If you’ve ever fallen in love with the crispy, cinnamon-kissed delight of churros but want something a bit quicker and easier to make at home, you’re going to adore this Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture all the buttery, crispy, and sweet cinnamon flavor you crave but in a soft, chewy cookie form that’s perfect for dunking, sharing, or savoring one bite at a time. The magic lies in a simple, streamlined recipe that transforms basic pantry ingredients into tiny, golden treasures rolled in cinnamon sugar that deliver an irresistible crunch and warmth in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delightful Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies, you only need a handful of pantry staples, each chosen to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the richness of butter to the aromatic lift of vanilla and cinnamon, every ingredient plays its part in making these cookies stand out.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Provides a rich, creamy base essential for that tender crumb and golden color.
- Water (1 cup): Helps form the dough’s unique churro-like texture when combined with butter and flour.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structure-builder that ensures your cookies hold their shape but stay tender.
- Eggs (2): Add moisture and richness, while also binding the dough for that perfect chewiness.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Elevates the flavor with a subtle sweetness and warmth.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances the depth of flavor.
- Sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the dough just enough before adding the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): The star spice that brings in that iconic churro flavor for the rolling sugar mix.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly. Having everything ready upfront makes the whole process smoother.
Step 2: Make the Butter and Water Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and water, then bring the mixture to a boil. This step is crucial because it melts the butter completely and creates a hot liquid base for the dough — that’s where the magic to get that churro texture begins.
Step 3: Stir in the Flour
Once the mixture reaches a boil, remove the pan from heat and immediately add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture pulls away from the sides and forms a smooth ball. This dough is the foundation for our cookies’ classic churro chew.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Allow the dough to cool just a bit, and then beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. After the eggs, stir in the vanilla extract for that hint of comforting aroma and flavor that rounds out these cookies beautifully.
Step 5: Shape on the Baking Sheet
Transfer your dough to a piping bag to pipe small mounds or spoon the dough by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet. You want to give each cookie plenty of space because they will puff slightly as they bake.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re puffed and golden brown. This baking time ensures that the exterior crisps up while the inside remains tender and chewy — a churro cookie dream come true.
Step 7: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While the cookies are baking, mix the sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. When the cookies come out of the oven, still warm, gently roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat every nook with that signature crispy, sweet layer.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of whimsy and flavor, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top just before serving, or dust with powdered sugar to keep things light and elegant. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt can add unexpected layers of indulgence.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, spiced latte, or your favorite warm tea. If you’re feeling decadent, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or a rich hot chocolate dip — it’s like churros and dulce de leche joined forces in cookie form.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe on a decorative platter dusted with extra cinnamon sugar and add a bowl of dulce de leche or chocolate sauce nearby for dipping. For a festive touch, stack them like a cookie cake or place them in cute paper cones for an irresistible sweet snack booth vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week without losing their delightful texture and flavor. Just make sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
These cookies freeze incredibly well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. When stored properly, they’ll keep fresh for up to 3 months and thaw beautifully.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth and crispy coating, reheat your cookies in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it will soften the crispy cinnamon sugar shell.
FAQs
Can I make cinnamon sugar churro cookies without a piping bag?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a piping bag, simply use a spoon to drop dollops of dough onto your baking sheet. The texture and taste will remain just as delightful.
What’s the secret to that perfect cinnamon sugar coating?
The key is rolling the cookies while they’re still warm from the oven so the cinnamon sugar sticks effortlessly, creating that signature crispy and flavorful crust.
Can I use margarine or another butter substitute?
For best results, stick with unsalted butter. It provides the perfect fat content and flavor. Margarine or other substitutes may affect texture and taste.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The traditional recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking, though the texture might vary slightly.
Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mix adds a lovely warm twist to these cookies that pairs beautifully with the existing flavors.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe. It’s simple, comforting, and bursting with those familiar flavors we all adore. Whether you’re baking for a party, a lazy afternoon treat, or just because, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Grab your ingredients, have fun in the kitchen, and enjoy every warm, cinnamon-sweet bite!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic churro, featuring a soft, buttery cookie base rolled in a fragrant cinnamon sugar coating. Perfectly golden and crisp on the outside with a tender center, they capture all the flavors of the beloved churro pastry in an easy-to-make cookie form.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Coating
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Boil butter and water: In a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter and water, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Add flour: Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the all-purpose flour until the dough forms a firm ball and pulls away from the sides.
- Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the dough is smooth and shiny. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Shape the cookies: Using a piping bag or spoon, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar: While the cookies are baking, mix together the sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Coat the cookies: When the cookies come out of the oven and are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated, then allow them to cool.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature eggs to ensure smooth incorporation.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, use two spoons to shape the dough on the baking sheet.
- Make sure the cookies are warm when rolling in cinnamon sugar for the coating to stick well.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
- You can add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon sugar mixture for extra warming spice.
