Churro Bugles
There’s something magical about the combination of crispy snacks and sweet flavors, and that’s exactly what Churro Bugles deliver! I remember the first time I made them, it was a cozy weekend, and I wanted to experiment with a fun twist on classic churros. Instead of the usual frying, I embraced the crunchy allure of Bugles corn snacks. With their unique shape and texture, they perfectly catch the sweet toffee coating. It was a delightful surprise, and I couldn’t wait to share this treat with friends and family!
As the aromas filled my kitchen while the Bugles baked, I was reminded of the joy of creating something special from simple ingredients. These treats are perfect for any occasion, a spontaneous movie night, or a festive gathering. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, which makes them even more appealing. Once you take your first bite of a Churro Bugles, with their sweet and slightly crunchy exterior, you’ll understand why they quickly become a household favorite. You might just find yourself making them again and again!
Recipe Snapshot
17 mins
10 mins
7 mins
Medium
150 kcal
1 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
7 g
Medium Saucepan, 10Ă—15-inch sheet pan, Mixing Bowls
The Beauty of This Churro Bugles
Unexpected Twist on a Classic
When I think about churros, I imagine the warm, sugary, cinnamon-sprinkled treats from the fair. Churro Bugles take that nostalgia and turn it on its head by using Bugles instead. The sweetness clings to the crispy edges, making every bite a delightful surprise.
Simple Ingredients with Big Flavor
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients like butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, you can create a rich toffee sauce that coats the Bugles beautifully. It’s a reminder that great snacks don’t always require complicated techniques.
Fun for Everyone
These Churro Bugles are not only delicious but also fun to make. Kids love tossing the Bugles in the warm toffee sauce, and it’s a great way to get everyone involved in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a party or just having a family movie night, they’re sure to be a hit.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best things about Churro Bugles is their versatility. They’re an excellent snack for any gathering, from birthday parties to holiday festivities. Their unique flavor and appearance make them a conversation starter, and they’re perfect for sharing.
Sweet and Salty Delight
The combination of sweet toffee and the slight saltiness of the Bugles creates a flavor profile that’s irresistible. You can even add a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra kick, enhancing that sweet and salty contrast that many of us crave.
Easy Cleanup
Unlike traditional churros that require frying and messy cleanup, Churro Bugles can be made in the oven with minimal mess. This makes them an ideal choice for those who want a homemade treat without the fuss.
Churro Bugles Ingredients

The ingredients for Churro Bugles are simple yet effective in creating a deliciously sweet and crunchy snack. Each component plays a vital role in ensuring the final product is as tasty as possible. The key players include Bugles corn snacks as the base, while butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon work together to create that irresistible toffee sauce.
- 1 (14.5-oz) bag Bugles corn snacks – These uniquely shaped snacks serve as the perfect base for our churro-inspired treat, providing a delightful crunch.
- 1½ cups unsalted butter – Essential for making a rich toffee sauce that coats the Bugles and adds richness to each bite.
- 1½ cups brown sugar – This ingredient adds sweetness and a deep flavor that caramelizes beautifully when cooked.
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon – A warm spice that is classic in churros, giving this treat its signature flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Although not traditional in churros, it enhances the overall sweetness and flavor profile.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Used to create a cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat the Bugles once they come out of the oven.
- 2½ tsp ground cinnamon – Combined with granulated sugar for a sweet and spicy coating that completes the churro experience.
Making Churro Bugles

Making Churro Bugles is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting scents. The process is straightforward, and before you know it, you’ll have a sweet, crunchy treat ready to enjoy. Let’s dive into the steps!
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial as it ensures that the Churro Bugles bake evenly, resulting in that perfect golden color and crispiness.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil. This will make cleanup a breeze and prevent the Bugles from sticking during baking.
- In a medium saucepan, combine butter, 1½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. Stir the mixture over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil. Watch as the butter melts and combines with the sugars, transforming into a smooth toffee sauce.
- Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat slightly and allow it to simmer for one to two minutes. This is the key to achieving that perfect balance of crispiness and chewiness without overcooking the sauce.
- After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This will add a lovely aroma and flavor to your sauce.
- Pour the hot toffee sauce over the Bugles in a large mixing bowl. Use a spatula to toss the Bugles gently, ensuring each piece is coated evenly with the sauce. Be careful not to break them!
- Spread the coated Bugles onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. This ensures they bake properly without steaming, which keeps them crunchy.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. Halfway through, give them a gentle stir to ensure they brown evenly. Look for that bubbly, golden-brown appearance to know they’re almost done.
- While the Bugles are baking, prepare the cinnamon-sugar mixture. In a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar and the remaining ground cinnamon. Stir it well to mix completely.
- Once baked, remove the Bugles from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. While they’re still warm, pour the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the Bugles and stir to coat them evenly. The heat from the Bugles will help the sugar adhere nicely.
- Finally, spread the coated Bugles out onto parchment paper to cool completely. This will help them crisp up further as they cool down.
Things Worth Knowing
- Keep an eye on the toffee sauce. Boiling it for exactly two minutes is essential for getting it just right; too long, and it can become overly hard.
- When tossing the Bugles in the toffee sauce, a rubber spatula works wonders for mixing without crushing them.
- If desired, consider drizzling the cooled Bugles with melted chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence.
- To enhance flavor, a sprinkle of sea salt can add a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the Bugles.
Helpful Notes about Churro Bugles

