Churro-Inspired Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes
Bite-sized fried doughnut holes coated in cinnamon sugar, capturing the beloved flavors of churros in a popular snack form. This latin american-inspired desserts ready in about 30 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup additional granulated sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until combined.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk 2/3 cup whole milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 large egg, and 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter until smooth.
- Step 3: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined — do not overmix.
- Step 4: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F using a candy or deep-fry thermometer.
- Step 5: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, carefully drop 1-inch portions of batter into the hot oil, frying in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 6: Combine 2 tbsp ground cinnamon with 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a shallow bowl. Remove doughnut holes with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on paper towels, then toss immediately in cinnamon sugar to coat evenly. Serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Churro-Inspired Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Churro-Inspired Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Churro-Inspired Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Churro-Inspired Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Churro-Inspired Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes?
Latin American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
