Mexican Churros Poppers Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate sweet treat to delight your family or wow your friends at a party, look no further than these irresistible Mexican Churros Poppers. Imagine golden, crisp balls of fried dough coated in cinnamon sugar, with a perfectly soft interior and just a hint of vanilla—every bite is pure joy. This bite-sized take on the traditional churro is not only fun to eat, but incredibly easy to make at home. Whether you enjoy them with chocolate sauce, caramel dip, or simply as-is, Mexican Churros Poppers deliver classic flavor in a snackable form that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a special role, from achieving the ideal crunch to infusing that unmistakable aroma. Let’s break down what you’ll need to create the perfect batch of Mexican Churros Poppers—simple, yet so essential for that authentic taste and texture.
- Water: The base of your dough, helping to dissolve other ingredients and create steam for a light texture.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness, flavor, and helps create that signature churro tenderness.
- Sugar: A little in the dough for subtle sweetness, and plenty more to coat the poppers in cinnamon-sugar deliciousness.
- Salt: Brings out the flavors and balances the sweetness in every bite.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, giving structure and that perfect interior crumb.
- Eggs: Vital for binding the dough, puffing it up, and giving the poppers their soft, pillowy interior.
- Vanilla extract: Just a touch makes all the difference, infusing each popper with a sweet, fragrant aroma.
- Ground cinnamon: For that classic churro spice, mixed into the sugar for rolling.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Neutral oil ensures the poppers fry up golden without adding any unwanted flavors.
How to Make Mexican Churros Poppers
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a medium saucepan, bring the water, unsalted butter, a tablespoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt to a gentle boil. Once the butter has melted, add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a ball—that’s how you know it’s ready to cool slightly before the next step.
Step 2: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Let the dough cool for a few minutes (so you don’t scramble the eggs!), then mix in eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Finish by blending in vanilla extract. The dough should be smooth, glossy, and sticky—perfect for piping or scooping into hot oil.
Step 3: Heat Oil and Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
While your dough rests for a moment, heat a few inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F. Meanwhile, combine sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl—this is what transforms your poppers into classic Mexican Churros Poppers!
Step 4: Fry the Poppers
Scoop small tablespoon-sized portions of dough (or pipe using a sturdy bag) directly into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until each popper is puffed and a rich golden brown—about 2 to 3 minutes. Don’t crowd the pan so they have room to crisp up evenly.
Step 5: Toss in Cinnamon Sugar
Drain the freshly fried poppers briefly on paper towels, then roll them right away in your cinnamon-sugar mixture. The residual heat helps the sugar stick, giving each popper that glorious, sparkling finish Mexican Churros Poppers are known for.
How to Serve Mexican Churros Poppers
Garnishes
A simple dusting of extra cinnamon-sugar is always welcome, but consider a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, or even a side of dulce de leche for dunking. The goal is to let those classic churro flavors shine while adding your own personal flourish.
Side Dishes
Pair Mexican Churros Poppers with fresh fruit, like strawberries or mango, for a refreshing contrast, or alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. For a truly authentic fiesta, serve them after a rich meal of tacos or enchiladas—they make the perfect finale.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your poppers stacked in a tall glass or on colorful plates, with dipping sauces in small bowls. You can also skewer them onto decorative picks for easy party snacks or even pack them in paper cones for a fun, street-food touch that feels festive and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Mexican Churros Poppers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. While they’re best fresh and warm, they’ll still be tasty the next day—especially with a quick reheat.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, let the poppers cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month, making it easy to satisfy spontaneous churro cravings!
Reheating
For that just-fried experience, warm frozen or day-old poppers in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. A few seconds in the air fryer works wonders, too—just avoid microwaving, as that can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I make Mexican Churros Poppers without a piping bag?
Absolutely! While a piping bag creates perfectly round poppers, you can use a small cookie scoop or even two spoons to drop dough directly into the hot oil. The result is just as delicious—rustic is sometimes better!
Can I bake instead of fry these poppers?
While baking is possible, frying really gives the iconic churro crunch and soft center. If you do bake, brush them with melted butter before rolling in cinnamon sugar for that extra bit of flavor.
How do I keep the oil at the right temperature?
A kitchen thermometer is your best friend here. Aim to keep the oil around 350°F. Fry in small batches to avoid lowering the temperature, and let the oil come back up between batches for even results every time.
Can I add fillings to Mexican Churros Poppers?
Yes! Try piping a bit of Nutella, dulce de leche, or vanilla cream into the center after frying. Just make a small hole with a skewer and use a piping bag for delicious surprises inside.
Are Mexican Churros Poppers gluten-free or dairy-free?
The classic recipe does include flour and butter, but you can substitute gluten-free flour blends and plant-based butter to make them friendly to more diets. Just keep an eye on dough consistency and test-fry one popper to adjust as needed.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Mexican Churros Poppers at home, prepare yourself for a new favorite! They’re playful, easy, and guaranteed to put smiles on everyone’s faces. So gather your ingredients, invite your taste buds on a sweet adventure, and treat yourself to the joy of homemade churro poppers—you’ll want to make them again and again.
Print
Mexican Churros Poppers Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 24 churros poppers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mexican Churros Poppers are a delightful twist on the classic churros, perfect for snacking or dessert. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated in cinnamon sugar, these bite-sized treats are sure to please any crowd.
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 the Dough: In a saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Stir in flour until mixture forms a ball.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
- Fry the Churros: Heat oil in a deep pan. Pipe or spoon small amounts of dough into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: In a bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Roll fried churros in the mixture until coated.
- Serve: Enjoy these Mexican Churros Poppers warm as a delicious treat!
Notes
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure crispy churros.
- You can use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off to shape the churros.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 churro popper
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
