Churro Cookies: The Ultimate Guide to Crispy, Sweet Cinnamon Delights

Churro cookies are a delicious twist on the traditional churro — the crispy, cinnamon-sugar-covered fried dough beloved in Spanish and Latin American cultures. Imagine all the warm, nostalgic flavor of a classic churro, transformed into a soft yet crisp cookie. Whether you’re baking for a party, indulging in a weekend treat, or looking for a new dessert to try, churro cookies deliver flavor and fun in every bite.

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at the roots of the churro. These golden delights trace back to Spain and Portugal, possibly inspired by Chinese youtiao. According to the Smithsonian Magazine, churros became a staple in Latin America after being brought over by Spanish explorers. This dessert has since evolved, inspiring dozens of creative spinoffs — including the irresistible churro cookie.

Not only are churro cookies incredibly tasty, they also offer a more approachable and less oily alternative to traditional fried churros. Plus, they’re packed with all the goodness of cinnamon, which boasts multiple health benefits like anti-inflammatory properties and blood sugar control, as noted by Healthline.

What Are Churro Cookies?

Churro cookies are baked treats that replicate the iconic flavor and texture of churros. They feature a soft, chewy interior with a slightly crisp, golden edge, all coated in a signature cinnamon sugar crust. They’re typically made with a sugar cookie dough base but enhanced with the rich, buttery essence of a churro.

Key Features:

• Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Cinnamon-sugar coating
• Baked, not fried — healthier and easier
• Perfect for dipping or standalone snacking

Ingredients Breakdown

Creating churro cookies starts with everyday ingredients you likely already have:

• All-purpose flour – the foundation for the cookie dough
• Unsalted butter – for that rich, tender crumb
• Granulated sugar – both in the dough and for coating
• Brown sugar – adds a hint of molasses flavor and moisture
• Eggs – binding and structure
• Baking soda and baking powder – for lift and texture
• Cinnamon – the star flavor, warm and comforting
• Vanilla extract – enhances all the other flavors
• Salt – balances sweetness

Substitutes for dietary preferences:

• Use gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free churro cookie.
• Swap in flax eggs and plant-based butter for a vegan version.
• Reduce sugar and use coconut sugar or monk fruit for a lower-GI option.

Step-by-Step Churro Cookie Recipe

Here’s a foolproof recipe to bake 24 irresistible churro cookies:

1. Make the dough

• Cream butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating well.
• In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
• Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until combined.

2. Chill the dough

• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and enhance flavor.

3. Shape and roll

• Scoop dough into 1.5-inch balls.
• Roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat thoroughly.

4. Bake

• Place on lined baking sheets and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
• Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

5. Optional Finishes

• Drizzle with chocolate ganache.
• Sandwich with dulce de leche or cream cheese frosting.
• Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar while warm.

Tips for Perfect Churro Cookies

Achieving that ideal crispy-yet-chewy texture takes a bit of finesse. Here’s how to nail it:

• Don’t overmix the dough — it can make cookies tough.
• Chill the dough to reduce spreading.
• Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
• Rotate pans halfway through baking for even browning.
• If needed, flatten slightly with a glass before baking for uniform shape.

Creative Variations

Looking to take your churro cookie game up a notch? Try these fun adaptations:

• Churro Cookie Sandwiches – fill two cookies with Nutella, marshmallow fluff, or caramel.
• Gluten-Free Churro Cookies – use almond or coconut flour blends.
• Churro Cookie Bars – bake the dough in a pan and cut into squares.
• Stuffed Churro Cookies – fill with dulce de leche or chocolate before baking.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

These cookies are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of drinks and desserts:

• Serve warm with:
  • Hot chocolate or coffee
  • Cold milk or horchata
  • Scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
• Presentation tips:
  • Stack in a tower dusted with cinnamon sugar
  • Serve with dipping sauces like caramel or chocolate

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing baked cookies: Freeze flat in layers separated by wax paper.
• Freezing dough: Roll into balls and freeze — bake directly from frozen by adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
• Reheating: Warm in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes for that fresh-baked crunch.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie Approx.)

• Calories: 160–180
• Fat: 8g
• Sugar: 12g
• Carbs: 20g
• Protein: 2g

You can reduce sugar and substitute butter for applesauce or coconut oil for a healthier version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What do churro cookies taste like?
They taste like a buttery sugar cookie mixed with the cinnamon-sweet crunch of a traditional churro.

Can I make churro cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) as a vegan alternative.

Are churro cookies fried or baked?
These are baked, making them easier, cleaner, and slightly healthier than fried churros.

What makes churro cookies different from snickerdoodles?
Snickerdoodles use cream of tartar and are slightly tangier; churro cookies are richer and crispier with a more buttery, churro-like taste.

Can churro cookie dough be frozen?
Absolutely. Freeze dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer.

How long do churro cookies stay fresh?
They’re best within 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container.

SEO & Blogging Tips

If you’re a food blogger or running a baking site, here’s how to get the most traffic from your churro cookie content:

• Use an SEO recipe plugin or card schema
• Include high-quality images (before, during, and after baking)
• Optimize for Pinterest with vertical graphics
• Link to authoritative sources like King Arthur Baking using anchor text like “baking tips for perfect cookies”
• Embed video tutorials for higher engagement
• Include LSI keywords like:
  • cinnamon sugar cookies
  • churro dessert recipes
  • churro cookie bars
  • baked churros
  • chewy cinnamon cookies

Final Thoughts
Churro cookies combine everything we love about churros and cookies into one easy-to-make, endlessly adaptable dessert. Whether you’re baking for friends or treating yourself, they’ll bring warmth, comfort, and a burst of cinnamon-sugar joy to every bite.

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