The Best Churro Cookies Recipe for Baking Lovers

If you’re a baking enthusiast with a love for warm, cinnamon-sugar desserts, you’re in for a treat. These churro cookies are everything you love about a traditional churro—crispy edges, soft centers, and sweet, spiced flavor—but in a chewy, easy-to-make cookie form. This recipe has taken the internet by storm for being foolproof, quick, and endlessly delicious. Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or a cozy night in, this will be your new go-to treat.

Unlike standard cookie recipes, this one doesn’t require any chilling, and it delivers the perfect blend of texture and flavor. If you’re new to baking or struggle with accurate measurements, it’s helpful to understand how to properly handle your ingredients. For example, properly measuring your flour can be the difference between chewy perfection and a dry, crumbly mess. We’ll walk you through all the tips to make this a baking success from start to finish.

And let’s not forget the frosting! These churro cookies are topped with a churro-inspired buttercream that’s sweet, creamy, and loaded with cinnamon. To get the most out of your ingredients, understanding the role of butter in baking can help you make better choices whether you’re using dairy or a vegan alternative.

Why You’ll Love These Churro Cookies

These cookies have quickly become a favorite for dessert lovers because they’re:

• Soft, chewy, and full of flavor
• Rolled in cinnamon sugar before baking
• Easy to make with no dough chilling required
• Optionally frosted with a churro cinnamon buttercream
• Customizable for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan diets

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to make the best churro cookies, along with suggested substitutions:

For the dough:

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

For the cinnamon sugar coating:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional churro buttercream:

• ⅔ cup softened butter (regular or dairy-free)
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 to 2¼ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (regular or dairy-free)
• ⅛–¼ teaspoon salt

Tip: If you’re dairy-free, consider these dairy-free baking substitutions to still enjoy creamy, rich flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfect churro cookies every time.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract and egg, then beat until well combined.
4. Gradually mix in flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until just combined—don’t overmix!
5. Roll the dough into 1½ tablespoon-sized balls.
6. In a shallow bowl, combine cinnamon and sugar for coating.
7. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mix until fully coated.
8. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set.
9. Let cookies cool before frosting.

Making the Optional Churro Buttercream

1. In a bowl, beat together softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and powdered sugar.
2. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
3. Frost each cooled cookie using a piping bag or spreader.

Tips for Best Results

• Weigh your flour for accuracy, or use the scoop and level method.
• Don’t overbake—these cookies won’t turn golden but should stay soft.
• Let cookies cool fully before adding frosting.
• Want a less sweet version? Simply skip the buttercream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding too much flour (use a scale or scoop/level method)
• Overbaking – they should still look pale when done
• Frosting while cookies are still warm
• Overmixing the dough after flour is added

Storage & Freezing Instructions

These cookies store well and even freeze beautifully!

• Unfrosted cookies: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Frosted cookies: Store at cool room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for 5.
• Freezing: Place cookies in a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw at room temperature.

Variations to Try

You can put your own twist on these churro cookies:

• Mini versions for parties
• Churro cookie bars baked in a pan
• Add a holiday twist with pumpkin spice or peppermint

Nutritional Info (per cookie)

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between churro cookies and snickerdoodles?
Snickerdoodles contain cream of tartar, which gives them a tangy taste. Churro cookies rely on cinnamon sugar without that acidic note.

Do I have to add the frosting?
No! The frosting is optional. If you prefer less sweet cookies, they taste amazing without it.

Why isn’t my frosting the right consistency?
It may depend on your butter or powdered sugar brand. Add extra powdered sugar to thicken, or milk to thin.

Can churro cookies be made vegan or gluten-free?
Yes! Use vegan butter and milk, and swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 blend.

Final Thoughts

These churro cookies combine the comforting warmth of classic churros with the satisfying chewiness of your favorite homemade cookies. Perfect for holidays, casual gatherings, or just a cozy night in, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your baking rotation. Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee, and enjoy your delicious creation.

More Cookie Recipes You Might Love

• Coffee Cookies
• Lucky Charms Cookies
• Maple Chocolate Chip Cookies

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