These Churro Cookies are the perfect combination of crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar flavor. They offer the irresistible taste of churros in the form of a cookie, making them a must-try for anyone who loves the sweet, spiced flavor of this beloved treat.
Whether you’re craving a snack with your afternoon coffee or looking for a unique dessert to serve at a gathering, these cookies will impress everyone with their simple yet delicious flavor. The cinnamon-sugar coating adds a delightful crunch while the buttery, soft interior makes every bite melt in your mouth.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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For the cinnamon sugar coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until combined.
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Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until well incorporated.
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In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar for the coating.
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Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
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Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Gently flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
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Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes | Kcal: 175 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
The History of Churros and Their Influence on Dessert
Churros have an interesting and somewhat debated history. Some believe churros originated in China and were brought to Europe by Portuguese traders in the 16th century. Others claim churros have Spanish roots, originating in the mountains where shepherds would make them over an open fire. The dough used for churros, similar to pâte à choux, doesn’t require yeast, which makes it perfect for frying over a campfire.
In the United States, churros are especially popular at fairs, carnivals, and theme parks. Their crispy, sugary exterior makes them a fan favorite, especially when dipped in chocolate sauce. However, in recent years, churros have gained popularity in many other forms, including the churro cookie, which is an easier-to-make alternative that still captures the essence of the traditional treat.
What Makes Churro Cookies So Special?
What makes churro cookies stand out is their ability to combine two beloved treats: cookies and churros. The dough is soft and chewy, yet has a crispness from the cinnamon-sugar coating that gives it that signature churro flavor. The cinnamon adds warmth, while the sugar provides the perfect amount of sweetness. This combination is irresistible, making churro cookies a must-try for anyone who enjoys comfort food or sweet snacks.
One of the best parts of making churro cookies is that they’re relatively easy to prepare. While traditional churros require deep frying and a special dough-making process, churro cookies can be baked in the oven, making them a much simpler option for home bakers. The result is a soft, chewy center with a crisp exterior that mimics the texture of a fried churro without the mess of frying.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Churro cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, preparing a sweet treat for a family gathering, or looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth on a lazy weekend, these cookies hit the spot. Their cinnamon-sugar exterior makes them especially popular during the cooler months, but they’re delicious any time of year. They also make a great gift for friends or loved ones, particularly around the holidays when people are craving sweet, comforting treats.
Tips for Making the Perfect Churro Cookies
If you want to make the best churro cookies, there are a few key tips that can help. First, make sure to use softened butter. This will ensure that the butter blends seamlessly with the sugar, creating a fluffy dough. Cold butter can make it more difficult to mix the dough, leading to a denser cookie.
Second, when forming your cookie dough balls, don’t worry about making them perfect. The dough will spread out slightly as it bakes, so you don’t need to worry about perfect shaping. Just make sure the dough balls are about 1-inch in size for evenly sized cookies.
Another tip is to coat the cookies generously in cinnamon-sugar. The sweetness of the sugar and the warmth of the cinnamon are what make churro cookies so delicious, so don’t skimp on the coating! After the cookies are baked and slightly cooled, feel free to add more cinnamon-sugar on top for extra flavor.
Lastly, don’t overbake the cookies. They should come out of the oven when the edges are just beginning to turn golden. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so pulling them out a little earlier than you think will ensure they stay soft and chewy in the center.
Variations on Churro Cookies
While the traditional churro cookie is delightful on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize the recipe to your liking. Here are a few variations to try:
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Chocolate Chips: For an extra decadent treat, add some mini chocolate chips to the dough before baking. The melty chocolate pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-sugar coating and adds a rich layer of flavor.
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Churro Cookie Bars: Instead of making individual cookies, spread the dough in a baking pan to create a cookie bar. Bake it in a 9×13-inch pan and then slice it into squares after it cools. This is a great option for serving larger groups.
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Stuffed Churro Cookies: For a fun twist, try stuffing your churro cookies with a filling. You can use Nutella, dulce de leche, or even peanut butter for a unique take on the classic.
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Maple Glaze: For a sweet finishing touch, drizzle a maple glaze over your churro cookies. The sweetness of the glaze complements the cinnamon-sugar coating and adds a different flavor profile.
Why People Love Churro Cookies
One of the main reasons people love churro cookies is their balance of textures and flavors. The chewy center pairs perfectly with the crisp exterior, while the cinnamon-sugar coating adds a satisfying crunch. The flavor is sweet but not overwhelmingly so, making these cookies a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike.
Additionally, churro cookies are incredibly versatile. They can be served warm right out of the oven or at room temperature. They also store well, making them an ideal make-ahead treat. Simply store the cookies in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for several days.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Sweet Treat
Churro cookies are the perfect combination of traditional churros and classic cookies. Their soft, chewy center and crisp cinnamon-sugar coating make them a treat that is hard to resist. Whether you’re enjoying them for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something sweet, churro cookies are sure to satisfy your taste buds. With their simplicity and versatility, churro cookies are a baking project that anyone can tackle, and the result is always a delicious success.
From their history rooted in Spain to their modern-day adaptations, churro cookies offer a unique and flavorful twist on the classic churro. Whether you stick to the original recipe or add your own creative spin, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy these cinnamon-sugar delights!