Churro Cookies

If you’re a fan of churros and soft, chewy cookies, this churro cookie recipe is for you! These cookies are inspired by Crumbl’s iconic Churro Cookie and feature a delightful cinnamon sugar coating with a decadent cinnamon buttercream frosting. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any time you crave a dessert that feels indulgent yet comforting.

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Why You’ll Love These Churro Cookies

• Irresistible Cinnamon Flavor: Packed with cinnamon in every bite, from the dough to the frosting.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Perfectly balanced for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Easy to Customize: Add your own twist with extra toppings or flavor variations.
• Ideal for Sharing: A show-stopping treat for parties, gifting, or just spoiling yourself.

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Preparation Phase: Essential Tools and Ingredients

Essential Tools

• Mixing Bowls: For wet and dry ingredients.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: To ensure the dough and frosting are perfectly smooth.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect texture.
• Cookie Scoop: Keeps cookie sizes uniform for even baking.
• Baking Sheets with Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Piping Bag (Optional): For a professional-looking frosting finish.

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixers help incorporate ingredients evenly, creating the ideal soft cookie texture.
• Cookie scoops ensure consistent cookie sizes, which promotes even baking.
• Parchment paper eliminates sticking and reduces the need for additional greasing.

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Ingredients: What You’ll Need

For the Sugar Coating:

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

For the Cookies:

• 1/2 cup (113g) butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (103g) shortening, room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 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

For the Churro Buttercream:

• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 cups (375g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 1/3 cup (67g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2-3 teaspoons whole milk (as needed for consistency)

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.

2. Prepare the Sugar Coating

• In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.

3. Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine butter, shortening, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
   • Beat using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients:
   • Flour, cornstarch, kosher salt, baking powder, and cinnamon.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
   • Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a soft dough.

4. Shape and Coat the Cookies

1. Use a cookie scoop to portion out 1/4 cup of dough per cookie (or two scoops from a 2-tablespoon-sized scoop).
2. Gently roll each portion into a ball and slightly flatten with your hands.
3. Roll the cookies in the prepared cinnamon sugar coating until fully covered.
4. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.

5. Bake the Cookies

• Bake for 12 minutes for softer cookies or 14 minutes for a firmer texture.
• Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before frosting.

6. Make the Churro Buttercream

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, combine:
   • Butter, confectioners’ sugar, light brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Beat on low speed until ingredients are combined.
3. Increase speed to high and beat for 2 minutes until the buttercream is fluffy.
4. Add milk, a teaspoon at a time, to achieve your desired consistency.

7. Frost the Cookies

• Once cookies are completely cool, frost them using a piping bag or spread with a knife.
• For added flair, sprinkle a touch of cinnamon sugar on top of the frosting.

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Pro Tips for Success

• Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing.
• Roll the dough evenly in the cinnamon sugar for a uniform churro flavor.
• Allow cookies to cool fully before applying buttercream to avoid melting.

Serving Suggestions

The Best Ways to Enjoy Churro Cookies:

• Pair with Warm Beverages: These cookies are amazing with hot chocolate, coffee, or spiced chai tea for a cozy treat.
• Dessert Platter Centerpiece: Place churro cookies on a dessert board with fresh fruits, dipping sauces, and mini churros.
• Festive Garnish: Dust cookies with extra cinnamon sugar or edible glitter for a touch of holiday flair.
• Ice Cream Sandwich: Scoop a dollop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies for a churro-inspired ice cream sandwich.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect Your Recipe

Mistake 1: Overbaking the Cookies

• Problem: Overbaking can dry out your cookies, making them too firm.
• Solution: Remove cookies from the oven when edges are set but the centers are still soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Mistake 2: Skipping the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• Problem: This essential step adds the signature churro flavor and texture.
• Solution: Roll each cookie thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture before baking.

Mistake 3: Not Allowing Proper Cooling Time

• Problem: Warm cookies can melt the frosting, making them messy and less appealing.
• Solution: Cool cookies completely on a baking sheet or wire rack before applying buttercream.

Mistake 4: Inconsistent Cookie Sizes

• Problem: Unevenly sized cookies may bake at different rates, leading to undercooked or overcooked results.
• Solution: Use a cookie scoop to portion dough evenly.

