If you have a sweet tooth and crave something irresistibly delightful, then the Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies capture the warm, comforting flavors of traditional churros with a wonderfully soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Coated generously with cinnamon sugar, every bite promises a perfect balance of sweetness and spice that will make you want to bake them again and again. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll see why they are a beloved classic turned cookie sensation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and that iconic cinnamon sugar crunch. Here’s what you need to gather before starting your baking adventure.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The base of the cookies, providing structure and softness.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup): Adds richness and helps achieve that soft, chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup + 3 tbsp for coating): Sweetens the dough and gives a crisp coating when combined with cinnamon.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup): Adds a deep, caramel-like flavor and moisture to keep cookies chewy.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brings warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps cookies rise just enough for softness without spreading too thin.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp + 1 tbsp for coating): The star spice that delivers that signature churro taste.
- Nutmeg (½ tsp): Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
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 lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and makes clean-up a breeze while giving your cookies a perfect base.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter together with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is key for that luscious texture and starts building the rich flavor you’ll love.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg, beating it thoroughly, followed by the vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and depth, bringing your dough together into a smooth, creamy batter.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly distributed. Slowly add this to your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing — the secret to soft cookies!
Step 5: Form the Cookies
Scoop heaping tablespoon-sized amounts of dough then roll each into a ball in your hands. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading during baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until you see golden edges forming. The centers should look slightly soft—that’s exactly what you want for that perfect chewiness.
Step 7: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While still warm, gently roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This step locks in sweetness and adds that signature churro crunch that will make your taste buds sing.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool just enough to handle, then dive right in or serve them alongside your favorite beverage. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but just wait until everyone asks for seconds!
How to Serve Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top just before serving, or drizzle warm chocolate or caramel sauce over the cookies. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside also makes for an indulgent treat.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with warm drinks like coffee, chai tea, or hot chocolate. For a festive twist, serve with a side of fresh berries or a creamy dipping sauce such as dulce de leche to complement their cinnamon-sugar dusted charm.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin for a cozy gathering or arrange them neatly on a decorative platter with cinnamon sticks scattered around for a charming touch. They also make incredible edible gifts in mason jars layered with cinnamon sugar!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy for up to 3 days. Adding a slice of bread in the container helps maintain moisture and prevents hardening.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy, still with that same irresistible texture.
Reheating
Warm your cookies gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and revives the cinnamon aroma beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Using butter is best for flavor and texture, but if needed, margarine can be a substitute though it may affect the richness and chewiness slightly.
How do I make sure these cookies stay soft?
Don’t overbake and store them in an airtight container. Including a small piece of bread with the cookies also helps retain moisture.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts enhances flavor and texture, just fold them into the dough before shaping.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is, but you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
What’s the best way to measure flour?
For the most accurate results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can compact flour and add too much.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe that fills any kitchen with warmth and joy. Easy to make and impossible to resist, this recipe is a delightful way to treat yourself and your loved ones. I can’t recommend these cookies highly enough — give them a try, and you’ll have a new favorite comfort dessert in no time!
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 combine the classic cinnamon sugar flavor with a tender, chewy texture. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar blend, these cookies are easy to make and delightful to enjoy any time of the year.
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 prevent sticking and facilitate even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter together with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well combined, ensuring a smooth texture for the dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the egg thoroughly, then add vanilla extract and mix well to fully incorporate these wet ingredients into the creamed butter and sugars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Form Cookies: Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, portion the dough and roll each portion into a ball. Place the balls spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown, indicating they are cooked through but still soft inside.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. This adds the signature churro flavor and a delightful sugary crust.
- Serve: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on a wire rack, then serve warm and enjoy their soft, chewy texture and aromatic cinnamon flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to help with creaming.
- Do not overbake to maintain chewy texture.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Optionally, refrigerate dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- You can substitute nutmeg with allspice for a slightly different spice profile.
