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As the sweet aroma of cinnamon fills my kitchen, I can't help but smile, knowing that these Soft and Chewy Churro Cookies are just moments away from perfection. Inspired by the beloved fair treat, this delightful recipe gives you all the gooey goodness of traditional churros without the fuss of deep frying. The best part? They come together in just 35 minutes with no dough chilling required, making them a perfect last-minute dessert or a warm treat for unexpected guests. Plus, with an optional churro buttercream frosting, you have the freedom to indulge just the way you like! Are you ready to experience the joy of homemade churros in cookie form? Let’s dive in!
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Why are churro cookies a must-try?
Irresistible Flavor: The warm combination of cinnamon and sugar transforms your typical cookie into a sweet delight that’s hard to resist.
Quick and Easy: With no chilling time required, you can whip these up in just 35 minutes—perfect for when you need a speedy dessert!
Dairy-Free Option: Enjoy the joy of baking cookies that cater to everyone’s needs by easily substituting ingredients to make them dairy-free.
Crowd-Pleaser: These churro cookies are sure to impress family and friends at gatherings. Imagine the smiles when they take a bite of this delightful twist on a classic treat!
Versatile Treat: Whether served plain or topped with optional churro buttercream, they deliver deliciousness in every bite, allowing you to customize as you wish. If you’re looking for more tasty ideas, check out my guide on quick dessert recipes!
Churro Cookies Ingredients
• For the Cookies
- Butter – ¾ cup, softened; adds richness and moisture to the cookies, perfect for a chewy texture.
- Light Brown Sugar – ¾ cup; provides sweetness and a slight caramel flavor, or use dark brown sugar for a more robust taste.
- Granulated Sugar – ¼ cup; adds sweetness and slight crispness; can be reduced for a less sweet cookie.
- Egg – 1; provides structure and moisture, or substitute with a flax egg for a vegan option.
- Vanilla Extract – ½ tablespoon; enhances flavor, best to use pure extract for richer taste.
- Salt – ¾ teaspoon; balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor; adjust based on dietary needs.
- Baking Soda – ¾ teaspoon; acts as a leavening agent for a good rise; ensure it’s fresh for optimal results.
- All-purpose Flour – 2 cups + 2 tablespoons; provides structure; substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.
- Ground Cinnamon – 1½ teaspoons; adds that signature churro flavor, can be adjusted to taste.
- Cinnamon Sugar – ¼ cup granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; use for rolling the cookies to give them that authentic churro effect.
Optional Churro Buttercream
- Butter – ½ cup, softened; serves as the base for the frosting, or use dairy-free butter if preferred.
- Ground Cinnamon – 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon; flavors the frosting, mimicking the churro taste.
- Powdered Sugar – 2-2¼ cups; sweetens and thickens the frosting, adjust for your desired consistency.
- Light Brown Sugar – ½ cup; adds depth to flavor; can be omitted for a less sweet option.
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon; enhances the overall flavor of the frosting.
- Milk – 1-2 tablespoons, as needed; adjust the frosting consistency; feel free to use dairy-free milk.
Dive into the cozy delight of Churro Cookies, and whip these up in your kitchen today!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Churro Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick surface for your churro cookies. This setup is essential for a smooth transfer of your freshly baked treats.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together ¾ cup of softened butter, ¾ cup of light brown sugar, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. The sugars should be well incorporated, giving your churro cookies a rich flavor.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Now, add in ½ tablespoon of vanilla extract and 1 egg to the sugar mixture. Mix until everything is fully combined and smooth, which will take about 1 minute. This step ensures the cookies have a delightful, soft texture and a fragrant aroma, setting the stage for delicious churro cookies.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually sift in 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon of baking soda, ¾ teaspoon of salt, and 1½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to over-mix the dough. You want to maintain a light and airy texture that’s characteristic of churro cookies.
Step 5: Form the Cookie Dough Balls
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, measure out dough portions of about 1½ tablespoons each. Roll the dough into balls, ensuring they are uniform in size for even baking. This step is crucial as it ensures that all the churro cookies bake perfectly together, creating a delightful batch.
Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Prepare the cinnamon sugar by combining ¼ cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll each cookie dough ball in this mixture until fully coated, giving them that iconic churro flavor. This coating will create a sweet and crispy outer layer once baked.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the coated cookie balls on the lined baking sheets, leaving enough space in between for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Look for edges that are set but not browned, and when they come out, they should be soft to the touch.
Step 8: Make the Optional Buttercream
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the churro buttercream if desired. In a mixing bowl, beat together ½ cup of softened butter, 2-2¼ cups of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ cup of brown sugar, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk. Mix until creamy and smooth, adjusting for thickness to achieve your preferred frosting consistency.
Step 9: Frost and Serve
Once the churro cookies have cooled completely, you can spread or pipe the churro buttercream on top of each cookie. This added touch enhances the churro experience and adds to the sweetness of each bite. Your delectable churro cookies are now ready to be enjoyed!
Make Ahead Options
These Soft and Chewy Churro Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious treats with minimal last-minute effort. You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply roll the dough balls and refrigerate them covered to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling in cinnamon sugar and proceeding to bake. The cookies will still turn out just as delightful! If you opt for the churro buttercream frosting, prepare that in advance too and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; just give it a quick mix before spreading or piping onto your cookies. These make-ahead strategies save you precious time while ensuring your churro cookies remain irresistibly tasty!
