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Crispy Oven-Baked Churro Bites Recipe with Spicy Chocolate Chipotle Sauce

oven-baked churro bites - featured image

These crispy oven-baked churro bites deliver the classic cinnamon-sugar flavor with a tender inside and are paired with a rich, smoky spicy chocolate chipotle sauce for a surprising kick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g) for the dough
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28g), melted
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (120ml), warm
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g) for coating
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon for coating
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips (170g)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, warm milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring gently until combined. Dough should be thick but scoopable; add a tablespoon more flour if too sticky.
  5. Portion dough into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls using a spoon or cookie scoop and place evenly spaced on the baking sheet. Optionally, pipe strips using a piping bag with a star tip.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and slightly firm to the touch.
  7. While baking, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
  8. Remove churro bites from oven and let cool for about 2 minutes. Toss gently in cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
  9. To make the sauce, warm heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add dark chocolate chips, chipotle chili powder, ground cinnamon, and honey if using. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
  10. Serve churro bites warm with the spicy chocolate chipotle sauce for dipping.

Notes

Use warm milk to activate baking powder and achieve a tender crumb. Do not skip parchment or silicone mat to avoid soggy bottoms. Watch baking time closely to avoid overbaking. Toss churro bites in cinnamon sugar while warm for best coating. Melt chocolate slowly over low heat to prevent burning. Adjust chipotle powder to taste for desired spice level. For gluten-free, substitute almond flour; for dairy-free, use coconut milk and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Keywords: churro bites, oven-baked churros, spicy chocolate sauce, chipotle chocolate, cinnamon sugar, easy dessert, snack, baked churros