If you have a sweet tooth and love that irresistible combination of cinnamon and sugar with a crunchy, buttery twist, you are going to adore this Cinnamon Sugar Baked Churro Bugles Recipe. It takes the classic Bugles snack and transforms it into a dessert sensation that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Each bite delivers a crunchy, sweet embrace that feels like a cozy celebration of flavors, making it a must-try treat that’s equally fun to make and devour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Sugar Baked Churro Bugles Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays a crucial role, from the crispy base to the luscious glaze and the irresistible cinnamon sugar coating.
- Bugles corn snacks: The crunchy, hollow shape is perfect for catching that buttery cinnamon glaze and holds every bit of sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and melts perfectly with the sugar to create that signature caramelized coating.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses flavor that intensifies the sweet and buttery notes.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and that classic churro essence into every bite.
- Vanilla extract: Offers a subtle floral sweetness to round out the flavor profile perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: Combines with cinnamon for a crunchy, sweet finishing touch.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Baked Churro Bugles Recipe
Step 1: Prep for Perfect Crispiness
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lining a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil. This step sets the stage for even baking and easy cleanup, helping the Bugles get perfectly golden without sticking or burning.
Step 2: Create the Butter-Cinnamon Caramel
In a saucepan, melt the butter with 1½ teaspoons of cinnamon and brown sugar over medium-high heat until it boils. Then simmer it gently for one to two minutes before removing from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract to add that lovely aromatic quality that balances the caramel sweetness.
Step 3: Coat the Bugles
Pour this warm, fragrant mixture over your Bugles and toss them gently until every crunchy piece is glistening with that buttery cinnamon syrup. This step is what makes this snack feel truly indulgent.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spread the coated Bugles evenly on your prepared pan and pop them into the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through so they bake evenly and develop that bubbly, golden-brown coating that’s downright addictive.
Step 5: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the Bugles bake, stir together the granulated sugar and 2½ teaspoons of cinnamon in a bowl. This simple mix will be your final touch to capture the iconic churro flavor and add a pleasant crunch.
Step 6: Sweet Finish and Cool
Once the baking is done, transfer your warm Bugles to a large bowl, pour the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top, and toss to coat each piece thoroughly. Then lay them out on parchment paper to cool completely, allowing that sugary crust to harden just right for maximum crunch.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Baked Churro Bugles Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top just before serving for an extra pop of flavor and sparkle. You can even add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect that makes these Bugles look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
Serve these sweet Bugles alongside vanilla ice cream or a creamy dipping sauce like dulce de leche or chocolate ganache. The contrast of warm, crunchy snack and cold, smooth sides turns every bite into a mini dessert dream.
Creative Ways to Present
Pour the Cinnamon Sugar Baked Churro Bugles Recipe into fun, colorful bowls or use them as an unexpected topping on cakes or cupcakes. They also make charming edible party favors when packaged in clear bags tied with ribbon, perfect for sharing your love of this treat with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Cinnamon Sugar Baked Churro Bugles Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. They should stay fresh for up to 5 days, making them a perfect snack to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to store these longer, freeze the Bugles in a sealed bag or container. When you’re ready to snack, thaw them at room temperature. While they won’t be quite as crisp as freshly baked, they still hold plenty of that luscious cinnamon sugar flavor.
Reheating
To bring back a bit of that freshly baked crunch, spread the Bugles on a baking sheet and warm them at 300ºF for 5 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning, and enjoy that warm, gooey cinnamon sugar deliciousness all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different snack instead of Bugles?
Absolutely! While Bugles offer the perfect shape for holding the glaze, you can try other corn snacks or even pretzel rods. Keep in mind the texture may vary, but the cinnamon sugar coating will still deliver great flavor.
Is it necessary to bake the Bugles after coating them?
Baking is key to achieving that bubble and golden-brown finish, which caramelizes the sugar and butter mixture, giving the snack a fantastic crunch and depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with vegan margarine or plant-based butter alternatives. Make sure to choose a buttery option for the best flavor and texture results in the Cinnamon Sugar Baked Churro Bugles Recipe.
How spicy is the cinnamon flavor?
The cinnamon here is perfectly balanced to give warmth and sweetness without any heat or overpowering spice. It’s gentle enough that kids and adults alike will find it delightful.
What’s the best way to toss the Bugles with the cinnamon sugar mix?
Using a large bowl and a gentle folding motion allows the cinnamon sugar to coat evenly without crushing the Bugles. Patience during this step ensures every bite is perfectly covered.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Baked Churro Bugles Recipe is such a joyful snack to make and enjoy, blending nostalgia and new favorite flavors in every crunchy bite. Whether for a cozy night in or a fun party treat, it’s easy to see why this recipe will become a go-to. Don’t wait to try it—your taste buds will thank you for introducing them to this sweet, buttery, cinnamon-coated delight!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Baked Churro Bugles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Churro Bugles are a sweet and crunchy snack featuring Bugles corn snacks coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar glaze, baked to golden perfection, and dusted with cinnamon sugar for that classic churro flavor. Perfect for parties or an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Snack
- 1 (14.5-oz) bag Bugles corn snacks
Butter Mixture
- 1½ cup unsalted butter
- 1½ cup brown sugar
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2½ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF and line a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and 1½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for one to two minutes. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Coat Bugles: Pour the warm butter mixture over the Bugles corn snacks in a large bowl and toss thoroughly to ensure all pieces are coated evenly with the glaze.
- Bake: Spread the coated Bugles onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake at 350ºF for about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. The Bugles should become bubbly and golden brown.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar: While the Bugles bake, mix together the granulated sugar and 2½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon in a medium bowl to create the finishing cinnamon sugar coating.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar and Cool: When the Bugles come out of the oven, transfer them immediately to a large bowl and pour the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top. Stir well to coat each piece. Spread the coated Bugles onto parchment paper and allow them to cool completely so the coating can set crisp.
Notes
- Make sure to toss the Bugles well after each coating step to get an even layer of glaze and cinnamon sugar.
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness; salted butter can alter the flavor balance.
- Bake time is approximate; watch closely to avoid burning the sugar glaze.
- Allow Bugles to cool completely for the best crispy texture.
- This snack is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
