Homemade Churro Bites with Nutella

I can still smell the sugar warming on my hands. The small kitchen window is steamed up from the oil, and my youngest presses her nose to the glass while I drop the next little ring of dough into the pan. I love that sound the soft hiss as the dough meets hot oil, the tiny explosions of steam, the way the house fills with a warm, toasty scent that promises something sweet and very good.

We make Homemade Churro Bites with Nutella on slow Sundays and on rushed Wednesday afternoons. Sometimes they are a celebration, sometimes they are a repair job for a rough day. Either way, the ritual is the same: flour, butter, eggs, a bowl of cinnamon sugar, and a jar of Nutella waiting like treasure. My kids crowd the counter to help dust and fill, and for a few minutes the city noise feels distant. These little bites are comfort, and they are tiny reminders that making sweets at home can be simple, slightly messy, and deeply connecting.

I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned making these at home. From the exact tools I reach for to the little timing tricks that keep things crisp and warm. Let’s bring Homemade Churro Bites with Nutella to life in a way that fits real family life.

Why Make This Homemade Churro Bites with Nutella

This recipe is one of those easy luxuries. It turns pantry staples into a treat that everyone loves. The churros are crispy on the outside and tender inside. Nutella brings a rich, chocolate-hazelnut center that feels indulgent but familiar.

I make them because they are quick and forgiving. If the dough is a little stiffer, they still fry up beautifully. If we run late to a playdate, I can freeze some and reheat later. They double as dessert and afternoon pick-me-up. The girls call them mini doughnuts, and they are small enough to share at the park or on the subway ride home.

When life in New York gets loud, these bites are a gentle pause. A shared plate, a stack of napkins, and a conversation. That is why these Homemade Churro Bites with Nutella work for busy families. They are simple to prepare and instant crowd pleasers.

I sometimes pair them with fruit or coffee. Occasionally, I make a savory dinner first and save dessert for a family meeting. You can read more about small, shareable bites like these in my note about Apple Brie Bites for easy entertaining.

How to Make Homemade Churro Bites with Nutella

“Every time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.”

Before we list the ingredients, take a moment to picture the process. The dough will be glossy and slightly sticky when you beat in the eggs. The oil will shimmer before you start. When the churros fry, they will turn that warm golden color that makes kids press closer to the stove. Meanwhile, the sugar and cinnamon finish them with a sparkling crust that crunches against a pillowy interior. From there, a little squirt of Nutella turns each bite into a molten center of hazelnut chocolate.

I always set up an assembly line. A plate of paper towels for draining. A bowl of cinnamon sugar for tossing. A piping bag of Nutella and another larger bag to pipe the dough. Once it’s ready, the family gathers, and the work becomes a shared thing instead of a solo task.

Equipment and timing

• Heavy saucepan for the choux-like dough.
• Wooden spoon for stirring.
• Pastry bag with a star tip for shaping.
• Deep pan or fryer and a thermometer.
• Slotted spoon for lifting.
• Cooling rack or paper towels to drain.

Plan roughly 40 to 50 minutes from start to finish for a single batch if you are frying on the stovetop. That includes dough prep, heating oil, frying, coating, and filling. If you are baking or using an air fryer as a healthier swap, time will vary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup water
1/2 cup butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
Nutella for filling
Oil for frying

Personal side note: Use the best butter you have on hand. It makes the dough taste richer. If the kids are helping, let them measure the sugar. It becomes part of the fun.

I keep jars of Nutella in two places: one for baking, and one hidden on the top shelf for special emergencies. Nutella warms slightly when piped so it fills the bites without tearing the shells. If you prefer, try a hazelnut spread with less sugar or a dark chocolate spread for a deeper flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil.
   • Watch the butter melt and the water bubble at the edges.
2. Stir in flour and salt until the mixture forms a ball.
   • Keep stirring until the dough pulls away from the sides.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
   • Let it sit for two to three minutes. It should stop steaming.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth.
   • Add the next egg only when the first is fully incorporated. Beat until glossy.
5. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pan to 375°F (190°C).
   • Use a thermometer. Hot oil makes quick work of these bites.
6. Using a pastry bag, pipe small pieces of dough into the hot oil and fry until golden brown.
   • Pipe carefully and space them out. Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady. Watch for golden edges.
7. Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl, and coat the churro bites.
   • Toss the warm bites quickly. The sugar sticks best while they are still hot.
8. Once cooled slightly, fill churros with Nutella using a piping bag.
   • Fill gently to avoid bursting. A dollop of Nutella in each bite is enough.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!
   • Share right away. They are best while still warm and slightly gooey inside.

Tip: If the dough seems thick when piping, let it sit a minute to relax. If the oil is smoking, it is too hot. Lower the heat and wait.

Serving Homemade Churro Bites with Nutella at the Family Table

I set the board with small plates, napkins, and a few tea cups of milk. The kids reach across each other to take the warm bites. We pass around coffee for the adults and hot chocolate for little hands. Someone always needs just one more, and someone else offers up a story in exchange.

Serve them on a wide platter with the cinnamon sugar already tossed. Lay out a second bowl of Nutella for dunking. If you are serving for a crowd, add a few bowls of seasonal fruits or thin apple slices for balance. The steam from the bites meets the cold of cider, and that contrast is lively and homey.

There is something about the way churro sugar sparkles under a kitchen light that makes everyone feel celebratory. We pair these with simple things: plain yogurt for a touch of tang, sliced pears for a quiet sweetness, or a mug of espresso if you are sharing with friends.

