Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe

1. Introduction to the Recipe

If you love the warm, comforting flavors of churros but want a simple cookie version to satisfy your sweet tooth, Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies are an irresistible choice. These cookies capture the classic essence of churros — the buttery dough, infused with cinnamon, and rolled in a crisp coating of cinnamon sugar — but with the soft, chewy texture that makes cookies so satisfying. They’re perfect for sharing at holiday parties, casual get-togethers, or anytime you crave that cinnamon-sugar goodness.

The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity and versatility. Using everyday ingredients like butter, sugar, and cinnamon, this recipe transforms basic cookie dough into a treat reminiscent of the popular fried dough pastries, minus the frying. The inclusion of vanilla extract enhances the buttery flavor, while the cinnamon is used in both the dough and the outer coating to maximize that spicy-sweet churro taste. If you enjoy baking with cinnamon, you might also like this Ultimate Cinnamon Roll Recipe for another cinnamon-infused delight. Plus, for tips on perfectly balancing spices in baking, this guide to baking with spices is an excellent resource.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, these Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies offer a straightforward recipe with impressive results. They strike the perfect balance between soft centers and a slightly crisp cinnamon sugar exterior, mimicking that churro crunch. Plus, the aroma of cinnamon and sugar baking in your oven is enough to fill your kitchen with cozy vibes. Get ready to whip up a batch of these addictively delicious cookies and delight friends and family alike.

2. Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe | Soft & Crispy Treats

Author: Sarah White

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Description

Enjoy these Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies—soft, buttery cookies rolled in cinnamon sugar for the perfect churro-inspired treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

½ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Mix well until fully incorporated.

Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
In a small bowl, combine the ½ cup sugar with 2 teaspoons cinnamon and mix well.

Shape and Coat Cookies:
Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

Bake:
Place coated dough balls onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and slightly golden.

Cool:
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

For extra crispy edges, flatten the cookie balls slightly before baking.

Don’t overbake; cookies should be soft in the center when removed. They firm up as they cool.

Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better texture.

3. Advanced Techniques

Balancing Softness and Crispness

To get the ideal churro cookie texture—soft inside with a slightly crispy outside—try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better and prevents excessive spreading. Additionally, experimenting with baking time (10-12 minutes) allows you to customize softness versus crispness. For a crunchier exterior, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top right after baking.

Enhancing Cinnamon Flavor Depth

To intensify the cinnamon taste, toast the ground cinnamon lightly in a dry pan before mixing it into the dough and coating. Toasting releases aromatic oils and deepens the spice’s flavor, creating a richer, more authentic churro experience. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon sugar for a warm, complex profile.

Using Alternative Sugars for Coating

Instead of standard granulated sugar, try using turbinado or sanding sugar for the cinnamon sugar coating. These coarse sugars add an appealing crunch and sparkle, elevating the cookie’s texture and appearance. They also caramelize slightly during baking, adding subtle caramel notes reminiscent of fried churros.

Perfecting Cookie Shape and Size

For uniform cookies, use a small cookie scoop to portion dough evenly. Rolling dough balls quickly but firmly ensures a smooth, crack-free surface for even cinnamon sugar coating. Slightly flatten the balls with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass before baking for classic churro-style discs.

Adding a Drizzle or Dip

To take your churro cookies to the next level, consider drizzling them with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk or dipping them in melted chocolate. The sweet glaze or rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the cinnamon sugar coating and adds visual appeal. Drizzle or dip once cookies are completely cooled to prevent melting.

See more advanced recipes at cookingwhite.com

4. Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing for Freshness

Store Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft, tender texture. They will stay fresh for about 4-5 days. Avoid storing in a warm, humid area as this can make the cinnamon sugar coating sticky.

Freezing Cookie Dough

To save time, freeze the shaped and coated dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time. This method ensures freshly baked cookies anytime with minimal effort.

Preventing Cinnamon Sugar Clumping

When storing leftover cookies, place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture and keep the cinnamon sugar coating dry and crisp. Clumping can occur if the sugar absorbs humidity, especially in humid climates.

Re-Crisping Cookies

If cookies soften over time, refresh their texture by warming them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This gently recrispies the exterior without drying the interior, bringing back that freshly baked churro feel.

Maintaining Optimal Flavor

For the best cinnamon flavor, store cookies away from strong odors, as cinnamon can absorb other aromas. Keep containers tightly sealed and consume within a week for peak taste.

5. Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Version

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Ensure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain cookie structure. Check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free. The cookies will remain just as soft and flavorful.

Vegan Adaptation

Replace butter with a vegan margarine or coconut oil, and substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg). Use a plant-based vanilla extract and ensure cinnamon sugar coating ingredients are vegan-friendly. This yields delicious vegan churro cookies with minimal texture changes.

Reducing Sugar Content

For a lower sugar cookie, reduce sugar in the dough to ¾ cup and use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in the cinnamon sugar coating. Keep in mind this may slightly alter texture and browning, so test for your preferred balance.

Nut-Free Assurance

This recipe is naturally nut-free but always verify ingredient labels to avoid cross-contamination, especially if serving to those with allergies.

Dairy-Free Options

Swap the butter with dairy-free alternatives such as vegan butter or refined coconut oil. Use plant-based milk in the egg replacements if needed. These substitutions maintain the rich flavor without dairy.

6. FAQs About the Recipe

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

If your cookies spread excessively, chill the dough before baking to help maintain shape. Also, ensure you’re measuring flour correctly — too little flour can cause spreading. Using room temperature butter (not melted) is key for proper texture.

Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Yes, eggs can be replaced with flax eggs, applesauce, or commercial egg replacers. Flax eggs add moisture and help bind the dough, producing soft cookies close to the original.

How do I keep the cinnamon sugar coating from falling off?

Rolling the dough balls firmly in cinnamon sugar ensures a good coating. For extra adhesion, chill the coated dough before baking. Avoid flipping cookies before they are fully set.

Can I add other spices to the dough?

Absolutely! Adding a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom can deepen the flavor profile and make the cookies more aromatic. Adjust quantities lightly to keep cinnamon as the star.

How do I store these cookies for gifting?

Package cooled cookies in airtight tins or boxes layered with parchment paper. Include a silica gel packet to absorb moisture if shipping. Cookies keep well for several days and maintain freshness.

7. Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies brilliantly capture the beloved flavors of traditional churros in a convenient, bake-at-home cookie form. Their perfect balance of buttery softness inside and crisp cinnamon sugar coating outside makes them endlessly satisfying and ideal for any occasion—from holiday parties to casual snacking. The recipe’s simplicity combined with opportunities for customization means you can easily tailor the cookies to suit dietary preferences or flavor twists.

With their intoxicating cinnamon aroma and familiar sweet crunch, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you serve them warm with a cup of coffee or package them as thoughtful homemade gifts, Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies offer a delicious taste of comfort and nostalgia in every bite. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy one of the most delightful cinnamon-sugar treats without any frying fuss!