There was this one busy weeknight when I needed something quick, satisfying, and a little special for my family after a long day. That’s when my Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites stepped in to save the evening. These fried dough snacks became an instant hit around my kitchen table—comforting but with just the right touch of sweetness and cinnamon spice. Using leftover sourdough starter gave the bites a light tang that makes them different and delicious, turning a simple snack into something family-favorite material.
I keep these Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites in my regular cooking rotation because they’re pretty straightforward to make, even when time feels tight. The aroma of that cinnamon sugar coating warming up in the pan brings back memories of joyful gatherings and afternoon treats. When I serve these, everyone’s happy—kids and adults alike. This recipe combines that homemade feel with a little crispy, sugary magic you might crave unexpectedly on any day.
If you’re a home cook who loves sweet cinnamon treats but doesn’t want to fuss over complicated dough or long rising times, this cinnamon sugar sourdough churro bites recipe is the kind of thing you want close by. I’m excited to share this trusted recipe with you, and I know once you try these, they’ll fit right into your kitchen routine like they did mine. Let’s jump into what you need and how to get these fried dough snacks on your table!
What You’ll Need for This Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites:
Here’s a simple list of ingredients to make these Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites. This sourdough churro bite recipe keeps things simple because good cooking should be accessible for everyone.
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (discard or feeding starter works fine)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (unbleached if you can find it)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (regular granulated works perfectly)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind works; whole milk gives richer flavor)
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 2 cups)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (extra for cinnamon sugar coating)
Don’t have sourdough starter on hand? You can find starter at local bakeries or farmers markets, or grab a well-reviewed one online. A quick easy substitution is to use self-rising flour instead of the baking powder and adjust liquids slightly, but trust me—the tang of the sourdough gives this recipe its unique charm.
The cinnamon sugar coating is the heart of these sweet cinnamon treats. The extra cinnamon I add to the coating makes all the difference for that warm, spicy finish. You can find spices like cinnamon at most grocery stores, and if they sell it in bulk, that’s a great budget-friendly option.
For the flour, I recommend keeping it in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot. The butter can be melted quickly in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready. Planning ahead and having your milk at room temperature helps the churro dough preparation go smoothly.
The beauty of this Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites is that the ingredients are pantry staples, making it an economical and satisfying go-to when you want a reliable sweet cinnamon treat for the family. I always include a little extra cinnamon in the coating because, honestly, you can never have too much warm spice on these fried dough snacks.
How to Make This Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites:
Making these Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites is like having a good friend in the kitchen guiding you by the hand. From start to finish, this sourdough churro bite recipe takes about 45 minutes, and the results are so worth it.
- Mix Dry Ingredients First: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. This way, your cinnamon sugar sourdough churro bites have an even flavor base.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter, melted butter, and milk. Using room temperature milk helps everything come together smoothly during churro dough preparation.
- Form the Dough: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring until just combined. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. If it’s too wet, sprinkle a little more flour in. This is the step where patience pays off with your Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites. You want dough that holds but is still tender.
- Heat the Oil: Pour the vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan. Heat over medium to medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small bit of dough into the oil; it should bubble up immediately without browning too fast.
- Shape the Bites: Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, drop small portions of dough into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to keep the temperature steady.
- Fry Until Golden: Fry the dough snacks, turning them to get an even golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Your kitchen will smell amazing when this Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites is ready.
- Drain and Coat: Remove bites with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. While still warm, roll them generously in the cinnamon sugar coating mixture. For extra flavor, I like to toss them gently a second time.
- Serve Warm: These sweet cinnamon treats are best enjoyed fresh and warm. If your Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites look a little uneven on the outside, don’t worry—they’ll be crisp on the outside and soft inside.
While your Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites cooks, take a moment to tidy up or prepare your serving plates. Quick multitasking like this makes cooking less stressful.
Sometimes I double this recipe if I’m feeding a crowd or expecting friends over. It’s easy to keep batches warm in a low oven while frying the rest. And for quick cleanup, line your frying pan area with paper towels.
For more fried dough snacks, you might want to try these Best Ever Churro Bites that offers another perspective on classic churro bites.
