Churros Cookies: The Perfect Baked Treat with a Cinnamon Sugar Coating

If you’re a fan of classic churros, get ready to fall in love with churros cookies—the delicious fusion of soft, chewy cookies and the irresistible cinnamon sugar coating you know and crave. These delightful treats offer everything you love about churros, minus the deep frying, wrapped up in the cozy charm of homemade cookies.

What makes churros cookies so special? It’s the perfect balance of texture and flavor: a slightly crisp edge, a tender center, and a generous coating of spiced sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a birthday party, or just a cozy night in, this recipe delivers both comfort and crowd-pleasing flavor.

In fact, cinnamon—one of the core ingredients—does more than just add a warm, spicy note. According to Healthline, it can also offer impressive health benefits, from antioxidants to anti-inflammatory properties. So when you’re indulging in these cinnamon sugar cookies, you’re getting more than just good taste.

To make sure your churros cookies turn out perfectly, measuring ingredients accurately is key. Baking is a science, after all. If you’re unsure about how to properly weigh or convert ingredients, check out this helpful guide from King Arthur Baking to avoid the most common baking pitfalls.

Ingredients for Churros Cookies

Here’s everything you need to bring your churros cookies to life:

Cookie Dough:

• ¾ cup butter (softened; regular or dairy-free)
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg (or substitute)
• ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Churro Buttercream:

• ⅔ cup butter (softened)
• 2–2¼ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed)
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛–¼ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making churros cookies is much easier than you might think. Here’s how:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream the butter and sugars together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract and egg, beating until combined. (For vegan options, use flaxseed egg or an egg substitute like these).
4. Slowly mix in the dry ingredients: flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. Mix until just combined.
5. Scoop the dough into 1.5 tablespoon-sized balls.
6. In a shallow dish, mix the cinnamon sugar coating and roll each dough ball until fully coated.
7. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just set. Cookies won’t turn golden brown—don’t overbake!
9. Let cookies cool completely if adding frosting.

Optional: Churro Buttercream

If you want to take your cookies to the next level:

• Beat butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla together.
• Adjust with milk to reach a creamy consistency.
• Once the cookies are cooled, pipe or spread the frosting on top.

Tips for Success

For perfect churros cookies every time:

• Weigh your flour using a scale to avoid a dry, crumbly dough.
• Don’t overmix once you add the flour.
• Watch the oven—cookies should remain soft and pale.
• Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting.
• Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container and frosting in the fridge until ready to use.

Fun Variations

These cinnamon sugar delights are super versatile. Here are a few ideas:

• Cheesecake-filled churros cookies
• Churro cookie bars with caramel drizzle
• Vegan version using dairy-free butter and egg replacers
• Gluten-free variation using 1:1 gluten-free baking flour

Occasions for Churros Cookies

These cookies are perfect for:

• Cinco de Mayo celebrations
• Holiday cookie swaps
• Birthday parties
• Everyday sweet cravings

How to Store and Freeze

• Unfrosted cookies last 3–4 days at room temperature in an airtight container.
• Frosted cookies stay fresh for 2–3 days in the fridge.
• Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
• Frosting can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 4–5 days.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Cookie)

• Calories: ~288
• Carbs: 47g
• Fat: 10g
• Sugar: 29g
• Protein: 3g

These are approximate values and can vary based on substitutions and portion size.

Churros Cookies vs Other Favorites

Wondering how these cookies compare?

• Vs Snickerdoodles: Snickerdoodles use cream of tartar, which gives them a tangy note. Churros cookies skip it for a sweeter profile.
• Vs Churros: Traditional churros are deep-fried. These are baked, making them easier and lighter.
• Vs Sugar Cookies: Sugar cookies are plainer; these have bold cinnamon sugar flavor and optional frosting.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Frosting too thick? Add milk a teaspoon at a time.
• Frosting too runny? Add more powdered sugar.
• Cookies spreading too much? Chill dough for 15–20 mins before baking.
• Dough too dry? Add a teaspoon of milk and mix gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the difference between churros cookies and snickerdoodles?
A: Churros cookies skip the cream of tartar, making them less tangy and more like a soft sugar cookie with a cinnamon sugar twist.

Q: Can I skip the frosting?
A: Absolutely! They’re still delicious without it, especially if you prefer a less sweet bite.

Q: Can I make them gluten-free or vegan?
A: Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour and replace eggs with flaxseed or store-bought substitutes.

Q: Can I fill them with cheesecake?
A: Definitely! Add a small scoop of cream cheese filling in the center before baking for a stuffed churro cookie.

Q: Why don’t they turn golden brown?
A: These cookies stay pale even when fully baked. The edges should be set, but the tops will remain soft.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying something new, churros cookies are a must-make. They offer everything: a nostalgic cinnamon sugar crunch, a melt-in-your-mouth cookie base, and the option for rich, creamy frosting. Easy to customize and fun to make, they’ll quickly become a staple in your dessert rotation.

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