Dessert

Baked Churro Bites with Homemade Dulce de Leche Recipe

ByThomas Greene December 13, 2025December 13, 2025

Introduction

These baked churro bites offer a delightful twist on the classic fried treat, making them lighter yet just as delicious. Paired with homemade dulce de leche, they’re perfect for dipping and sharing at any gathering. Enjoy this easy recipe that brings warm, cinnamon-sugar goodness to your kitchen.

A round black plate holds a pile of small, round dough balls coated in a light dusting of sugar and cinnamon, placed on a white crumpled paper sheet, with a few dough balls scattered around the plate. On the left side of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with smooth, reddish-brown dipping sauce. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a wooden board partially visible beneath it. The light highlights the soft texture of the dough balls and the rough sugar coating, making the colors warm and inviting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup water
1/3 cup butter
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup flour
2 eggs (beaten)
1/4 cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon (for dusting)
4 cups milk (whole or lower fat)
1 cup sugar
1/4 tsp baking soda dissolved in 2 tsp water
Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for coating the churro bites.
Step 3: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water, butter, brown sugar, and salt. Heat until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil.
Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the flour with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball. Gradually add the beaten eggs in three additions, mixing well after each addition until smooth.
Step 5: Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Alternatively, fill a pastry bag with dough and pipe bite-sized rounds onto the sheet.
Step 6: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the churro bites are golden brown. While still warm, roll each bite in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
Step 7: To make the dulce de leche, combine milk, sugar, and salt (if using) in a large pot. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Step 8: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the dissolved baking soda carefully, as the mixture may foam up.
Step 9: Return the pot to low heat and maintain a low simmer. Stir every 15 minutes to prevent sticking or burning. Continue cooking for 1 to 1½ hours until the mixture thickens and turns golden brown.
Step 10: Once cooled, store the dulce de leche in a jar in the refrigerator. Serve the churro bites with this homemade caramel dip.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispness, let the churro bites cool slightly on a wire rack after baking before coating with cinnamon sugar.
If you don’t have a pastry bag, use a zip-top bag with a small corner cut off to pipe the dough.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the cinnamon sugar for seasonal flair.
Use low-fat milk to reduce calories in the dulce de leche, but whole milk yields a richer flavor.

Storage

Store leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat briefly in a warm oven to refresh their crispiness. Keep the dulce de leche refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to 4 weeks. Reheat gently before serving if it thickens.

How to Serve

A pile of small, round dough balls with a golden-brown baked crust are stacked closely on white parchment paper placed on a white plate, each piece sprinkled generously with a light coating of granulated sugar and cinnamon, showing slight texture with some lumps and cracks on their surfaces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I fry the churro bites instead of baking them?

Yes, although this recipe is designed for baking to reduce fat content. Frying in hot oil will give a crunchier texture similar to traditional churros, but requires more cleanup and caution.

How do I know when the dulce de leche is ready?

The dulce de leche is done when it thickens and develops a rich golden brown color. Stir regularly to prevent burning and remove from heat once it reaches a thick sauce consistency.