There’s something deeply comforting about the aroma of warm cinnamon sugar wafting through your kitchen—especially when it wraps around golden, crispy, bite-sized dough balls filled with Nutella. Welcome to the world of Nutty Churro Bites with Nutella, where childhood carnival dreams meet modern-day indulgence in one perfect poppable dessert.
Forget deep frying. You don’t need a piping bag, fancy churro press, or even a dough hook to enjoy this sweet comfort food. All you need is some refrigerated biscuit dough, pantry staples, and a few minutes of hands-on fun. These churro bites come together quickly, and the gooey Nutella center combined with crunchy roasted nuts is an experience you won’t forget.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to master these crowd-pleasing treats—from ingredients to storage, helpful tips, creative twists, and more.
🍩 2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something irresistible about churros—the warm spice of cinnamon, the crisp golden exterior, and the sugary coating that clings to your fingertips. But these Nutty Churro Bites with Nutella take that classic treat and shrink it down into convenient, mess-free bites perfect for dipping, sharing, or devouring in private.
Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch, planning a party tray, or looking for a sweet late-night snack, this recipe ticks all the boxes:
- Quick: 25 minutes start to finish
- Minimal Tools: No piping, no frying mess
- Customizable: Use different fillings and toppings
- Make Ahead Friendly: Perfect for busy schedules
- Kid-Approved: A hit with all age groups
🛒 3. Ingredients Needed
Here’s your simple shopping list:
Dough & Filling:
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits or similar)
- 1/2 cup Nutella or hazelnut spread – for the gooey center
Coating:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – makes the cinnamon sugar stick
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – the sweet crunch on the outside
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – the key churro flavor
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts or hazelnuts – for texture and nuttiness
👩🍳 4. Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through this recipe from start to finish:
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray or a light coating of butter.
Step 2: Prep the Dough
Open the can of refrigerated biscuits. Separate each biscuit and cut it into 4 equal pieces. Flatten each piece gently with your fingers or the back of a spoon into a small round disc.
Step 3: Fill with Nutella
Scoop about ½ teaspoon of Nutella into the center of each disc. Carefully pull the edges up and around the Nutella, pinching to seal completely. Roll between your palms to form a ball.
Step 4: Bake
Place each filled dough ball into a slot of the muffin tin. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While they bake, combine sugar and cinnamon in one bowl and melt the butter in another. As soon as the bites come out of the oven, brush them with butter and roll in cinnamon sugar until coated.
Step 6: Top with Nuts (Optional)
Sprinkle chopped roasted nuts on top of each bite for added crunch.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor. The Nutella center will be soft and melty, just the way it should be.
🧠 5. Expert Tips and Tricks
- Seal Tightly: Ensure each dough ball is sealed tightly to avoid Nutella leaks.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove from the oven when golden—overbaking can dry out the dough.
- Work Quickly Post-Bake: Cinnamon sugar sticks best when the bites are still warm.
- Customize the Center: Swap Nutella for peanut butter, cookie butter, or dulce de leche.
🔄 6. Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Substitutes:
- Dough Alternative: Use puff pastry, crescent roll dough, or homemade biscuit dough.
- Spread Alternatives: Biscoff spread, marshmallow fluff, jam, or caramel.
Variations:
- Nut-Free Option: Skip the chopped nuts or use toasted coconut for crunch.
- Mini Churro Donuts: Use donut pans instead of muffin tins for a different shape.
- Air Fryer Version: Cook at 350°F for 6–8 minutes until golden and crisp.
🍽️ 7. Serving Suggestions
These bites are incredibly versatile! Here are some ways to serve:
- Dessert Platter: Pair with strawberries, brownies, and marshmallows.
- Dipping Tray: Add small bowls of warm Nutella, caramel sauce, or whipped cream.
- Brunch Board: Include churro bites with fresh fruit, pancakes, and eggs.
- Party Favor Bags: Let them cool and pack in parchment-lined treat bags.
⏳ 8. Make-Ahead & Freezer Instructions
Make Ahead:
- Assemble and stuff the dough balls, then store in the fridge (uncooked) for up to 12 hours.
- Let them return to room temperature before baking.
Freezing:
- Freeze unbaked churro balls on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months.
- Bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the bake time.
🧊 9. Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Store completely cooled churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 5–6 minutes for best texture.
- Microwave: 10–15 seconds will warm the center, but the coating may soften.
❓ 10. FAQs – You Asked, We Answer
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free biscuit dough or crescent dough alternatives available at most grocery stores.
Q: What’s the best filling besides Nutella?
Try cookie butter, peanut butter, dulce de leche, or raspberry jam for unique spins.
Q: Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of mini?
You can! Just adjust bake time to about 15–18 minutes and double the filling per bite.
Q: Are they good cold?
They’re best warm, but if cooled completely and stored properly, they’re still soft and flavorful. Just reheat briefly.
🧾 11. Nutrition Breakdown (Per Bite)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 143 kcal |
Sugar | 9 g |
Carbohydrates | 18 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Saturated Fat | 2.5 g |
Protein | 2 g |
Sodium | 190 mg |
Cholesterol | 5 mg |
Fiber | 1 g |
Note: Nutritional info may vary based on brand of dough and size of bites.
🍰 12. Try These Recipes Next
- Apple Crisp Bars – A sweet fall favorite you’ll crave all year
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups – Fast, healthy, and satisfying
- Angel Cake Churro Bites – Lighter, airier, and perfect for parties
- Cinnamon-Sugar Crescent Roll Pizza – A fast, flaky dessert twist
- Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies – Deep flavor, soft texture
💬 Final Thoughts
These Nutty Churro Bites with Nutella are proof that simple ingredients and minimal effort can create something truly irresistible. They combine the joy of a classic churro with a creamy surprise inside, wrapped in a buttery, cinnamon-sugar coat. Whether you’re serving guests or just satisfying a late-night craving, this sweet easy recipe will be one you’ll want to make again and again.