There is something truly magical about the sweet, cinnamon-kissed aroma of churros, and now you can capture that fairy-tale flavor in a soft, chewy cookie with this Churro Crinkle Cookies Rolled in Cinnamon Sugar Recipe. These cookies boast that signature crackled top and a perfectly balanced cinnamon sugar coating that melts into the warm dough with every bite. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic treat or looking to impress friends with something uniquely delightful, this recipe brings all the joy of classic churros into the cozy, comforting world of cookies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started is a breeze because this Churro Crinkle Cookies Rolled in Cinnamon Sugar Recipe uses simple ingredients that combine to deliver incredible taste, texture, and those beautiful cinnamon-sugar hues. Each one plays a vital role—from the rich cocoa powder giving a subtle depth to the warm cinnamon coating that finishes with a classic churro flair.
- 2 cups All-purpose flour: The sturdy base of your dough, providing just the right chew and structure.
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds gentle chocolatey richness while complementing the cinnamon perfectly.
- 1 tbsp Baking powder: The secret to those snappy cracks on top, so be sure it’s fresh!
- 1/2 tsp Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors throughout.
- 1 cup Granulated sugar: Sweetens gently, and adds sparkle to the cinnamon sugar dusting.
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar: Brings moisture and deep molasses notes to the cookie dough.
- 2 large Eggs: Binds ingredients with richness and helps the cookies rise slightly.
- 1 tbsp Vanilla extract: Infuses every bite with warm, aromatic goodness.
- 2 tbsp Ground cinnamon: The soul of churro flavor, freshly ground for maximum punch.
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar (for coating): Merges with cinnamon to create the iconic cinnamon-sugar crust.
- 1 cup Powdered sugar (optional for dusting): Adds a delicate, festive finish worth sneaking a peek at.
How to Make Churro Crinkle Cookies Rolled in Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture sets the stage for those tender, richly flavored cookies we love.
Step 2: Cream the Sugars and Eggs
Using an electric mixer, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until the mixture turns light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This aeration is crucial for a soft texture and the crumb that crinkles just right. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to enhance every bite with warmth and depth.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your whisked dry ingredients into the creamed sugar and egg mixture. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough to keep those cookies tender. Then wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes; this step helps the cinnamon sugar coating stick and the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Step 4: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar and Bake
While the dough chills, mix the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar in a small bowl. Once the dough is firm, scoop out tablespoons of dough and roll each ball generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them out for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set and you see the cracking tops appear—that’s the signature of these churro crinkle cookies.
Step 5: Cool and Optional Dusting
Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for five minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra festive look and a light sweetness boost, dust with powdered sugar just before serving. This step adds that magical snowfall effect that feels just right for special occasions or weekday treats.
How to Serve Churro Crinkle Cookies Rolled in Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
Serve these cookies topped with a delicate sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an indulgent touch. A few fresh berries on the side add a lovely contrast of tartness and color that makes the presentation pop.
Side Dishes
Pair your churro crinkle cookies with a rich vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of Mexican hot chocolate to fully embrace the churro theme. These cookies also shine alongside a steaming mug of coffee or chai tea, making any snack time feel like a cozy celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your cookies into mini dessert sandwiches by filling them with cinnamon cream cheese frosting or dulce de leche. Alternatively, stack them on a tiered serving platter dusted with cinnamon sugar for an eye-catching centerpiece at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover churro crinkle cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their chewy charm for up to five days, perfect for snacking anytime.
Freezing
Freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag or container. This method preserves their texture, so you can enjoy them months later just as delicious as the first time.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or leftover cookies in a warm oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to restore that freshly baked softness and bring back their comforting cinnamon aroma. Avoid microwaving, which can make them tough or rubbery.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. The texture stays wonderfully chewy, and the flavor remains rich and satisfying.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes, you can use flax eggs (a mix of ground flaxseed and water) to replace the eggs and swap butter for plant-based alternatives. This recipe adapts well while still delivering that churro-inspired taste.
Why do the cookies crack on top?
The crackling effect comes from the baking powder reacting with the sugars and fats in the dough as it bakes. This signature crackle is a hallmark of crinkle cookies and adds to their charm and texture.
Can I omit the cocoa powder?
Sure thing! Leaving out the cocoa powder yields a more classic churro flavor focused purely on cinnamon sugar. Both versions are delicious, so feel free to try whichever suits your mood.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When properly stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and chewy for about five days, making them ideal for making ahead or batch baking.
Final Thoughts
There is something so satisfying about biting into a warm, cinnamon-spiced cookie with that perfect crackle and soft center, and this Churro Crinkle Cookies Rolled in Cinnamon Sugar Recipe truly delivers that unforgettable experience. Whether you’re making them for family, friends, or yourself, these cookies are a joy to bake and even more of a joy to eat. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let this recipe bring a little extra sweetness and warmth to your day.
Print
Churro Crinkle Cookies Rolled in Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightful Churro Crinkle Cookies rolled in cinnamon sugar offer a soft, chewy texture combined with the iconic sweet cinnamon flavor of classic churros. These American-style dessert cookies feature a cocoa twist for depth, chilled dough for perfect crinkles, and an irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating that makes each bite festive and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 cups All-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder (omit for a classic churro taste)
- 1 tbsp Baking powder (ensure it’s fresh)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (use kosher or table salt)
- 1 cup Granulated sugar (adjust for desired sweetness)
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar (dark brown sugar adds more flavor)
- 2 large Eggs (for vegan option, use flax eggs)
- 1 tbsp Vanilla extract (use pure extract for best taste)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 2 tbsp Ground cinnamon (preferably freshly ground)
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
For Dusting (Optional)
- 1 cup Powdered sugar (optional for a festive dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and do not stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and chocolate flavor.
- Cream Sugars and Eggs: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add vanilla extract and mix until just incorporated for enhanced aroma.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to form the cookie dough without overmixing.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes. This step helps firm up the dough for better handling and creates the signature crinkle texture.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar to create the coating for the cookies.
- Form and Coat Cookies: Scoop the chilled dough into balls. Roll each dough ball thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then place on the prepared baking sheet, spaced to allow spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and the tops develop characteristic cracks indicating doneness.
- Cool and Optional Dusting: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for an extra festive touch before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Omitting cocoa powder results in a classic churro-flavored cookie.
- Use fresh baking powder for optimal rise and texture.
- Dark brown sugar adds more caramel depth compared to light brown sugar.
- For vegan adaptation, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg).
- Freshly ground cinnamon enhances the spice flavor in the coating.
- Ensure to chill the dough fully for best crinkle effect and ease of rolling.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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