Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe
There is nothing quite like the warm, cozy feeling that comes from biting into a freshly baked treat coated in just the right balance of cinnamon and sugar. This Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe brings that exact magic into cookie form, providing a crisp exterior with a tender, airy bite reminiscent of classic churros. It’s simple enough to whip up on a whim yet impressive enough to disappear at any gathering. If you’re craving a cinnamon-sugar delight that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying, these cookies are calling your name.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating a cookie that’s delightfully crisp on the outside and tender inside. The combination is straightforward but essential, delivering flavor, texture, and that gorgeous golden color.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup: Provides richness and helps achieve that flaky, tender texture.
- Water, 1 cup: Creates the dough base and allows the flour to cook slightly in the boiling mixture.
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups: The structure of the cookie that sets up once baked, giving it a sturdy yet light body.
- Eggs, 2: Bind the dough while adding moisture and lift for a delicate crumb.
- Vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle, sweet aroma.
- Salt, 1/4 tsp: Balances sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
- Sugar, 1/4 cup: Adds sweetness in the dough, before the luscious cinnamon sugar coating.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 tsp: The star spice that infuses the cookies with warm, aromatic notes.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, setting you up for perfect results every time.
Step 2: Boil Butter and Water
In a saucepan, combine the unsalted butter and water and bring them to a boil. This step is crucial because the boiling liquid helps cook the flour slightly as you mix it in, giving the dough its unique texture.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the all-purpose flour rapidly until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth ball. This technique sets the foundation for those light, airy cookies.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Let the dough cool just slightly before adding the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This gradual incorporation ensures your dough becomes smooth and elastic. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for an irresistible sweet aroma.
Step 5: Pipe or Spoon Onto Baking Sheet
Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip or use a spoon to place small mounds onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Spacing them evenly gives each cookie room to puff and bake nicely.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake the cookies for 20 to 25 minutes, keeping an eye out for a beautiful golden-brown hue. This signals the perfect crispy exterior while preserving that tender inside.
Step 7: Mix Cinnamon and Sugar
While the cookies bake, combine the ground cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. This easy mixture will become the signature coating that makes these cookies so addictive.
Step 8: Coat Cookies in Cinnamon Sugar
Once the cookies are warm but cool enough to handle, roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. This final step is where the magic happens, transforming simple cookies into churro-inspired delights.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance or flavor, dust your cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate over the top. A pinch of sea salt sprinkled on the cinnamon sugar coating can also create a delightful contrast, boosting the overall flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cup of rich hot chocolate or creamy coffee for an indulgent treat. They also shine alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream, adding balance and freshness to each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of dulce de leche or caramel sauce for dipping. For celebrations, serve them in decorative paper cones or gift boxes to share this delightful surprise with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days. The cinnamon sugar topping might soften a bit, but the flavor remains just as wonderful.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies for longer storage by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until firm before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to 2 months, ready for when the craving hits.
Reheating
To revive the crispness, warm the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This step crisps up the exterior while keeping the inside tender, restoring that delicious just-baked experience.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly, but these cookies still turn out fantastic with some experimentation.
What if I don’t have a piping bag?
No worries! You can simply use a spoon or a small ice cream scoop to place the dough on your baking sheet. The texture and taste remain just as delightful.
Are these cookies crunchy or soft?
They have a crisp exterior with a slightly tender, airy interior, capturing the essence of traditional churros but in cookie form.
Can I use different spices in the cinnamon sugar coating?
Feel free to mix it up by adding nutmeg or a pinch of cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for a spiced twist that complements the flavor beautifully.
How large should I make each cookie?
About 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter works well to ensure they bake evenly and develop that perfect crunchy outside while maintaining a light center.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that transports you straight to a cozy café filled with warm, sweet aromas, this Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe is a must-try. It’s straightforward, comforting, and utterly delicious—a real crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Bake a batch today and enjoy the joy that only freshly made cinnamon sugar treats can bring.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies combine the classic flavors of churros into a convenient, baked cookie form. Featuring a soft, buttery dough coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, these cookies offer a delightful twist on the traditional fried churro. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside, they make a fantastic treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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 make cleanup easier.
- Boil Butter and Water: In a saucepan, combine the unsalted butter and water and bring the mixture to a boil. This step helps melt the butter evenly and prepares the dough base.
- Incorporate Flour: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the all-purpose flour until the mixture comes together and forms a ball, indicating the dough is ready for the eggs.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to fully incorporate. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Shape the Dough: Using a piping bag or spoon, portion dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Spacing them properly will ensure even baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown color. This ensures a crisp exterior and soft interior.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: While the cookies bake, mix the sugar and ground cinnamon together in a small bowl to create the churro coating.
- Coat Cookies: When the cookies are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated to lock in the churro flavor and add a sweet, crunchy finish.
Notes
- Use a piping bag with a star tip for a more traditional churro shape and texture.
- Rolling the cookies while warm helps the cinnamon sugar stick better.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- You can adjust cinnamon quantity to your preference for more or less spice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
