If you’re ready to take your snack game up a notch, let me introduce you to the knock-out star of my kitchen lately: Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites. These fried sourdough dough treats are everything you want in a crunchy, sweet snack wrapped in bold, unmistakable flavor. The first time I sunk my teeth into these crispy cinnamon bite desserts, I was parked at my makeshift counter lab, testing sourdough rejects, and bam—they hit me with that tantalizing balance of tangy sourdough and indulgent cinnamon sugar magic. It wasn’t just a flavor moment; it was a full-on fiesta in my mouth. The whole concept nails the Cuba Queen philosophy—big, unapologetic flavors that turn everyday moments into celebration-worthy memories. These are no timid churros. They’re bold, crunchy on the outside, pillowy inside, with cinnamon sugar dusted like a crown. I know you’re going to fall for this sourdough churro bites recipe hard, and trust me, once you make them, they become the snack your crew asks for at every gathering. I’m jazzed to walk you through exactly how I crafted these homemade churro dough balls and how you can do it in your kitchen, creating that next-level cinnamon sugar churro snacks magic. Ready for your taste buds to party? Let’s jump in and go big with these Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites!
Ingredients You Need for This:
This Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 1 cup sourdough discard (active or refrigerated)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (the heart and soul of your cinnamon sugar churro snacks)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 4 cups)
- ½ cup sugar (for coating)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (extra for that final dusting)
Game-changing ingredient alert: Using sourdough discard instead of fresh dough gives your fried sourdough dough treats an irresistible tang, unlike any basic churro. This is what makes these homemade churro dough balls next-level. You’ll find the best ingredients for this Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites at your local market, preferably organic or unbleached flour if you want to flex on flavor and texture. Splurge on real cinnamon — skip the powdered cinnamon blends for pure, punchy spice that dances on your tongue.
Budget-friendly twist: If you don’t have sourdough discard handy, you can substitute with plain yogurt or buttermilk for some tang, but trust me, the sourdough makes all the difference in these crispy cinnamon bite desserts. Prep your ingredients ahead—measure out your cinnamon sugar mix before frying to keep your workflow smooth.
Step-By-Step Instructions:
Making Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites is easier than you think. Here’s the lowdown with my confidence-boosting method:
- Heat ¾ cup water, butter, salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Remove from heat once it’s just boiling—this is your liquid base that wakes up the cinnamon sugar churro snacks batter.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the hot mixture. Stir vigorously until all the flour absorbs the liquid and the dough forms a ball. Pro tip for Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites perfection: This step sets your dough’s structure. Don’t skip on stirring well.
- Transfer dough to a mixing bowl, stir in your sourdough discard. Your dough should be tacky but workable. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water until it’s elastic. This sourdough cherries your dough balls with complexity.
- Heat your oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). While waiting, shape your dough into small balls—bite-sized, about 1-inch diameter. Don’t stress—your Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites are going to be incredible.
- Fry the dough balls in batches for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. They should puff slightly and smell like a cinnamon sugar dream come true. This is where your Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites transforms into pure magic. Avoid overcrowding to keep them crispy.
- Drain on paper towels, then toss immediately in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Coat every inch of these fried sourdough dough treats while warm for max crunch and flavor.
- Serve hot or room temp, but honestly, they’re best fresh. While your Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites is working its magic, grab your camera—this is Instagram gold! Crispy cinnamon bite desserts don’t get more photogenic.
If something feels off—like dough too sticky or bites not browning—adjust oil temperature or tweak flour ratios next batch. Cooking is a dance, and I’m here to help you lead.
Presentation:
People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites at casual get-togethers or snack attacks. For max impact, dump them into a rustic bowl, then sprinkle an extra whisper of cinnamon sugar on top. Serve alongside thick café con leche or dip your bites in chocolate sauce or dulce de leche for that sweet-salty balance that’s impossible to resist.
Bold pairing suggestion: try these cinnamon sugar churro snacks with a dollop of whipped cream infused with vanilla or even a hint of chili powder. The playful heat adds layers to your fried sourdough dough treats experience.
Perfect occasions? Movie nights, last-minute celebrations, or when you need a little fiesta in your day. The crowd reactions tell me everything—the way jaws drop or eyes light up proves these homemade churro dough balls are a certified winner.
