Churro Cookies Recipe

Sweet Cinnamon Churro Cookies Recipe: A Taste of Fiesta Magic

Sweet and crispy churro cookies bring the beloved Spanish street treat right into your kitchen with a delightful twist.

Cinnamon-sugar coatings promise an irresistible crunch that melts in your mouth.

Bakery-style magic happens when traditional churro flavors blend seamlessly with classic cookie textures.

Mexico’s favorite dessert inspiration transforms into a handheld delight that sparks instant joy.

Warm spices dance across each golden-edged morsel, creating an experience beyond ordinary sweets.

No complicated techniques stand between you and these mouthwatering treats.

Grab your mixing bowl and let’s make something extraordinary that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Churro Cookies A Favorite

  • Craft Churro-Inspired Delights: Transform classic churros into irresistible cookies that capture the beloved cinnamon-sugar magic in a delightful new form.
  • Master Simple Baking Techniques: Learn easy mixing and shaping methods that make creating these cookies a breeze, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Customize Your Sweet Treat: Experiment with buttercream consistency and piping styles to personalize each cookie and make them uniquely yours.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Favorite: Impress friends and family with a dessert that combines the best of churros and cookies, guaranteed to spark conversation and smiles.

Churro Cookies Ingredient Lineup

Cookie Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a tender texture.
  • Shortening: Contributes to the soft and tender cookie consistency.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure to the cookies.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: Forms the main structure of the cookie.
  • Cornstarch: Helps create a softer, more delicate cookie texture.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the sweet flavors.
  • Baking Powder: Provides leavening to help the cookies rise.
  • Cinnamon: Adds warm, classic churro-like flavor.
Coating and Frosting Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates the classic churro-style sugar coating.
  • Confectioners' Sugar: Provides sweetness and smooth texture to the buttercream.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor to the frosting.
  • Butter: Base for the creamy buttercream frosting.
  • Milk: Helps adjust the frosting consistency.

Steps For Baking Churro Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Baking Station

Get your oven warmed up to 325°F. Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. This will prevent any sticky situations and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Create Cinnamon Sugar Magic

Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl. This magical coating will give your cookies that classic churro twist and irresistible flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Cookie Dough Base

Grab your mixer and combine:
  • Softened butter
  • Shortening
  • Sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Beat these ingredients until they become light and fluffy like a cloud.

Step 4: Build the Cookie Dough

Add your dry ingredients to the creamy mixture:
  • Flour
  • Cornstarch
  • Salt
  • Baking powder
  • Cinnamon

Mix until everything comes together into a beautiful dough.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out cookie dough – use either a 1/4 cup or two tablespoons per cookie. Place them on the baking sheets with about 2 inches between each cookie. Gently flatten each dough ball with your hands.

Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Goodness

Roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure they’re completely covered in that sweet, spicy coating.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the cookies in the oven. Bake for 12-14 minutes. Shorter time means softer cookies, longer time creates a firmer texture.

Step 8: Craft the Buttercream Frosting

In a mixer, blend:
  • Butter
  • Confectioners' sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon

Start on low speed, then crank it up high for about 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy.

Step 9: Adjust Frosting Consistency

Add milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired frosting texture.

Step 10: Frost and Finish

Once cookies are completely cool, frost them generously. Use a piping bag or spread evenly with a knife.

Step 11: Serve and Store

Serve cookies cold for the best experience. Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.

Pro Tip: Extra buttercream can be stored in the refrigerator and brought to room temperature when needed.

Churro Cookies Made Simple With These Tips

  • Flatten Gently: Use light hands when shaping cookie dough to keep the texture soft and prevent dense, tough cookies.
  • Control Baking Time: Adjust oven time between 12-14 minutes depending on your preferred cookie texture – shorter for softer, longer for crispier results.
  • Chill for Better Shape: Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.
  • Master Cinnamon Coating: Roll cookies generously in cinnamon sugar mixture while dough is still warm to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
  • Buttercream Consistency Trick: Add milk gradually when making buttercream to control thickness, ensuring smooth and spreadable frosting.

