite-sized treats.
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These donut bites are an easy yet impressive treat that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these churro donut bites without a donut pan?
Yes! If you don't have a donut pan, you can create a DIY version using a muffin tin lined with foil. Shape the foil to create a center hole, or simply make these as mini muffins/donut holes instead of traditional donut shapes.
- → How do I store leftover churro donut bites?
Store any leftover donut bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. The cinnamon sugar coating may absorb moisture over time, so they're best enjoyed fresh.
- → Can I freeze these churro donut bites?
Yes, you can freeze the baked donut bites before adding the butter, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate coating. Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then add the toppings fresh before serving.
- → Can I make these churro donut bites dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with almond, soy, or oat milk, and use a plant-based butter alternative. For the chocolate drizzle, use dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut cream instead of regular cream.
- → What's the best way to coat the donut bites in cinnamon sugar?
For the most even coating, brush each donut completely with melted butter while they're still slightly warm (not hot). Then immediately roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, gently pressing to help the coating adhere. You may need to shake off excess sugar.
- → Can I add other flavors to the churro donut bites?
Yes! Consider adding orange or lemon zest to the batter for a citrus twist. You could also incorporate spices like nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar coating. For the chocolate drizzle, try adding a pinch of chili powder for a Mexican-inspired flavor profile.