These Churro Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon treat, perfect for any occasion. Soft and chewy, they bring together the warm flavors of cinnamon and sugar, topped with a rich buttercream frosting that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want to indulge yourself, these cookies are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates an unforgettable taste that everyone loves.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, baking these cookies is a breeze!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in.
- Customizable Frosting: You can adjust the buttercream consistency to your liking or experiment with different flavors.
- Satisfies Sweet Cravings: These cookies are the ultimate comfort food for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth, you’ll need some essential tools on hand. Proper equipment ensures that your Churro Cookies turn out just right!
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or handheld mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or handheld mixer: Helps achieve a light and creamy batter quickly without much effort.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up easy when baking cookies.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate measurements for perfect cookie dough every time.
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 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, combine the softened butter, shortening, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Beat until light and creamy.
Add the flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon to the butter mixture. Mix until all ingredients are incorporated and a dough forms.
Step 4: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Using 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.
Use your hands to slightly flatten each ball of dough. 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 softer cookies or up to 14 minutes for firmer ones. Remove from oven and let cool completely on baking sheets before frosting.
Step 6: Make the Churro Buttercream
In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat together unsalted butter, confectioners’ sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon on low speed until combined. Increase speed to high for about 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy. Add milk gradually until desired consistency is reached.
Step 7: Frost the Cookies
Once cooled completely, frost each cookie with buttercream using either piping or spreading methods.
Step 8: Serve and Store
Serve these frosted cookies chilled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days; bring them back to room temperature before serving if desired. Unused buttercream can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
How to Serve Churro Cookies
Churro cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their soft and chewy texture, combined with the rich cinnamon buttercream, makes them perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your churro cookie experience.
Pair with Milk
- Enjoy your churro cookies with a cold glass of milk. The creamy texture complements the sweetness of the cookies 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 fun twist and makes for a delightful dessert.
Coffee Companion
- Serve churro cookies alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The cinnamon flavor pairs beautifully with these beverages.
Dessert Platter
- Arrange churro cookies on a dessert platter alongside other treats. Their unique shape and frosting make them an eye-catching addition to any gathering.
Gift Idea
- Package churro cookies in decorative boxes as gifts for friends and family. They make thoughtful presents for special occasions or holidays.
Make Mini Versions
- For a bite-sized treat, make mini churro cookies. These smaller versions are perfect for parties or snack platters.
How to Perfect Churro Cookies
To achieve the ultimate churro cookie experience, consider these tips that will help you create cookies that are soft, chewy, and full of flavor.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure your butter, eggs, and shortening are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough – Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough – If time allows, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
- Monitor Baking Time – Bake until just set but still soft in the center; they will continue cooking slightly after being removed from the oven.
- Frost After Cooling – Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting to ensure the buttercream holds its shape and doesn’t melt.
- Experiment with Toppings – Feel free to add sprinkles or drizzle chocolate on top of the buttercream for extra flair and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Churro Cookies
Churro cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their sweetness and flavor. Here are some great ideas:
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of churro cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue – Serve churro cookies with a side of warm chocolate fondue for dipping. It’s an indulgent treat everyone will love.
- Cinnamon Hot Chocolate – Pair churro cookies with cinnamon hot chocolate for a cozy beverage that echoes their flavors wonderfully.
- Caramel Sauce – A small dish of caramel sauce makes an excellent dip, adding another layer of sweetness to your cookie experience.
- Whipped Cream – Serve whipped cream alongside your churro cookies to balance out their richness with a light, airy texture.
- Nutella Spread – Spread Nutella on half of each cookie for an extra decadent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Cheesecake Bites – Mini cheesecake bites can serve as a delicious side dish that pairs well with the flavors of cinnamon and sugar found in churro cookies.
- Coffee Cake Squares – Offer coffee cake squares as an additional sweet option that complements the cinnamon notes in churro cookies beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Churro Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.
- Skipping the chilling step: Not allowing the dough to chill can result in cookies that spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for better shape.
- Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make the cookies tough. Mix just until combined for soft and chewy cookies.
- Not measuring ingredients properly: Using too much or too little of an ingredient can affect texture and taste. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
- Frosting too early: Frosting warm cookies can cause the buttercream to melt. Ensure cookies are completely cool before frosting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store frosted Churro Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you have leftover buttercream, it can also be stored in the refrigerator.
Freezing Churro Cookies
- Freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container after they harden.
- They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating Churro Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat as they can become tough.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Churro Cookies?
Churro Cookies are soft, chewy cookies coated in cinnamon sugar and topped with creamy cinnamon buttercream frosting. They are inspired by traditional churros.
Can I customize my Churro Cookies?
Yes! You can add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor. Adjust the amount of cinnamon if you prefer a milder taste.
How do I know when my Churro Cookies are done baking?
Cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Certainly! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.
How long do Churro Cookies last?
Frosted cookies last up to 3 days in the refrigerator, while unfrosted ones can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
Churro Cookies are an irresistible treat that combines soft cookie goodness with rich frosting. They are perfect for any occasion and offer endless customization options. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying them solo, give this recipe a try!
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