Serving Your Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites:
This Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites truly shines when served fresh out of the frying pan with a simple side like creamy dipping sauces. I love pairing them with a quick chocolate ganache, warmed caramel sauce, or even a dollop of whipped cream for dipping.
They work beautifully for afternoon treats, weekend brunches, or anytime you want to bring a sweet cinnamon treat to the table. These fried dough snacks make a perfect finger food for gatherings, family celebrations, or even a cozy night in.
Presentation is easy but impactful—serve these bites piled on a rustic plate or in a big bowl dusted with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Adding a few fresh berries or a small bowl of fruit compote on the side creates a nice balance.
If you have leftovers, which doesn’t happen often in my house, I find warming them up gently in a skillet or oven keeps them crisp without drying out. You can also turn them into a fun dessert by crumbling bites over vanilla ice cream for a crunchy topping.
Seasonally, I’ve tweaked this Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites by adding a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice in autumn or a touch of orange zest to the dough for holiday variations.
When friends come over, this recipe always sparks conversation because it feels homemade and nostalgic. If you enjoy this, you might love how these churro bites remind me of another favorite Cinnamon Roll Pancakes recipe that combines sweet spice and family fun beautifully.
Common Questions About This Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites:
Can I make parts of this Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can mix the dough in the morning and refrigerate it covered for a few hours. Bring it back to room temperature before frying. The cinnamon sugar coating is best sprinkled right before serving.
What’s a good substitute for sourdough starter in this recipe?
If you don’t have starter, you can try a mix of 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and reduce the milk slightly to make a soft dough. It won’t have the tang, but it will still be tasty.
How can I adjust this Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites for more or fewer people?
This recipe scales nicely. Just double or halve the ingredients as needed. Keep the frying batches small to keep the oil temperature steady.
Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?
I’ve experimented with baking, and while it’s healthier, it changes the texture—less crisp and not quite the same. For a similar effect, try frying in a shallow pan for less oil absorption.
Can I make the cinnamon sugar coating ahead?
Yes, mix your sugar and cinnamon and keep it in a sealed jar. When ready to use, just toss your warm churro bites in it.
What if my dough is too sticky or dry?
If sticky, add a bit more flour one tablespoon at a time. If dry, add a splash more milk or a teaspoon of melted butter.
Are these good with savory dips?
I haven’t tried savory with these cinnamon sugar sourdough churro bites, but they lean sweet, so sweet dips work best. You can serve alongside savory snacks like my Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Creamy Mashed Potatoes for a fun contrast.
For even more ideas and a similar spin on this kind of snack, check out this lovely Sourdough Churro Bites post which offers useful tips.
Final Thoughts on This Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites:
This Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites recipe holds a special place for me because it blends a little bit of leftover magic from sourdough starter into a universally loved sweet cinnamon treat. It’s not complicated but still feels like a homemade indulgence.
My Top Tips for This Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites:
- Use room temperature milk for smoother dough mixing.
- Don’t crowd the frying pan to keep oil temperature steady and bites crispy.
- Roll the bites in the cinnamon sugar coating while still warm for maximum flavor absorption.
I love adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or swapping out vanilla extract for almond in the dough for different flavor twists. The most requested version in my circle always includes a double cinnamon sugar coating—it’s a crowdpleaser every time.
If you want to enjoy other fried dough snacks in my collection, take a look at those crispy, savory Crispy Corn Toast Bites for a different flavor profile.
I hope you enjoy making these Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites as much as I enjoy sharing them with you. They’re made to bring a little joy and a lot of cinnamon warmth to your kitchen, no matter your cooking experience.
Give this recipe a try, make it your own, and don’t forget to have fun in the process. Happy cooking, friends!
Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites
Delight in these crispy, golden Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites—perfectly fried sourdough dough pieces coated in cinnamon sugar for a sweet, crunchy snack or dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups)
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
- Dip the sourdough cubes into the melted butter, then carefully place them into the hot oil.
- Fry the sourdough bites in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove bites from oil and drain on paper towels.
- While still warm, toss the fried sourdough bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately for the best crispy texture and flavor.
Notes
For an extra indulgent treat, serve with chocolate or caramel dipping sauce on the side.