What to Serve with Churro Cookies
Nothing beats the sweet joy of churro cookies when paired with delightful accompaniments that elevate your dessert experience.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness balances the sweet cinnamon flavor, creating a comforting dessert sensation. A scoop of ice cream melting over warm cookies? Yes, please!
- Coffee or Espresso: The robust notes of coffee enhance the warm, sweet spice of churro cookies, making them an ideal pairing for cozy evenings. A perfect coffee break treat!
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate over churro cookies adds a rich, decadent twist that contrasts beautifully with their sweetness. It’s a dreamy combination that’s hard to resist.
- Fruit Salsa: A fresh fruit salsa, like peaches or strawberries with lime, brightens each bite and introduces a zesty flair. The sweet and tart flavors create a refreshing balance.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a luxurious touch alongside churro cookies, perfect for those who love a creamy addition. It enhances the overall dessert experience wonderfully.
- Churro Buttercream (Optional): Spread some of the leftover churro buttercream frosting on top for an extra sweet layer, elevating your cookie indulgence to new heights. You'll be in churro heaven!
- Hot Chocolate: For a cozy night in, serve churro cookies with a steaming mug of hot chocolate. The rich flavors complement each other beautifully, wrapping you in warmth.
Churro Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to personalize these churro cookies with exciting twists that will spark joy in your kitchen!
- Dairy-Free: Swap regular butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut or vegan butter for a delicious lactose-free treat.
- Nutty Flavor: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the dough for delightful crunch and extra flavor.
- Chocolate Lover's Delight: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips into the cookie dough for a rich, decadent touch that perfectly complements the cinnamon.
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend to cater to gluten-sensitive friends while keeping the chewy texture.
- Cinnamon Sugar Boost: Increase the cinnamon in your rolling sugar to 2 teaspoons for a bolder, spiced flavor that will make your senses dance.
- Fruity Twist: Incorporate ½ cup of dried fruits, like raisins or cranberries, for added sweetness and a chewy texture packed with flavor surprises.
- Chili Kick: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cookie dough or the cinnamon sugar for a surprising zing that enhances the sweet.
- Extra Layer: Top your churro cookies with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for an irresistible finishing touch that turns dessert into a masterpiece.
Feel inspired? Check out these ideas, and let your creativity shine as you bake! If you’re hunting for more delightful dessert recipes, don’t miss my collection of easy dessert ideas and delectable sweet treats.
Helpful Tricks for Churro Cookies
Measure Flour Correctly: Ensuring accurate flour measurement is critical for achieving the right texture; always fluff it up and spoon it into your measuring cup.
Beaten to Perfection: Mix the softened butter and sugars thoroughly to create a light and airy mixture; this is key for soft churro cookies.
Uniform Size Matters: Roll your cookie dough into uniform balls; this allows for even baking, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies every time.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; they should be set at the edges but soft in the center to maintain their chewy texture.
Optional Frosting Tip: If you're using the churro buttercream, apply it once the cookies have cooled completely; this prevents them from becoming soggy.
How to Store and Freeze Churro Cookies
Room Temperature: Store unfrosted churro cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft and chewy texture.
Fridge: If you've decorated your churro cookies with frosting, they can last up to 5 days in the fridge. Be sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Layer them between parchment paper to avoid sticking together.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm again, simply pop frozen churro cookies in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This will revive their gooey goodness!
Churro Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right ripeness and quality of ingredients?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, use fresh butter that’s just softened—not melted. Light brown sugar should be moist and sticky, while your egg should be at room temperature for a smoother batter. If you're going for a dairy-free version, opt for quality dairy-free butter that you love.
What is the best way to store churro cookies, and how long will they last?
Unfrosted churro cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you add the churro buttercream frosting, they can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Just be sure to keep them covered!
Can I freeze my churro cookies, and if so, how?
Very! To freeze churro cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, layering parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy, just reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.
What if my churro cookies turn out too hard?
It happens sometimes! If your churro cookies are hard, it could be due to overbaking. Make sure to keep an eye on them in the last minutes of baking; they should be set at the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! If you’re accommodating allergies, ensure you use gluten-free flour if needed and substitute dairy ingredients with dairy-free options. Additionally, if you have pets, remember that chocolate can be harmful to dogs, so skip any chocolate chip additions that may not be pet-friendly.
What’s the difference between churro cookies and snickerdoodles?
Great question! Although they both share a cinnamon-sugar coating, churro cookies are typically softer and have a richer flavor profile due to the vanilla and brown sugar base, while snickerdoodles are characterized by their tartness from cream of tartar and have a chewier texture.
Irresistibly Soft Churro Cookies You'll Want to Share
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and egg to the mixture and mix until fully combined.
- Gradually sift in flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon, mixing until just combined.
- Measure out dough portions of about 1½ tablespoons each and roll into uniform balls.
- Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to make cinnamon sugar, then roll each dough ball in the mixture.
- Place cookie balls on lined baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set but cookies are soft.
- For optional buttercream, beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, light brown sugar, and milk until creamy.
- Once cookies are cooled, frost them with churro buttercream and enjoy!
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