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Side Dish Recommendations

To complement the warm cinnamon flavors of your churro cookies, pair them with these delightful sides and beverages:

1. Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream

• A classic pairing that enhances the cinnamon warmth with rich, creamy chocolate.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a Mexican hot chocolate twist.

2. Homemade Vanilla Latte

• The subtle vanilla notes in the latte perfectly balance the sweetness of the cookies.

3. Freshly Brewed Mexican Coffee

• Infused with cinnamon and a hint of brown sugar, Mexican coffee is a bold pairing for churro cookies.

4. Strawberry Compote Drizzle

• A spoonful of tart, sweet strawberry compote drizzled over the cookies adds a fresh fruit contrast.

5. Caramel Dipping Sauce

• Serve warm churro cookies with a side of gooey caramel sauce for dipping.

6. Whipped Cream-Topped Ice Cream

• Pair with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream topped with whipped cream for a decadent dessert.

7. Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Slices

• Thinly sliced apples dusted with cinnamon pair beautifully with the cookies’ warm flavors.

8. Cream Cheese Frosting Dip

• Serve cookies alongside a bowl of tangy cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of indulgence.

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Pro Tips for Serving and Pairing

• Presentation Matters: Use a rustic wooden tray or a colorful serving platter to highlight the cookies’ cinnamon tones.
• Temperature Contrast: Serve chilled cookies with warm drinks or freshly baked cookies with ice cream for delightful temperature contrasts.
• Add Extra Toppings: Sprinkle chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of honey over the cookies for additional texture and flavor.

Recipe Tips for Perfect Churro Cookies

1. Use Fresh Ingredients

• Ensure your cinnamon, flour, and baking powder are fresh for the best flavor and texture.

2. Adjust Frosting Sweetness

• If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the confectioners’ sugar slightly and increase the brown sugar for a deeper, richer taste.

3. Experiment with Toppings

• Sprinkle cookies with a touch of sea salt, drizzle with chocolate ganache, or add a pinch of nutmeg for a personalized twist.

4. Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Roll and bake as needed for freshly made cookies.

5. Adjust Cookie Size

• For smaller, bite-sized cookies, use a smaller scoop and reduce the baking time by 2–3 minutes.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Unfrosted Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container and store at:
  • Room Temperature: Up to 4–5 days.
  • Refrigerator: Up to 7 days for extended freshness.

Storing Frosted Cookies

• Store frosted cookies in a single layer in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Instructions

• Unfrosted Cookies: Freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
• Frosted Cookies: Freeze on a tray until the frosting hardens, then store in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper.

Reheating Tips

• For soft, warm cookies, microwave unfrosted cookies for 5–10 seconds.
• Avoid microwaving frosted cookies to prevent the buttercream from melting.

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FAQs About Churro Cookies

1. Can I substitute the shortening in the recipe?

Yes, you can replace shortening with an equal amount of butter, but the cookies may spread more and have a slightly different texture.

2. Why do I need cornstarch in the recipe?

Cornstarch helps create a soft and tender texture by reducing gluten development in the dough.

3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture might differ slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.

4. Is the frosting necessary?

Not at all! These cookies are flavorful enough to be enjoyed plain, but the cinnamon buttercream enhances their churro-inspired taste.

5. Can I make the frosting in advance?

Absolutely. Store prepared frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using.

6. Why are my cookies dry?

Dry cookies are often the result of overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.

7. How can I make the cookies more chewy?

For a chewier texture, use a combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar in the dough. The moisture from brown sugar adds chewiness.

8. What’s the best way to achieve consistent cookie size?

Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform cookies, which bake evenly.

9. Can I add mix-ins to the dough?

Yes! Try adding white chocolate chips, toffee bits, or chopped nuts for a creative twist.

10. How can I make the frosting stiffer?

Add more confectioners’ sugar in small increments until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.

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Conclusion

These churro cookies are a delightful combination of soft, chewy textures and warm cinnamon flavors, finished with an indulgent cinnamon buttercream frosting. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion, as a gift, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, they’re guaranteed to impress.

By following the tips and tricks outlined here, you can confidently bake and store these cookies for maximum flavor and freshness. Pair them with your favorite beverages, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your own creative twists.

Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!