In a shallow dish, whisk together 1/2 cup sugar with the cinnamon and set the mixture aside.
In a small nonstick saucepan set over medium-high heat, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 cup water. Bring the mixture to a boil then remove it from the heat and stir in the flour until a ball forms.
Transfer the churro dough to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip (optional).
Add about 4 inches of vegetable oil to a stockpot set over medium-high heat and attach the deep-fry thermometer. Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
Once the oil reaches 360°F, pipe the churro dough into the hot oil and use scissors to cut the dough every 1/2-inch as it releases into the oil. (Do not overcrowd the pan!) Fry the churro bites until they are golden brown on all sides then using a slotted spoon, transfer them to the paper towel-lined baking sheet.
Allow the churro bites to drain for 2 minutes on the paper towels then transfer then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Repeat the frying, draining and coating process with the remaining dough, returning the oil to 360°F between batches. Serve the churro bites warm with your choice of sauces.
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