There’s something special about Crispy Churro Bites with Nutella the way the warm sugar and cinnamon scent drifts through the kitchen and makes everyone wander in for a taste. These little rounds of fried dough are simple, playful, and just a bit magical. They are perfect for a cozy night in, a weekend treat, or a quick dessert that turns an ordinary day into something memorable.
If you’ve enjoyed similar treats before, you might like this easy version that keeps the best texture and flavor while staying beginner friendly. If you’re brand new to frying or working with choux-style dough, don’t worry. Clara is right beside you. With a little patience and a few clear steps, you’ll end up with crisp outsides, tender centers, and Nutella-ready dips. For another take on a homemade dip-and-bite dessert, you can peek at this recipe for homemade churro bites to see how small changes make big differences.
Why You’ll Love Making This Crispy Churro Bites with Nutella
These Crispy Churro Bites with Nutella are simple to make, wildly satisfying, and great for sharing. The recipe uses pantry staples, moves quickly from stovetop to fryer, and rewards a little attention with a lot of crunchy, sugary goodness.
You’ll love that:
- The batter comes together fast in one pan.
- Each bite is perfectly crisp outside and tender inside.
- Dipping in Nutella makes each mouthful comforting and fun.
- It’s a great recipe to make with kids or friends everyone can help roll and dip.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Crispy Churro Bites with Nutella
“Cooking isn’t about perfection. It’s about enjoying every delicious step.”
Overview: We’ll make a choux-like dough, pipe or spoon small rounds into hot oil, then toss them in a cinnamon-sugar mix. Work in a calm rhythm: heat, mix, cool a bit, add eggs, fry, and coat. Keep your tools close and your attention gentle. Below is the concise step list. After that, I’ll walk you through tips and sensory checks so you can feel confident.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crispy Churro Bites with Nutella
1 cup water use filtered water if your tap is very chlorinated.
1/2 cup unsalted butter use real butter for rich flavor, not margarine.
1 cup all-purpose flour spoon into the cup and level off for accuracy.
1/4 teaspoon salt balances the sweet and enhances the flavor.
1 teaspoon sugar helps with a light browning and subtle sweetness.
3 large eggs room temperature eggs mix in more smoothly.
Vegetable oil for frying choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
1 cup sugar (for coating) superfine or regular both work well.
1 tablespoon cinnamon (for coating) fresh ground cinnamon gives better aroma.
Nutella (for dipping) warm slightly for easy dipping, or serve at room temp.
If you want a lighter oven-baked option later, check out this variation at Healthy Baked Churro Bites for ideas that cut back on frying. For a savory pairing on the table, some folks love serving churro bites alongside small roasted bites like these garlic butter beef bites with potatoes, which is a fun contrast when you want sweet and savory.
Directions: Cooking with Confidence
- In a saucepan, bring water, butter, salt, and sugar to a boil.
- Add flour and stir until a dough forms.
- Remove from heat and let cool for a minute.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot.
- Pipe small circles of dough into the hot oil, frying until golden brown.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Combine sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and roll the churro bites in this mixture.
- Serve warm with Nutella for dipping.
That list keeps the core steps clear. Now let’s expand on each one so you really know what to watch for and how to adjust.
- In a saucepan, bring water, butter, salt, and sugar to a boil.
- Use medium heat so the butter melts evenly and the water reaches a full boil. You want steam rising and the mixture to look smooth and homogenous. The small sugar amount helps with the final color and flavor.
- Add flour and stir until a dough forms.
- As soon as you add the flour, reduce the heat slightly and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula. The dough will initially clump and then pull away from the pan into a smooth ball. That’s the sign you’re done in this step. Stir for about 1 to 2 minutes to cook off a bit of the raw flour taste.
- Remove from heat and let cool for a minute.
- Cooling slightly keeps the eggs from cooking when you add them. One minute off the heat is usually enough, but if the dough still feels very hot, wait another 30 seconds. The dough should be warm, not hot, when you start incorporating eggs.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth.
- Crack eggs into a small bowl first. Add the first egg and beat it in fully until the dough returns to a smooth, glossy texture. Then add the second, then the third. The dough should look like thick pipeable paste, not runny. If it seems too loose, a touch more flour can help; too stiff and a splash of water will loosen it.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot.
- Heat your oil to around 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test with a small drop of dough: it should sizzle on contact and rise to the surface fairly quickly. Use a heavy-bottomed pot and don’t fill it more than half full. Keep children and pets away when frying.
- Pipe small circles of dough into the hot oil, frying until golden brown.
- Use a piping bag fitted with a round tip or a zip bag with a corner snipped off. Hold the bag close to the oil and squeeze small rounds, about 1-inch wide. You can also spoon the dough into the oil if you don’t pipe. Fry in small batches so the temperature stays steady. Turn the bites once so they brown evenly. They take roughly 2 to 4 minutes per batch, depending on size.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer churro bites to paper towels. Let excess oil drain before moving to the sugar. A quick transfer helps keep the coating dry and crisp.
- Combine sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and roll the churro bites in this mixture.
- While they are still warm, toss the bites in the cinnamon-sugar so it adheres. If you like a richer coating, melt a touch of butter to brush on first, then roll in sugar. Keep the coating bowl large enough to shake the bites around gently.
- Serve warm with Nutella for dipping.
- Warm the Nutella slightly so it’s easy to dip. A quick 10-second zap in the microwave or a warm water bath will loosen it. Serve the bites on a plate with a small bowl of Nutella and a spoon for spreading. Enjoy immediately for the best contrast between crunch and creamy dip.
