If you’re craving a delightful treat that brings the beloved flavors of churros straight to your kitchen, look no further than this Easy Churro Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture the perfect balance of cinnamon-spiced sweetness, a hint of buttery richness, and a crunchy, chewy texture that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just satisfying your own sweet tooth, this recipe is wonderfully straightforward and delivers that classic churro vibe with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the best part of this Easy Churro Cookies Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from the all-purpose flour forming a sturdy base to the cinnamon infusing that unmistakable churro flavor you’ll adore.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Spoon and level for accuracy to ensure perfect cookie structure.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Helps the cookies rise just the right amount for a soft interior.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness so the flavors shine without overwhelming.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 tsp, divided): The star spice, divided to season both dough and coating.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Softened or browned for a rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup): Packed to add moisture and a deep molasses note.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a subtle crisp texture inside the cookies.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, fragrant touch.
- Egg (1 large, room temperature): Binds everything together while keeping the cookie tender.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): For rolling — mixed with cinnamon to create that classic churro exterior.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Combined with sugar for that perfect cinnamon sugar coating.
How to Make Easy Churro Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for an even bake and keeps your cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This dry mix will infuse the dough with that classic churro flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate bowl, beat the unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential for giving your cookies the right texture and sweetness.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar blend. This combo not only enhances flavor but also helps bind the dough perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so keep it gentle to maintain that soft chewiness we love.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Scoop or pipe the dough into small balls or rings, which gives a nod to the signature churro shape. This part adds a fun touch and ensures each cookie gets evenly coated.
Step 7: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Roll each cookie dough piece in the cinnamon sugar mixture—your secret weapon for that irresistible churro crunch on the outside.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place your cookies on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart, then bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’re aiming for edges set with soft centers — that perfect balance of crispy and chewy.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period helps them firm up just right.
How to Serve Easy Churro Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies shine on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate takes them to a whole new level of indulgence. Feel free to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top just before serving for an extra cinnamon kick.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy Churro Cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk for a cozy treat. For brunch or a dessert platter, fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples balance sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by stacking cookies in a jar or arranging them on a festive platter with mini bowls of dipping sauces such as dulce de leche, caramel, or chocolate ganache. This makes them perfect for parties or sharing with loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover churro cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them nice and soft while preserving that fresh-baked flavor you adore.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring them to a freezer bag once solid. They’ll last up to 3 months — perfect for having a quick treat ready anytime.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10–15 seconds. This refreshes their crisp edges and soft centers wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the salt level.
How do I make the cookies shaped like churros?
To mimic churros, you can pipe the dough using a star-shaped nozzle or shape small rings by hand before coating them in cinnamon sugar. This gives the cookies that classic appearance.
Can I substitute gluten-free flour in this recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for baking. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious.
What’s the best way to achieve the right cinnamon sugar coating?
Mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon thoroughly before rolling the dough pieces in it. This ensures every bite is perfectly sweet and spiced.
How thick or thin should I make the cookies?
Form small dough balls or slightly flattened discs. Cookies that are too thick may not bake evenly, while very thin ones might become too crisp, losing that soft center.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about whipping up a batch of these Easy Churro Cookies Recipe. With a handful of straightforward ingredients and simple steps, you get a sweet, cinnamony delight that feels special every time. I encourage you to give these cookies a try — your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you. Happy baking!
Print
Easy Churro Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Churro Cookies capture the beloved flavors of classic churrros with a soft, tender texture and a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating. Perfectly crisp on the outside and tender inside, they combine the rich warmth of cinnamon with buttery sweetness for a simple yet indulgent treat that’s quick to prepare and bake.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour (Spoon & level for accuracy)
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda (Helps cookies rise)
- 1/4 tsp Salt (Balances sweetness)
- 1 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon (Divided for dough & coating)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (Softened or browned)
- 3/4 cup Brown sugar (Packed)
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar (Adds crisp texture)
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract (Enhances flavor)
- 1 large Egg (Room temperature)
Coating
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar (For rolling cinnamon sugar)
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon (Mixed with sugar for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spice throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened or browned unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, which ensures a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and keeping the cookies soft.
- Shape Dough: Scoop or pipe the dough into small balls or rings, using a spoon, cookie scoop, or piping bag, ensuring uniform size for even baking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for the rolling mixture that mimics classic churro flavor.
- Coat Cookies: Roll each dough ball or ring in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated, giving each cookie a crunchy, flavorful outer layer.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the coated cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly golden but the centers remain soft, offering a perfect balance of texture.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving their chewy interior.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, consider browning the butter before creaming to add a nutty depth to the cookies.
- Do not overmix the dough once dry ingredients are added to avoid tough cookies.
- Cookies may seem soft when removed from the oven but will firm up as they cool.
- Use room temperature egg for better mixing and texture.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