Try These Fun Spins On Churro Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Churro Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Churro Cookies: Swap butter and eggs with coconut oil, applesauce, and flax eggs to create a plant-based alternative.
  • Mexican Chocolate Churro Cookies: Add dark chocolate chips and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a spicy-sweet flavor profile.
  • Nutty Churro Cookies: Incorporate chopped pecans or almonds into the dough for extra crunch and nutty undertones.

Perfect Pairings For Churro Cookies

  • Pair Warm Spiced Chai Tea: The rich cinnamon notes in the churro cookies perfectly complement the aromatic spices in a classic chai tea, creating a harmonious flavor explosion that warms your soul.
  • Sip Mexican Hot Chocolate Companion: Indulge in a thick, velvety Mexican hot chocolate alongside these cookies. The deep chocolate and hint of chili will dance beautifully with the sweet cinnamon coating, echoing traditional churro flavors.
  • Match Dulce de Leche Latte: Elevate your cookie experience with a creamy dulce de leche latte. The caramel undertones and smooth coffee base will enhance the cookie's buttery texture and cinnamon warmth, transporting you to a cozy dessert paradise.

How To Store Churro Cookies The Easy Way

  • Place frosted churro cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Wrap unfrosted cookies individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before adding buttercream.
  • Transfer leftover buttercream to a sealed container and refrigerate for 5-7 days. Let it soften at room temperature and re-whip before using.
  • Warm refrigerated cookies at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture and prevent softening.

Churro Cookies Questions Answered Clearly

  • How do I know if my dough is mixed correctly?

The dough should come together smoothly without dry flour patches and have a consistent texture that holds its shape when scooped.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before scooping and baking.

  • Why do I need both butter and shortening?

The combination creates a richer flavor from butter and a softer, more tender texture from shortening, giving the cookies a unique churro-like consistency.

  • How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking, and ensure your butter is softened but not melted to help maintain the cookie’s shape.

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Churro Cookies Recipe

Churro Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 32-34 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent Churro Cookies blend Mexican dessert magic with classic cookie charm, creating a cinnamon-sugar sensation that dances between traditional treat and modern delight. Crisp edges, tender centers, and a generous sprinkle of sweet warmth invite you to savor each delectable bite of this irresistible confection.


Ingredients

Scale

Cookies:

  • 1/2 cup (113g) butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (103g) shortening, room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup (67g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Coating:

  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Frosting:

  • 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 3 cups (375g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 23 teaspoons whole milk (as needed for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F and prepare two parchment-lined baking sheets.
  2. Create cinnamon sugar mixture in a medium bowl by combining granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
  3. Cream butter, shortening, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract using a handheld mixer until light and fluffy.
  4. Gradually incorporate flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and additional cinnamon into the butter mixture until a cohesive dough forms.
  5. Portion dough into 1/4 cup rounds, placing them approximately 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
  6. Gently flatten each dough ball using clean hands.
  7. Generously coat each cookie in the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture.
  8. Bake for 12-14 minutes, adjusting time for desired cookie texture – shorter for softer cookies, longer for firmer ones.
  9. Allow cookies to cool completely on baking sheets.
  10. Prepare buttercream by combining butter, confectioners’ sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a stand mixer.
  11. Beat buttercream on low speed initially, then increase to high for 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
  12. Adjust buttercream consistency by adding milk one teaspoon at a time.
  13. Once cookies are fully cooled, evenly frost them using a piping bag or spreading technique.
  14. Serve cookies chilled for optimal flavor and texture.
  15. Store frosted cookies in an airtight refrigerator container for up to 3 days.
  16. Bring refrigerated cookies to room temperature before serving.
  17. Reserve extra buttercream in a sealed container in the refrigerator, allowing it to reach room temperature before future use.

Notes

  • Softening butter works best when left at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing, ensuring smooth and creamy cookie dough.
  • Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape during baking.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Control cookie texture by adjusting baking time: shorter for softer cookies, longer for crispier edges without compromising flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 238
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 103 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 32 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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