Here are some helpful notes to ensure your Churro Bugles turn out perfectly every time. These tips will help enhance your cooking experience and result.
- Storage: To keep your Churro Bugles fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within a few days.
- Freezing: While it’s not recommended to freeze Churro Bugles once made, you can freeze the Bugles themselves if you plan to coat them later.
- Pairing: These sweet snacks pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, making them a great treat for chilly days.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices! Adding nutmeg or cardamom can give a unique flavor twist to your Churro Bugles.
- Presentation: Consider serving them in a festive bowl, topped with a dusting of extra cinnamon sugar for a beautiful presentation.
Great Combinations for Churro Bugles
When it comes to serving Churro Bugles, the possibilities are endless. Here are some great combinations and ideas:
- Movie Nights: These crunchy, sweet snacks are a perfect companion for a cozy movie night at home.
- Parties: Set them out at gatherings or birthday parties for a fun and unique snack that everyone will love.
- Seasonal Treats: Consider making them during festive seasons as a creative twist on traditional snacks.
- Picnics: They are easy to pack in containers and make for a delightful picnic treat against the backdrop of nature.
- Food Gifts: Package them in decorative bags or jars to give as gifts to friends and family.
- Casual Gatherings: Perfect for casual gatherings where you want something sweet yet easy to prepare!
FAQ
Conclusion
Churro Bugles are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, blending the irresistible crunch of Bugles with the sweet, warm flavors of churros. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and see for yourself how quickly they become a favorite in your household!

Churro Bugles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial as it ensures that the Churro Bugles bake evenly, resulting in that perfect golden color and crispiness.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil. This will make cleanup a breeze and prevent the Bugles from sticking during baking.
- In a medium saucepan, combine butter, 1½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. Stir the mixture over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil. Watch as the butter melts and combines with the sugars, transforming into a smooth toffee sauce.
- Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat slightly and allow it to simmer for one to two minutes. This is the key to achieving that perfect balance of crispiness and chewiness without overcooking the sauce.
- After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This will add a lovely aroma and flavor to your sauce.
- Pour the hot toffee sauce over the Bugles in a large mixing bowl. Use a spatula to toss the Bugles gently, ensuring each piece is coated evenly with the sauce. Be careful not to break them!
- Spread the coated Bugles onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. This ensures they bake properly without steaming, which keeps them crunchy.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. Halfway through, give them a gentle stir to ensure they brown evenly. Look for that bubbly, golden-brown appearance to know they’re almost done.
- While the Bugles are baking, prepare the cinnamon-sugar mixture. In a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar and the remaining ground cinnamon. Stir it well to mix completely.
- Once baked, remove the Bugles from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. While they’re still warm, pour the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the Bugles and stir to coat them evenly. The heat from the Bugles will help the sugar adhere nicely.
- Finally, spread the coated Bugles out onto parchment paper to cool completely. This will help them crisp up further as they cool down.
Notes
- Tip 1: Make sure not to overcook the brown sugar sauce! Boiling it for exactly 2 minutes is key to achieving that perfect balance of crispiness with a slightly chewy texture on the Bugles.
- Tip 2: Tossing the Bugles in the hot toffee sauce can be a bit tricky without breaking a few, but don’t stress—it doesn’t need to be perfect! Just aim to coat each Bugle lightly.
- Tip 3: Pouring the toffee sauce as evenly as possible will make this step much smoother. A rubber spatula works great for gently mixing everything together without crushing the Bugles.
- Tip 4: Drizzle the cooled Bugles with melted chocolate or white chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
- Tip 5: Add a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and salty snack.
- Tip 6: Store the Bugles in an airtight container at room temperature.


