Name: Smores Churro Nuggets-Decadent Dessert Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Approximately 20-25 nuggets
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup water; Mini marshmallows (for stuffing); 1 cup graham cracker sugar (finely crushed graham crackers mixed with granulated sugar); 1 cup melted chocolate (milk, semi-sweet, or dark); Vegetable oil (for frying); Pinch of salt (optional)

S’mores Churro Nuggets are the ultimate bite-sized indulgence, transforming a campfire classic into a portable, craveable treat that will have everyone begging for the recipe. Forget struggling with sticky fingers and smoky embers; these delightful morsels capture all the gooey, chocolatey, marshmallowy magic of s’mores in a perfectly crisp, cinnamon-sugar coated churro package. What is it about these little nuggets that makes them so utterly irresistible? It’s the perfect harmony of textures and flavors: the satisfying crunch of the golden-brown churro exterior giving way to a warm, chewy interior, all punctuated by those iconic s’mores elements. We’ve elevated the humble churro by infusing it with the nostalgic essence of toasted marshmallows and rich chocolate, creating a dessert experience that’s both familiar and excitingly new. Get ready to fall head over heels for these S’mores Churro Nuggets!

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup water
Mini marshmallows (enough to stuff each nugget, approximately 1 to 1.5 cups, depending on nugget size)
1 cup graham cracker sugar (achieved by finely crushing about 6-8 full graham crackers and mixing with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar)
1 cup melted chocolate (milk, semi-sweet, or dark, your preference!), for dipping
Vegetable oil (for frying, approximately 3-4 cups, depending on your pot size)
Pinch of salt (optional, but it enhances the flavors)

Making the Churro Dough

Step 1: Combine Water and Salt

In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup of water and the optional pinch of salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the water to a gentle boil. You’re looking for small bubbles to start forming around the edges of the pan. This step is crucial as the hot water will help to hydrate the flour quickly and evenly, creating a smooth dough.

Step 2: Incorporate the Flour

Once the water is boiling, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. This is a critical moment! Add the 1 cup of flour all at once to the hot water. Using a sturdy wooden spoon or a heat-resistant spatula, stir vigorously and continuously. The mixture will quickly transform into a thick, shaggy dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan. Keep stirring for about 1 to 2 minutes, ensuring there are no dry pockets of flour. This process is essentially making a basic choux pastry dough, which is what gives churros their unique puffed texture. The goal here is to cook the flour slightly, which helps to achieve that delightful crisp exterior when fried.

Step 3: Cool and Prepare for Stuffing

Transfer the hot dough from the saucepan to a mixing bowl. Let it cool for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You don’t want it to be piping hot when you handle it, but it should still be warm. While the dough is cooling, prepare your mini marshmallows for stuffing. If they are very large, you might consider gently pressing them down to make them more compact for easier insertion. You can also line a baking sheet with parchment paper to place your formed nuggets on before frying.

Forming and Stuffing the S’mores Churro Nuggets

Step 4: Form and Stuff Each Nugget

Once the dough is cool enough to handle comfortably, take about a tablespoon of the dough and flatten it into a small disc in the palm of your hand. It should be pliable but not sticky. Place one or two mini marshmallows in the center of the flattened dough disc. Gently fold the dough around the marshmallows, carefully sealing all the edges to ensure the marshmallow is completely enclosed. Roll the dough gently between your palms to form a small, nugget-like shape, about the size of a large gumdrop. Repeat this process until all the dough and marshmallows are used. As you form each nugget, place it on your prepared baking sheet. Ensure the dough is well-sealed to prevent the marshmallow from leaking out during frying. If the dough becomes too sticky, lightly dust your hands with a bit more flour.

Frying the S’mores Churro Nuggets

Step 5: Heat the Oil and Fry

Pour about 3-4 cups of vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a tiny piece of dough into it; it should sizzle immediately and float to the surface. Carefully, and in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, lower the stuffed churro nuggets into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or spider strainer. Fry for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. The key here is to maintain a consistent oil temperature. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked through. If it’s too cool, they will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Keep an eye on them, as they cook relatively quickly.

Step 6: Drain and Coat

Using your slotted spoon or spider strainer, carefully remove the golden-brown S’mores Churro Nuggets from the hot oil. Transfer them immediately to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil. While they are still warm and slightly sticky, gently roll them in your prepared graham cracker sugar mixture. Ensure each nugget is evenly coated. The residual heat will help the sugar adhere beautifully. If you find they aren’t getting enough coating, you can lightly press them into the sugar.

Step 7: The Grand Finale – Chocolate Dipping

Once the churro nuggets are coated in graham cracker sugar, it’s time for the decadent chocolate dip. Take your melted chocolate and dip each S’mores Churro Nugget into it, coating about half to two-thirds of the nugget. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can even drizzle a little extra melted chocolate over the top of the dipped portion. Place the chocolate-dipped nuggets back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet or a clean plate to allow the chocolate to set. You can speed this process up by placing the tray in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Enjoy your delightful S’mores Churro Nuggets while they are still warm and the chocolate is perfectly melty!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Your very own batch of delightful S’mores Churro Nuggets, ready to be devoured. This recipe is a fantastic way to bring the campfire magic of s’mores to your kitchen with the irresistible crispness of churros. The golden-brown exteriors, the gooey marshmallow center, and the rich chocolatey undertones create a symphony of flavors and textures that are truly addictive. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these sweet treats as much as I do!

These S’mores Churro Nuggets are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm as a standalone dessert, dusted with extra cinnamon sugar. They also make a fantastic addition to ice cream sundaes or as a fun party favor. For a truly decadent experience, consider serving them with a side of chocolate dipping sauce or a creamy caramel. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You could add a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs to the dough before frying for an extra crunch, or even experiment with different types of chocolate for the drizzle. Most importantly, have fun with it and enjoy the process!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the S’mores Churro Nuggets ahead of time?

While they are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the dough a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. For best results, fry them just before serving to ensure that perfect crispy exterior and gooey marshmallow center. If you have leftovers, they can be gently reheated in an oven or air fryer to revive some of their crispness, though they won’t be quite as fresh as immediately after frying.

What can I use if I don’t have a piping bag for the marshmallow?

If you don’t have a piping bag, no worries! You can still achieve a gooey marshmallow center. Cut your marshmallows into smaller pieces and carefully press them into the center of your churro dough before sealing. Another option is to spoon a small amount of marshmallow fluff into the center of each churro nugget before frying. The key is to ensure the marshmallow is enclosed within the dough so it can melt and become gooey during the frying process.