Churro Bites

1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
3 Tbsp butter, diced
2 tsp granulated sugar
1/4 tsp + 1/8 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
canola oil, for frying
Cinnamon coating
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tsp ground cinnamon

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.  Heat 1 1/2 inches of oil in a large pot over medium heat to 360 degrees. In a separate medium saucepan combine milk, water, butter, 2 tsp sugar, and salt and bring mixture just to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and immediately stir in vanilla and flour. Stir together with spatula & smooth any lumps. Stir until mixture comes together and is smooth. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip
Pipe 2-4 inches of dough out into oil Cut dough & to allow dough to drop into oil. Allow churros to fry until golden brown - remove with a wire strainer Drain on a wire rack for a couple minutes. Toss warm, drained churros into sugar mixture to evenly coat. Serve warm with dipping sauce if desired.