Mini Churros from Jack in the Box feature bite-sized, golden-brown fried dough sticks coated in cinnamon sugar, delivering a sweet and crunchy treat that's perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Slotted spoon or frying basket
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Pastry bag (with star tip)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
- Baking sheet
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Water, butter, and eggs form the base of the churro dough, ensuring it achieves the perfect texture for frying. It's important to measure and mix the flour carefully to create a smooth dough that can be piped through a pastry bag with a star tip. When coating your churros, combining granulated sugar with ground cinnamon maximizes flavor and replicates the iconic taste. Using vegetable oil with a high smoke point helps you achieve even frying and a crispy golden exterior. Your next step is to enjoy this delicious Mini Churros from Jack in the Box copycat recipe, perfect for recreating the fast-food favorite at home.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and add 1 cup flour, stirring constantly until dough forms a ball and pulls away from sides.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition.
- Mix in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
- Fill a pastry bag fitted with a star tip with the prepared dough.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Pipe 2- to 3-inch strips of dough into hot oil, cutting off ends with tongs or scissors.
- Fry until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon.
- Roll warm churros in cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Mini Churros from Jack in the Box copycat recipe uses bite-sized fried dough sticks coated in a cinnamon sugar blend to recreate the iconic sweet treat. If you don't have a deep fryer, a heavy-bottomed pot with enough vegetable oil for frying can be substituted to achieve similar crispiness. Use a pastry bag with a star tip for piping the dough, but a zip-top bag with a corner cut off works well in a pinch. When coating the churros, mix cinnamon and sugar thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution on each piece. Your oil temperature should be maintained around 350degF to prevent soggy or burnt churros; use a thermometer or test with a small dough piece first.
Tips
Make sure the oil temperature is accurately maintained at 350degF (175degC) to prevent undercooked or overly greasy churros. When piping the dough into the hot oil, work quickly and evenly to ensure uniform size and consistent cooking. Use a star tip on your pastry bag for the classic churro ridges that effectively hold the cinnamon sugar coating. You'll achieve the best flavor by rolling the churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they're still warm.
Nutritions
Mini Churros from Jack in the Box primarily consist of fried dough coated in cinnamon sugar, making them rich in carbohydrates and sugars. Each serving provides a high-calorie count due to the deep-frying process and sugar coating, contributing to increased fat and sugar intake. The presence of eggs and butter adds some protein and fat, but overall, these churros are best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence rather than a primary source of nutrition. Your energy boost from eating mini churros mainly comes from simple carbohydrates and sugars, so balancing them with nutrient-dense foods is advisable.
Storage
Store your Mini Churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their crispiness and flavor. If you need longer storage, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat frozen churros in a preheated oven at 350degF (175degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crunch before enjoying.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a warming spice variation. For a richer flavor, substitute half of the water in the dough recipe with milk or add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to create chocolate churros. Try baking the churros at 375degF (190degC) for 15 minutes instead of frying for a lighter, less oily version while maintaining a crispy exterior. Consider filling the mini churros with dulce de leche or chocolate ganache after frying for an indulgent twist that enhances your dessert experience.
Allergies
Mini Churros from Jack in the Box contain common allergens like eggs and wheat, which could trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The use of vegetable oil for frying might also raise concerns for those with specific oil allergies or sensitivities. You should always check for cross-contamination risks if you have severe food allergies or intolerances.
Why this recipe?
Mini Churros from Jack in the Box are highly favored for their crispy texture and authentic cinnamon-sugar coating, delivering a perfectly sweet and satisfying snack experience. Their bite-sized convenience makes them an ideal treat for sharing or enjoying on the go. Replicating the Mini Churros at home allows you to customize the sweetness and freshness, ensuring each bite tastes just as delightful as the original. Trying your hand at this copycat recipe offers a fun and cost-effective way to enjoy this popular menu item anytime.