For a weeknight version, I sometimes place them in a warmed oven for a few minutes before serving. They come out crisp again and filled with molten Nutella. The clinking of spoons, small hands reaching, and soft conversation around the table is the real seasoning.

Storing and Reheating Homemade Churro Bites with Nutella

Leftovers happen. If you have any, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. They are best eaten the same day. If you need to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month.

To reheat from room temperature, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the churro bites on a baking sheet and warm for 5 to 8 minutes. That brings back the crunch and soft interior. If you are reheating from frozen, let them thaw for a few minutes then warm them for 8 to 10 minutes.

Avoid microwaving unless you do not mind losing the crunchy coating. The microwave will make them soft and chewy, and the Nutella might become too runny. For the best texture, re-crisp in the oven or a toaster oven.

If you plan to freeze unfilled churros, freeze them before the sugar coating. Reheat, then toss in sugar and fill with Nutella for the freshest result. The flavors can deepen overnight, and the cinnamon will mellow slightly. I sometimes prepare dough earlier in the day and refrigerate, then fry later. That allows a slower evening rhythm.

Quick Tips from My Kitchen

• Warm the Nutella slightly before filling. Ten seconds in the microwave on low heat makes it easier to pipe.
• Maintain oil temperature. Frying in small batches keeps the oil at 375°F and prevents soggy bites.
• Use a star tip for piping to get that classic churro ridged surface. It holds the sugar better.
• If you want fewer calories, bake the dough at 400°F until golden, then brush lightly with butter and toss in cinnamon sugar.
• Keep a tray of paper towels handy. Drain each batch quickly to keep them crisp.

A little habit of mine: I label a small kitchen jar “For Filling” and spoon a portion of Nutella into it before guests arrive. It heats more evenly and is easier to manage with a small piping bag. My girls love to take turns filling, and it becomes the gentle finale.

You can also pair these with a small scoop of ice cream. The contrast between warm churro and cold ice cream is what my sister calls “city dessert magic.”

Variations on Homemade Churro Bites with Nutella

There are fun ways to adapt this to different tastes and dietary needs. We have tried several in our busy kitchen and here are the ones that work.

• Fruit-Filled: Swap Nutella for a spoonful of warmed raspberry jam or lemon curd. The bright acidity cuts the sweetness of the dough and sugar.
• Chocolate-Dipped: Instead of filling, dip half of each bite into melted dark chocolate and let it set on parchment.
• Spiced: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cardamom to the sugar mixture for a warm aromatic note.
• Healthier Bake Option: Pipe onto a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F until golden. Brush with a light coat of butter and toss in cinnamon sugar.
• Vegan Swap: Use plant-based butter and an egg replacer like aquafaba or commercial substitutes. Results vary, but you can get a lovely texture with some patience.

In my tighter moments, I have swapped Nutella for peanut butter when the jar had run out. The kids were skeptical at first and then happily surprised. If you want more cozy, savory-sweet pairings that travel well, check my twist on soups and bites here: Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage. It is a different course but shares the same idea of simple, comforting family food.

If you like to experiment, try a citrus sugar by adding finely grated orange zest to the sugar mixture. It brightens the flavor and plays beautifully against nutty chocolate filling.

What I’ve Learned Cooking Homemade Churro Bites with Nutella

1. Timing is everything. Keep the oil consistent and work in batches. The first few bites are often perfect. From there, the rhythm sets in.
2. Little hands love to help. Assign small, safe tasks like mixing the cinnamon sugar or setting the finished bites on a tray.
3. Keep it simple. The magic is in the contrast of textures: crisp, soft, and creamy. A few good tools and a plan are better than a long ingredient list.
4. Share the work. When the family chips in, cooking becomes connection. Someone is always willing to hold the timer or pass plates.

These discoveries didn’t come from a cookbook alone. They came from afternoons when the dough was too sticky, the oil too hot, or the kids too tired. We learned to laugh, to step back, and to keep trying. That is the heart of home cooking.

Homemade Churro Bites with Nutella

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• Author: cookthatdish
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Easy and delicious churro bites filled with Nutella, perfect for family gatherings or a sweet treat.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• Nutella for filling
• Oil for frying

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Instructions

1. In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil.
2. Stir in flour and salt until the mixture forms a ball.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth.
5. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pan to 375°F (190°C).
6. Using a pastry bag, pipe small pieces of dough into the hot oil and fry until golden brown.
7. Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl, and coat the churro bites.
8. Once cooled slightly, fill churros with Nutella using a piping bag.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

If the dough seems thick when piping, let it sit a minute to relax. For the best texture, re-crisp in the oven or a toaster oven.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

FAQs About Homemade Churro Bites with Nutella

A Final Thought

There is a small, steady happiness that comes from making something sticky and sweet with your own hands. Homemade Churro Bites with Nutella are a recipe for small celebrations after soccer practice, before bed, or to mark a rainy day crossing into sun. They sit warm in the palm, and for a few minutes the city feels softer.

Thank you for letting me share this recipe and these little moments. Cooking for family is never perfect, but it is always worth it. Let these bites be a gentle invitation to slow down, to stand by the stove, and to pass plates around the table. Your kitchen will smell like a bakery, your kids will have sugar dusted on their noses, and you will have made something that feels like home.

Conclusion

If you want a slightly different take on a Nutella-filled churro, this version inspired by Handle the Heat gives a great stuffed churro method and presentation: Nutella Stuffed Churros – Handle the Heat. For a fun, bite-sized idea similar to what we make at home, this guide from Crazy for Crust shows a playful “churro bomb” version: Nutella Churro Bombs – Crazy for Crust.

I hope this recipe becomes one of the little rituals in your home.