If you love the irresistible combination of cinnamon and sugar but want something that’s soft, chewy, and utterly addictive, you’re going to adore this Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe. These cookies perfectly capture the comforting flavors of classic churros in a fun, handheld cookie form. Picture biting into a cookie that’s crisp at the edges with a tender center that melts in your mouth, all wrapped in a warm cinnamon sugar coating. It’s like a fiesta for your taste buds that feels homemade and cozy every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to making these churro cookies shine. Each component works together to build that perfect balance of flavor, softness, and chewiness that makes this Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe so special.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and tenderness, making the cookies luscious and soft.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with that slight crisp on the edges.
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel depth for chewiness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the dough while contributing to the cookie’s softness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out all the sweet, warm flavors.
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the cookies, holding everything together just right.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and adds to the texture.
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar: Adds a subtle tang and reacts with baking soda to create that snickerdoodle-like chewiness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for coating): Makes the churro sugar coat sparkle and crunch on the outside.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating): The signature flavor that ties the churro theme together beautifully.
How to Make Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whip together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for creating the perfect texture because the air you whip in now helps the cookies rise just right while staying tender inside.
Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. These ingredients provide moisture and an extra layer of flavor, ensuring each cookie is moist and delicately perfumed with vanilla luxury.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. These dry ingredients will give the cookie its structure and help achieve that slightly tangy, chewy texture reminiscent of traditional snickerdoodles.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here—it’s important to keep the dough tender and soft, rather than tough.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating and Form Cookies
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the signature churro coating. Scoop the dough into rounded tablespoons and roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated. This step is where the iconic cinnamon sugar flavor shines on every bite.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the coated cookie balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked. This slight underbaking ensures that signature chewy softness. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to finish setting before transferring to a wire rack.
How to Serve Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are divine on their own, a light dusting of extra cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can take them from delicious to downright decadent. You could also sprinkle a touch of sea salt to balance the sweetness in a playful way.
Side Dishes
Pair these churro cookies with a steaming cup of hot chocolate or a frothy cappuccino for an irresistible cozy treat. For a brunch or dessert party, serve alongside fresh fruit or vanilla ice cream to add a cool contrast in temperature and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these cookies stacked in a clear jar tied with a cinnamon stick and a ribbon—an inviting way to gift them or display at gatherings. You can also sandwich a spoonful of dulce de leche or cream cheese frosting between two cookies to elevate the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best parts about this Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe is how well they keep. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay soft and chewy for several days, perfect for snacking anytime.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies fresh for longer, freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy, and they’ll taste like freshly baked.
Reheating
To bring back the soft and chewy magic, warm the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will refresh their texture and make them taste just out of the oven again.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid oversalting. Unsalted butter gives you full control over the salt level.
What if I don’t have cream of tartar?
Cream of tartar adds that slight tang and chewiness similar to snickerdoodles. Without it, your cookies might be a bit less tender, but they’ll still taste great!
How do I make these cookies extra chewy?
The key is to slightly underbake them and let them finish cooking on the baking sheet. Also, the combination of brown sugar and cream of tartar naturally adds chewiness.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just roll and coat the dough balls in cinnamon sugar right before baking.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make them gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free baking blend and adjust the baking time as needed.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like baking up a batch of these Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe to fill your home with a warm, inviting aroma that promises comfort in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you need a sweet treat, these cookies offer that perfect blend of soft texture and cinnamon sugar magic. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite cookie to bake again and again!
Print
Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies combine the warm flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a tender, chewy texture reminiscent of classic churros. Perfectly sweet and lightly spiced, these cookies are easy to make and delightful to share as a cozy dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid in even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure proper emulsification, then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning agents.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can result in tougher cookies.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to create the classic churro flavor coating.
- Scoop and Coat Dough. Using rounded tablespoons, scoop the dough, roll each scoop into a ball, then thoroughly coat each in the cinnamon sugar mixture for that signature cinnamon sweetness.
- Arrange and Bake. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow spreading, and bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set but centers remain slightly underbaked to maintain softness.
- Cool. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set up without losing chewiness.
Notes
- For extra chewiness, slightly underbake the cookies and allow them to finish setting on the baking tray.
- These cookies remain soft for several days when stored in an airtight container, making them perfect for advance baking.
