If you’re a fan of all things warm, sweet, and utterly comforting, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture the essence of classic churros but with a soft, chewy twist that melts in your mouth. Coated generously in cinnamon sugar, they offer the perfect balance of spice and sweetness, making every bite an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for these cookies is a breeze because each one plays a starring role in creating that iconic churro flavor and texture. From the creamy butter that adds richness to the cinnamon and nutmeg that bring warmth, every element is essential for a perfect batch.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie dough, providing structure and softness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds moisture and richness, ensuring a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create that delicate chewiness.
- Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel undertone.
- Large egg: Binds everything together while contributing to the soft texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
- Baking soda: Leavens the cookies, making them light without sacrificing chewiness.
- Cinnamon: The star spice that captures that classic churro taste.
- Nutmeg: Adds a hint of depth and subtle earthiness.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Granulated sugar (for coating): Combines with cinnamon to create the signature crispy, sugary exterior.
- Cinnamon (for coating): Intensifies the churro-inspired taste in every bite.
How to Make Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and slide right off without sticking, keeping their perfect shape.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat your softened unsalted butter together with both granulated and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and holds some air. This creaming process is key to that irresistible soft texture you’re after.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Once your butter and sugars are perfectly blended, beat in the egg (just one!) thoroughly, then stir in the vanilla extract. This adds moisture and a sweet fragrance that melds seamlessly with the cinnamon in the final cookie.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk your flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a separate bowl. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into your wet ingredients, mixing carefully until you just see the ingredients come together—overmixing can make the cookies tough, so gentle wins the day!
Step 5: Form Your Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of your dough and roll each into a neat ball. Place them spaced out on your prepared baking sheet because these lovely cookies will spread slightly as they bake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your tray in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch for the edges to take on a golden hue—the telltale sign that these cookies are ready to come out and start their cinnamon-sugar transformation.
Step 7: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While still warm, roll each cookie in your prepared cinnamon sugar mixture to coat them completely. This step is crucial for that authentic churro experience, adding a sweet, crunchy outer layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft center.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool slightly so they firm up just a bit, then dive in! These cookies are pretty irresistible fresh from the oven, but they still shine impressively once cooled.
How to Serve Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of whimsy, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top just before serving, or drizzle some melted chocolate for a luscious contrast. You can also add a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the sweet and spicy flavor balance.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm-and-cold sensation, or enjoy them alongside a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a rich Mexican hot chocolate to complement their cinnamon kick.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the cookies in a mason jar layered with extra cinnamon sugar, or stack them on a decorative plate with cinnamon sticks and star anise for a festive touch. You can even sandwich a dollop of dulce de leche or cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and flavorful without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked warmth and softness, gently warm the cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This will revive their fresh-from-the-oven charm beautifully.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and replace the egg with a flax egg or commercial egg replacer. The cinnamon sugar coating remains the same for that classic churro flavor.
What if I don’t have nutmeg?
If nutmeg isn’t on hand, you can simply omit it or replace it with a pinch of ground cloves or allspice. While it adds a subtle warmth, the cookies will still taste wonderful without it.
How do I get the perfect chewy texture?
Be sure not to overbake the cookies, remove them once the edges turn golden but the center still looks soft. Also, the blend of granulated and brown sugar in the dough is key to achieving that soft, chewy texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales beautifully. Just make sure you have enough mixing bowl space and baking sheets to accommodate the increased dough. Remember to keep the cookies well spaced when baking to avoid crowding.
Are these cookies gluten-free friendly?
Not as is, but you can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suited for baking. The texture might vary slightly, but with a good blend, your Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe can be just as delicious.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe enough—whether you’re making them for a cozy night in, a special celebration, or just because! They’re easy to prepare, wonderfully flavorful, and guaranteed to bring a smile with every bite. Give them a try and watch these charming cookies become your new go-to treat.
Print
Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional churros, delivering all the cinnamon-sugar flavor in a soft, chewy cookie form. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, these cookies are an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure cookies bake evenly and do not stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated sugar and brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create a soft texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg thoroughly, then add vanilla extract and mix well to combine all wet ingredients uniformly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agent. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined without overmixing.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving adequate space between them to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat them fully, enhancing their signature churro flavor and sweetness.
- Serve: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on a wire rack, then serve and enjoy these soft, chewy treats fresh.
Notes
- For softer cookies, do not overbake; remove from oven once edges are golden brown but centers are still soft.
- If desired, you can add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for extra spice complexity.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Rolling the cookies in cinnamon sugar while warm helps the coating stick better; cool cookies may require a light brush of butter before coating.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
