Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites
These sourdough churro bites are crispy on the outside, soft and tangy on the inside, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar. They’re the perfect way to use your sourdough discard and satisfy your churro cravings without any yeast or waiting time.
Made with simple pantry ingredients, these bite-sized treats bake up golden and delicious in just 20 minutes. They’re incredibly addictive and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with coffee.
Whether you’re a sourdough enthusiast or just looking for a fun twist on classic churros, these bites deliver all the flavor without the deep frying. They’re also freezer-friendly, making them ideal for meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These churro bites combine the tangy depth of sourdough with the classic cinnamon-sugar coating everyone loves. Unlike traditional churros that require piping and deep frying, these are shaped by hand and baked, making them much easier to prepare at home.
The sourdough discard adds incredible flavor and a slight chewiness that sets these apart from regular churros. Plus, you’re reducing food waste while creating something absolutely delicious.
They’re versatile enough to serve at brunch, pack in lunchboxes, or plate as a fancy dessert with chocolate dipping sauce. Kids and adults alike can’t resist popping these bite-sized treats.
Key Ingredients
Sourdough discard – This is your secret ingredient that adds tanginess and structure. Use unfed discard straight from the fridge; it doesn’t need to be active or bubbly.
All-purpose flour – Creates the perfect texture that’s sturdy enough to hold shape but tender when baked. You can substitute bread flour for slightly chewier bites.
Melted butter – Adds richness and helps create that tender crumb. Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level in the recipe.
Cinnamon sugar coating – The classic combination that makes churros irresistible. Mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon, then toss the warm bites generously for maximum flavor.
Read More: 4th of July Trifle: A Festive No-Bake Dessert
How to Make Sourdough Churro Bites
Mix the dough – Combine sourdough discard, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla in a large bowl. Add flour, baking powder, and salt, then stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Shape the bites – Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls with lightly greased hands. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake until golden – Bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes until puffed and golden brown. While still warm, brush with melted butter and immediately toss in cinnamon sugar until completely coated.
Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
15
minutes20
minutes35
minutesIngredients
- For the Churro Bites
1 cup (240g) sourdough discard (unfed)
1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
13 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Make the dough by whisking together sourdough discard, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Add dry ingredients by stirring in flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined into a soft, slightly sticky dough. Don’t overmix.
- Shape the bites by scooping tablespoon-sized portions (about 1 tablespoon each) and rolling into balls with lightly greased or damp hands. Place on prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until churro bites are puffed, golden brown, and spring back when lightly touched. They should look slightly crispy on the outside.
- Prepare the coating by mixing cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl while the bites are baking.
- Coat the bites by brushing warm churro bites with melted butter immediately after removing from the oven, then rolling them in cinnamon sugar mixture until completely coated.
- Serve warm with chocolate sauce, caramel, or dulce de leche for dipping. Enjoy immediately for the best texture.
Notes
- Sourdough discard: Use discard straight from the fridge; it doesn’t need to be fed or active. The measurement is by weight for best results.
Make them smaller: For pop-in-your-mouth bites, use a teaspoon measure instead of a tablespoon. Reduce baking time to 15-17 minutes.
No discard? Substitute with 1 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt for a similar tangy flavor, though texture may vary slightly.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 kcal |
| Total Fat | 9 g |
| Sugars | 13 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
Tips for Perfect Churro Bites
Don’t overmix the dough – Stir just until combined to keep the bites tender. Overmixing develops too much gluten and creates tough, dense bites instead of soft ones.
Coat while warm – The butter and cinnamon sugar stick best when the churro bites are fresh from the oven. If they cool too much, the coating won’t adhere properly.
Adjust baking time – Ovens vary, so check at 18 minutes. The bites should be golden and spring back when lightly pressed; underbaking leaves them doughy inside.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
Store leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They taste best when reheated slightly in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. For longer storage, freeze the baked bites (before coating) in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Thaw, reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, then toss in fresh cinnamon sugar. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3-4 extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these churro bites warm with chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or dulce de leche for dipping. The combination of cinnamon sugar and rich chocolate is absolutely heavenly. They’re also delicious alongside hot coffee, Mexican hot chocolate, or chai lattes for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat.
Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. For a fun party presentation, arrange them on a platter with multiple dipping sauces and let guests choose their favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these without sourdough discard?
Yes, you can substitute the sourdough discard with 1 cup of buttermilk or plain Greek yogurt. The tangy flavor will be similar, though the texture might be slightly less chewy. You may need to add 2-3 tablespoons extra flour if using yogurt to achieve the right dough consistency.
Why are my churro bites dense instead of fluffy?
Dense churro bites usually result from overmixing the dough or using old baking powder. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, and make sure your baking powder is fresh (test it by adding a teaspoon to hot water – it should bubble vigorously). Also ensure your oven is fully preheated to 375°F.
Can I make these in an air fryer instead?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and arrange churro bites in a single layer with space between them. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown. Brush with butter and coat in cinnamon sugar immediately after cooking.