Pro plating: Spread your cinnamon sugar sourdough churro bites on a wooden board sprinkled with a dusting of powdered sugar to make your serving visually irresistible. Leftovers? Toss them into a batch of your favorite ice cream for a crunchy inclusion—or reheat gently in the oven to bring back that crisp snap.
If this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try my other flavor bombs like pumpkin cinnamon sugar donuts or pumpkin cinnamon sugar soft pretzels at cubaqueen.com. And for more sourdough treats, check out my take on sourdough discard sugar donuts for another bold sweetness adventure.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites spicier?
A: Absolutely! Adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to your cinnamon sugar coating wakes up these crispy cinnamon bite desserts with a fiery kick. I did a batch with chili cinnamon sugar once, and trust me, the crowd loved the bold twist.
Q: What if I don’t have sourdough discard?
A: Swap with plain yogurt or buttermilk, but note, your bites won’t have that authentic tang. For bold flavor, sourdough discard is your best friend. Remember, my testing showed discard gives the perfect depth to these fried sourdough dough treats.
Q: How do I know when my cinnamon sugar sourdough churro bites are perfectly done?
A: Golden brown with a crisp exterior and puffed interior is your cue. They should smell sweet, spicy, and inviting—you’ll want to bite into them right out of the fryer.
Q: Can I bake instead of fry?
A: Sure, but frying delivers that legendary crunch. Baking gives a softer bite, more like a bread ball. For the Cuba Queen bold factor, frying is the way to go.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days. Re-crisp in a hot oven before serving.
Q: What’s the best oil for frying?
A: Neutral oils like vegetable or canola work best. Olive oil can add strong flavor you don’t want messing with your cinnamon sugar churro snacks.
Your cinnamon sugar sourdough churro bites adventure will be filled with flavor wins and creative spins, so keep sharing your results—your kitchen is a playground waiting for bold experiences.
Conclusion:
This Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites recipe embodies everything I stand for at Cuba Queen—flavor adventures that pack a punch, bold textures, and crowd-stopping fun. It’s sourdough meets classic churro vibes with a spicy cinnamon sugar kiss. I know you’re going to love these crispy cinnamon bite desserts just as much as I do.
My Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites Power Tips:
- Always use active sourdough discard for that tangy flare.
- Fry at steady 350°F oil temp for perfect golden bites.
- Toss the warm dough balls immediately in cinnamon sugar for the crunchiest coating.
Variations I’ve loved include adding pumpkin spice for a fall twist, infusing the coating sugar with orange zest for brightness, or blending in nutmeg to your dough. The pumpkin cinnamon sugar donuts inspired the seasonal vibes on one batch, and hot damn—it crushed the crowd reaction.
The version causing the biggest flavor raves? Classic sourdough with cinnamon sugar crunch every single time. It’s game-changing comfort and fiesta fun rolled into one.
I challenge you to make these Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites your signature snack. I’m 100% confident you’ll nail it with this recipe—boldness guaranteed. Bring some bold flavor energy to your kitchen and turn snack time into a celebration!
Can’t wait to see your Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites creations—tag me, drop a comment, share your kitchen wins. Let’s keep these flavor adventures burning bright!
For even more inspiration on churro bites, check out this epic Best Ever Churro Bites from The Domestic Rebel and the Air fryer cinnamon churro bites recipe – Facebook, plus the Sourdough Churro Bites – Heart’s Content Farmhouse for delicious twists. And if you love doughnuts and soft pretzels, don’t miss these gems: Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels and Sourdough Discard Sugar Donuts for more flavor fireworks.
Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites
Delight in these crispy, golden sourdough churro bites coated with cinnamon sugar—a perfect bite-sized treat combining tangy sourdough with classic churro flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter discard
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine sourdough starter discard, flour, water, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Stir until a smooth dough forms.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Using a small spoon or your hands, shape the dough into bite-sized balls.
- Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally for even cooking.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Roll the warm churro bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Serve warm and enjoy your cinnamon sugar sourdough churro bites!
Notes
For an extra indulgence, serve with a side of chocolate or caramel dipping sauce.