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These homemade Crumbl churro cookies perfectly recreate the bakery favorite with a soft cinnamon sugar cookie base topped by smooth cinnamon buttercream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for that iconic churro crunch. They come out thick, chewy, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor, making them an ideal cozy dessert anytime you crave something special.
I first made these during Memorial Day weekend after so many requests, and they quickly became a fan favorite among my family and friends who love that classic churro flavor.
Ingredients
- Butter: provides richness in both dough and frosting use unsalted for control over salt levels
- Brown sugar: adds deep molasses flavor and moisture, vital for chewy cookies
- Granulated sugar: creates the signature cinnamon sugar crunch coating
- Egg and egg yolk: bind the dough and contribute to tenderness
- Vanilla extract: enhances overall flavor in dough and frosting
- Lemon juice: helps prevent sugar crystallization in the cinnamon sugar coating
- All-purpose flour: the foundation for soft, tender cookies
- Cornstarch: keeps texture delicate and bakery-style soft
- Baking soda and baking powder: give the cookies lift and the perfect height
- Cinnamon: the star spice that defines churro flavor opt for fresh, quality cinnamon for best results
- Salt: balances sweetness and enhances all the spices
- Heavy cream: smooths the buttercream for a creamy finish
- Powdered sugar: key for fluffy, sweet buttercream frosting
Instructions
- Scoop and roll the dough balls in cinnamon sugar:
- Start by creaming the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer. This step builds the base for tender, sweet cookies.
- Mix in the wet ingredients:
- Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat until fully incorporated and smooth to create an even dough structure.
- Incorporate dry ingredients gently:
- Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients and mix just until no flour streaks remain. Avoid over-mixing here to keep the dough soft and chewy.
- Roll dough balls in cinnamon sugar:
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into balls and roll each in a cinnamon sugar mixture evenly. This step gives the cookies their signature outer crunch and extra spiced flavor.
- Bake with care:
- Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet with some space between each. Bake at the specified temperature until the cookies are set but still slightly soft in the center. This usually takes around 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for five minutes.
- Cool completely before frosting:
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack and cool fully. This keeps the frosting from melting and ensures a clean, beautiful swirl.
- Pipe the cinnamon buttercream:
- Using a piping bag or knife, top each cooled cookie with the cinnamon buttercream. Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top for that perfect final touch.
The cinnamon is my favorite ingredient here because it truly makes the cookies taste like warm fried churros. One family moment I cherish is baking a batch with my kids on a rainy afternoon, filling the house with that cozy cinnamon scent and sharing stories while waiting for the cookies to cool.
Storage Tips
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate for up to a week, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature for the best flavor and texture. You can also freeze unfrosted or frosted cookies for up to two months just thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
Butter can be swapped with a good quality margarine or vegan butter if needed but may alter texture slightly. Use apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice as an alternative to prevent sugar crystallization. If you don’t have cornstarch, substitute with potato starch or tapioca starch which also keep the cookies tender. For a dairy-free version of the frosting, coconut cream works as a creamy base instead of heavy cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these churro cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate to amplify their cozy indulgence. They are perfect for dessert platters, holiday parties, or just as an afternoon treat.
These churro cookies are cozy, crowd-pleasing, and simple to make. Enjoy them warm with milk or coffee.
FAQs About This Recipe
- → What flavors define these churro-style cookies?
They blend warm cinnamon sugar with buttery richness, enhanced by a creamy cinnamon buttercream topping.
- → Can I make smaller versions for gatherings?
Yes, simply use smaller dough portions and slightly reduce bake time for perfect mini churro cookies.
- → Is the buttercream essential to enjoy these cookies?
Buttercream adds extra flavor but the cinnamon sugar coating alone provides a delicious churro experience.
- → How should these cookies be stored for freshness?
Store airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate for 7 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- → What ingredients keep the cookies soft and chewy?
A mix of brown sugar, cornstarch, and careful baking ensures a tender, chewy texture with a slight crisp outside.