How to Serve Crispy Churro Bites with Nutella and Make It Shine
Presentation makes food feel special. Arrange your churro bites on a shallow plate or wooden board. Pile them in a small mound and place a ramekin of warmed Nutella in the center for dipping. A light dusting of extra cinnamon-sugar just before serving keeps the crust sparkle fresh.
For a simple garnish, add a few fresh berries or a sprig of mint to the plate. If you’re serving to kids, provide small skewers or toothpicks so they can dip without losing their grip. For a grown-up twist, serve Nutella alongside a cup of strong coffee or a small glass of spiced hot chocolate.
If you want a slightly different dip, try melted dark chocolate with a pinch of sea salt, or a simple caramel sauce. For a lighter approach, plain Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey pairs nicely. The goal is to match textures and complement the sweet, warm churro.
How to Store Crispy Churro Bites with Nutella for Later
Churro bites are best fresh, but you can store them carefully if you need to. Place cooled bites in an airtight container in a single layer, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep the container at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
To reheat and bring back some crunch, preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bites on a baking sheet and heat for 5 to 8 minutes until warmed through and the exterior crisps again. Avoid the microwave for reheating if you want crispness; it makes them soft.
Nutella can be stored at room temperature in its jar. For serving after storing, warm the Nutella gently in a small bowl set over warm water or for a few seconds in the microwave until spreadable.
If you need to freeze them, flash-freeze the cooled churro bites on a tray for an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 8 to 12 minutes, checking occasionally so they do not overbrown.
Clara’s Tips for Success
- Control your oil temperature. If the oil is too hot, the outside browns before the inside cooks. If it is too cool, the bites absorb oil and become greasy. Aim for 350°F to 375°F. Use a thermometer for best results.
- Let the dough cool just enough before adding eggs. If the dough is too hot, the eggs can scramble. If it’s too cool, the dough can be hard to mix. Warm, not hot, is the right feel.
- Pipe evenly sized bites. Even sizing helps them cook at the same rate. Use the same pressure and distance when piping, or use a small cookie scoop if piping feels tricky.
- Work in small batches when frying. Crowding the pot lowers oil temperature and leads to uneven frying. Two to three dozen bites is a manageable batch for most home cooks.
- Keep coatings ready and work quickly. Cinnamon-sugar sticks best when bites are warm. Have your sugar mix and Nutella warmed slightly before the first batch comes out of the oil.
Simple Variations to Try
- Chocolate-Stuffed Centers: Before frying, drop a tiny piece of chocolate into a small mound of dough, then carefully enclose with more dough. Fry as usual for an oozing center.
- Filled with Pastry Cream: Pipe the cooked bites with pastry cream or dulce de leche after frying. Use a piping tip and a small hole for filling.
- Lemon Sugar Coating: Replace cinnamon with lemon zest mixed into the sugar for a bright, citrusy version that cuts the richness.
- Spiced Sugar: Add a pinch of ground cardamom or nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar for a warmer spice note.
- Baked Option: For a lower-fat version, pipe onto a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 400°F until puffed and golden. It won’t be quite the same as frying, but it’s a good, lighter alternative.
- Savory Pairing: Try serving a small plate of these churro bites alongside savory hors d’oeuvres for a fun contrast. The crunchy, sweet bites pair surprisingly well with salty, garlicky items.
Crispy Churro Bites with Nutella
Ingredients
Method
- In a saucepan, bring water, butter, salt, and sugar to a boil.
- Add flour and stir until a dough forms.
- Remove from heat and let cool for a minute.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot.
- Pipe small circles of dough into the hot oil, frying until golden brown.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Combine sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and roll the churro bites in this mixture.
- Serve warm with Nutella for dipping.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs About Crispy Churro Bites with Nutella
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can make the bites a few hours ahead and reheat them in the oven just before serving. For best texture, avoid storing them in a sealed container while still warm because condensation will make them soggy. Let them cool completely before storing.
Do I need a deep fryer?
No. A heavy pot or Dutch oven works just fine. The important part is controlling the oil temperature. A thermometer helps a lot. If you prefer not to fry, try the baked variation listed earlier, though the texture will be a little different.
Why did my bites turn out greasy?
This usually means the oil was too cool or the bites were crowded. Heat the oil to the right temperature and fry in small batches. Also, make sure the dough isn’t too wet follow the egg addition step carefully.
How do I get a smooth, shiny dough after adding eggs?
Beat each egg in fully before adding the next. The dough should go from clumpy to glossy and pipeable. If it seems separated, stir vigorously and add the next egg slowly.
Can I use a different dipping sauce besides Nutella?
Absolutely. Caramel, melted chocolate, fruit compote, or even a salted caramel-yogurt blend work well. Nutella is a classic and comforting match, but feel free to explore.
Final Encouragement
You don’t need to be a pro to make Crispy Churro Bites with Nutella. Take your time with the dough, trust your senses, and enjoy the process. The first batch might not be perfect, and that’s okay. Each one you make will teach you something small about temperature, timing, and texture. Share them with people you care about and watch how quickly a simple dessert brings smiles to the table. You’ve got this.
Conclusion
If you want more churro inspiration or a quick menu idea to pair with this treat, take a look at the MENU | CHURROMANIA for classic churro twists and dipping options. For a different technique and a stuffed version to try next time, check out this tutorial on Nutella Stuffed Churros – Handle the Heat.
