If you adore the crispy, buttery delight of churros but want a handheld cookie version to savor anytime, this Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine tender, puffy cookies with a perfectly golden exterior, rolled in a fragrant blend of cinnamon and sugar — every bite bursting with the classic churro flavor you love, yet effortlessly sweet and soft like a cookie. Whether you serve them for an afternoon treat or a cozy dessert, these churro-inspired cookies bring joy with each warm, cinnamon-scented bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet essential, working harmoniously to create the perfect balance of texture, sweetness, and that signature churro taste. Each component plays its part—rich butter for moisture and flavor, flour for tender structure, and cinnamon sugar to bring everything to life with an irresistible crunch and spice.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Provides the rich, creamy flavor that makes these cookies melt in your mouth.
- Water (1 cup): Helps form the dough’s perfect consistency and keeps it light and airy.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of the dough, giving structure and tenderness.
- Eggs (2): Add moisture and act as a binder, ensuring your cookies hold together beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle sweetness and warmth.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
- Sugar (1/4 cup): Used inside and outside the cookies to add sweetness and help with that crunchy coating.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): The star spice that brings out the classic churro taste and aroma.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Heat
Begin by preheating your oven to a robust 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep those delicious cookies from sticking, and to make clean-up a breeze. This high temperature helps the cookies puff up and develop that beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Combine Butter and Water
In a saucepan, bring together the butter and water over medium heat until it reaches a full boil. This mixture is the wet base that will give these cookies their traditional light and airy texture, reminiscent of the classic churro dough.
Step 3: Stir in the Flour
Once boiling, remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the flour all at once. The mixture will thicken and come together into a smooth, cohesive ball—just like choux pastry. This is key to achieving the signature softness inside your cookies.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Allow the dough to cool slightly, then add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. The eggs add moisture and lift, making these cookies tender but structured. Stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting aroma that will make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Transfer your dough to a piping bag, or use two spoons if you don’t have one, and form small mounds or churro-like strips onto your prepared baking sheet. Sized right, these cookies will puff up perfectly without spreading too thin.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cookies turn a gorgeous golden brown. This step crisps up the outside while keeping the center delightfully soft.
Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the cookies are baking, mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple blend is what transforms these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary, adding that unmistakable churro charm.
Step 8: Coat the Warm Cookies
When the cookies come out warm but not piping hot, gently roll them in your cinnamon sugar mixture so each bite is coated with sweet, spicy goodness. This final touch is what makes the Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe truly irresistible.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon can add visual appeal and a slight hint of extra sweetness that complements the cinnamon sugar coating beautifully. For an indulgent touch, drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the top just before serving.
Side Dishes
These cookies are delightful alongside dipping sauces such as warm chocolate ganache or a rich dulce de leche. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on the side will turn your snack into a decadent dessert. Pair with a hot mug of coffee or spiced chai tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, shareable dessert, stack the cookies into a churro cookie tower or arrange them in a basket lined with a pretty napkin. You can also serve them in mini paper bags sprinkled with extra cinnamon sugar for a charming party favor or gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This will help maintain their crispness on the outside while keeping the soft, tender interior just right.
Freezing
If you want to save some of these winners for later, freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container separated by parchment paper for up to two months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving to preserve flavor and texture.
Reheating
Rewarm your cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This method revives the crispy cinnamon sugar crust and slightly softens the inside without drying them out, giving you that fresh-from-the-oven experience all over again.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.
Is it okay to use almond flour or gluten-free flour?
This recipe works best with all-purpose flour due to its gluten content, which gives structure to the cookies. However, you can experiment with gluten-free blends but results may vary regarding texture and rise.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the cookies right after making the dough since the texture can change if the dough sits too long. For convenience, you can prepare the cinnamon sugar coating ahead of time.
Why do the cookies need to be rolled warm in cinnamon sugar?
Rolling the cookies while still warm allows the cinnamon sugar to stick perfectly, creating that signature crispy, sweet coating. If the cookies cool completely first, the coating won’t adhere as well.
Are these cookies crunchy or soft?
The outside bakes up crisp and golden while the inside stays tender and airy, giving you the best of both worlds in every bite—an ideal texture that mimics traditional churros.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that combines the nostalgic charm of churros with the ease and comfort of cookies, the Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe is just what you need in your life. Warm, fragrant, and sweet, these treats bring happiness to any gathering or quiet moment alike. Give them a try, and trust me—you’ll be reaching for seconds before you know it!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
Enjoy these delightful Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies with a crisp exterior and soft, chewy inside, perfectly coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar blend. Inspired by classic churros, these cookies combine buttery dough with warm cinnamon flavor for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Boil Butter and Water: In a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter and water. Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a rolling boil.
- Add Flour: Remove the saucepan from heat immediately and stir in the all-purpose flour all at once until the dough forms a cohesive ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Incorporate Eggs: Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to fully incorporate before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and glossy.
- Pipe or Spoon Dough: Using a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, pipe the dough or spoon it onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: While the cookies bake, mix together the sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl to create the coating.
- Coat Cookies: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven and are still warm, gently roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Notes
- Use a piping bag with a star tip to give cookies a traditional churro look, or simply spoon the dough for rustic shapes.
- Be sure to coat the cookies while warm for best cinnamon sugar adhesion.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to retain freshness and crispness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mix.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly before serving to avoid burns from the hot sugar coating.
