These Churro Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon treat! Soft and chewy, they bring together the warm flavors of cinnamon and sugar, topped with a luscious buttercream frosting. Perfect for celebrations, cozy gatherings, or just a sweet indulgence at home, these cookies promise to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a snack, these Churro Cookies are sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Churro Cookies
These cookies are not just delicious; they offer several fantastic benefits.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a mouthwatering taste experience that keeps you coming back for more.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and common ingredients, these cookies are simple enough for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion—from birthdays to holiday parties—these cookies fit right in.
- Decadent Frosting: The cinnamon buttercream adds an extra layer of indulgence that elevates the cookie experience.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Enjoy the perfect balance between softness and chewiness in every bite.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, you’ll need some essential tools.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or handheld mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or handheld mixer: These tools make mixing your dough easy and ensure everything is well combined.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes helps keep your ingredients organized during prep.
- Parchment paper: This prevents sticking, making it easier to remove cookies after baking.
Ingredients
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)
How to Make Churro Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sugar Coating
In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the sugar coating. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough
Using a handheld mixer or stand mixer:
1. Combine the softened butter, shortening, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
2. Beat until light and creamy.
3. Add flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon.
4. Mix until all ingredients are incorporated and the dough forms.
Step 4: Shape and Coat the Cookies
- Use about 1/4 cup of dough per cookie or two scoops using a 2-tablespoon scoop.
- Portion the dough onto prepared baking sheets with about 2 inches apart.
- Slightly flatten each ball of dough with your hands.
- Roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar coating before returning them to the baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 12 minutes for a softer texture or up to 14 minutes for firmer cookies. Remove from oven and let cool completely on baking sheets before frosting.
Step 6: Make the Churro Buttercream
In a stand mixer bowl with paddle attachment:
1. Beat the unsalted butter, confectioners’ sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon on low speed until combined.
2. Increase speed to high and beat for about 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach desired consistency.
Step 7: Frost the Cookies
Once cooled completely:
Use buttercream to frost each cookie evenly. Pipe or spread it on top for best results.
Step 8: Serve and Store
Serve frosted cookies cold. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring them back to room temperature before serving if desired. Unused buttercream can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator as well; remember to bring it back to room temperature before use.
How to Serve Churro Cookies
Churro cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just having a cozy night at home, these cookies will surely impress your guests.
Pair with Hot Chocolate
- Serve churro cookies alongside a warm cup of hot chocolate for a comforting dessert experience. The rich cocoa complements the cinnamon sugar perfectly.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Create delicious ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two churro cookies. This adds a creamy texture that balances the soft, chewy cookie.
Cinnamon Sugar Dip
- Prepare a simple cinnamon sugar dip using melted butter mixed with cinnamon and sugar. It’s perfect for dipping and enhances the churro flavor.
Coffee Companion
- Enjoy churro cookies with a steaming cup of coffee. The cinnamon flavors pair excellently with the robust taste of coffee, making it a great afternoon snack.
Dessert Platter
- Arrange churro cookies on a dessert platter alongside other sweet treats like brownies or cupcakes for an impressive dessert table at gatherings.
How to Perfect Churro Cookies
To ensure your churro cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smooth and fluffy dough.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, while too little can make them too soft.
- Don’t Overmix Dough: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender. Overmixing can result in tough cookies due to gluten development.
- Cool Before Frosting: Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting them. This prevents the buttercream from melting off and keeps it looking beautiful.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add extras like chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness. Bring them back to room temperature before serving for best taste.
Best Side Dishes for Churro Cookies
Churro cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a crisp contrast to the sweetness of churro cookies, balancing flavors nicely.
- Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with fresh fruits or pretzels creates an indulgent experience when paired with churro cookies.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, particularly creamy varieties like brie or goat cheese, can provide a savory contrast to sweet desserts.
- Pecan Pie Bites: These bite-sized pies add another layer of sweetness and crunch, perfect for those who love nutty flavors in desserts.
- Cinnamon Roll Casserole: A warm cinnamon roll casserole brings comforting flavors that pair well with churro cookies during brunch gatherings.
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins: The seasonal flavor of pumpkin spice muffins complements the cinnamon in churro cookies beautifully, especially in fall.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Churro Cookies can be a delightful experience, but some common errors can lead to less-than-perfect results.
- Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and eggs. Cold ingredients can affect the texture of the cookies.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for flour measurement. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
- Overbaking the cookies: Keep a close eye on baking times. Overbaked cookies lose their soft, chewy texture.
- Skipping the chilling step: If recommended in your recipe, chill the dough. This helps prevent spreading and enhances flavors.
- Ignoring the cooling time: Let cookies cool completely before frosting. Frosting warm cookies can make the buttercream melt and slide off.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover frosted Churro Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Instructions
- Place unfrosted Churro Cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make them tough.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat. Place cookies in the skillet with a lid to warm gently for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Churro Cookies?
Churro Cookies are soft, chewy cinnamon sugar cookies inspired by traditional churros, often topped with a creamy cinnamon buttercream frosting.
How do I make my Churro Cookies thicker?
To achieve thicker Churro Cookies, chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
Can I freeze Churro Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze both frosted and unfrosted Churro Cookies. Just ensure they are stored properly in airtight containers.
What variations can I try with Churro Cookies?
You can add chocolate chips or nuts for different textures. Experiment with different frostings like cream cheese or vanilla!
Final Thoughts
Churro Cookies are a delightful blend of soft sweetness and warm cinnamon flavor that any cookie lover will adore. They offer versatility too; feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Give this recipe a try for your next gathering or as a special treat at home!
Churro Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Churro Cookies are a delightful fusion of soft, chewy cookie goodness and the warm, irresistible flavors of cinnamon sugar. These treats are topped with a creamy cinnamon buttercream frosting, making them the perfect indulgence for any occasion—be it a festive celebration or a cozy night in. With their comforting taste and appealing texture, these cookies are sure to satisfy any sweet craving. Easy to make and versatile enough for any gathering, Churro Cookies will impress your friends and family alike.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 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
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, shortening, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Gradually add flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon; mix until combined.
- Portion out dough into 1/4 cup balls or use a cookie scoop. Flatten slightly and roll in cinnamon sugar mixture before placing on baking sheets.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes until lightly golden; cool completely before frosting with cinnamon buttercream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Sweet
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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