Churro Crinkle Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

If you have a soft spot for desserts that feel like a warm hug, then you’re going to absolutely adore these Churro Crinkle Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar. Imagine the rich, deep flavor of cocoa meeting the irresistible crunch and sugary warmth of a classic churro rolled in cinnamon sugar—this cookie brings that magic to your kitchen in a fun, crinkly form. They’re delightfully soft inside with a crackled, cinnamon-sugary crust that makes every bite melt in your mouth. Whether you’re treating yourself or surprising friends, these cookies are an unforgettable twist on two favorite treats all wrapped into one.

Churro Crinkle Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple pantry staples that work hand-in-hand to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the fluffy structure provided by the flour to the rich depth from cocoa powder, and of course, the sweet, inviting cinnamon sugar that gives these cookies their signature churro vibe.

  • All-purpose flour: Provides the soft, tender base for the cookie dough while giving structure to every bite.
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a rich chocolatey depth that pairs beautifully with cinnamon sugar.
  • Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and develop their delicate crinkled texture.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors for a well-rounded taste.
  • Granulated sugar: Contributes sweetness and helps create a crisp coating when mixed into the cinnamon sugar rub.
  • Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that enriches the cookie’s texture.
  • Large eggs: Bind everything together while helping the dough to be light and fluffy.
  • Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor, lifting the chocolate and cinnamon notes.
  • Cinnamon sugar: The star topping that replicates churro magic with a perfectly spiced sweet crunch.

How to Make Churro Crinkle Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This not only evenly distributes the leavening but also mixes the cocoa into the flour for that consistent chocolaty base. Setting this aside will make the next step smooth and mess-free.

Step 2: Whisk Sweetness and Eggs

In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration is key—it ensures your cookies won’t be dense, but instead tender and soft. Stir in the vanilla extract, which adds that addictive aroma and enhances all other flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Don’t overmix here; you want to keep the dough delicate and light. Once mixed, cover the dough and pop it into the fridge for 30 minutes—chilling helps manage the dough and gives your cookies their perfect shape.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the dough chills, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple yet vital step is what transforms the cookie surface into that mouthwatering churro-like crackled coating.

Step 5: Roll, Coat, and Bake

Roll the dough into generous balls, then coat each one thoroughly with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Placing them spaced about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet ensures they have room to spread their crinkly magic. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, and then let them cool on the pan before moving to a wire rack.

How to Serve Churro Crinkle Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar

Churro Crinkle Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

To elevate your cookies, dust them lightly with extra cinnamon sugar right after baking for added sparkle and spice. You can also drizzle a bit of melted chocolate or caramel for a decadent touch that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and cocoa flavors.

Side Dishes

These cookies are incredibly versatile, pairing wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of hot chocolate or spiced coffee. Their cozy flavors truly shine when enjoyed alongside creamy or warm beverages, making them a perfect companion for relaxing afternoons or festive gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these cinnamon sugar-coated beauties in a rustic basket lined with a vibrant cloth napkin for a charming treat at parties. Alternatively, you could serve them alongside a small dish of dulce de leche or chocolate sauce for dipping—this playful presentation always impresses guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Churro Crinkle Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay delightful for up to a week, making them an excellent make-ahead treat for busy days or unexpected guests.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, they freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They can be stored for up to three months without losing their wonderful cinnamon-sugar charm.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, just warm them up for 10-15 seconds in the microwave or in a low oven until they’re soft and freshly baked-tasting again. This little trick makes it feel like you just pulled them out of the oven all over again!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sugar for the coating?

Absolutely! While traditional granulated sugar is classic for the cinnamon coating, you can experiment with turbinado or sanding sugar for extra crunch and sparkle.

How can I make these cookies less sweet?

Reducing the amount of sugar in both the dough and coating slightly can help balance sweetness without sacrificing texture or flavor. Just be mindful that the cinnamon sugar coating is key to that churro taste.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try swapping in a gluten-free flour blend that works 1:1 for baking, though texture might slightly vary.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes! Adding chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips can add an exciting crunch or gooey chocolate burst, enhancing your churro crinkle cookie experience.

Why do the cookies crackle on top?

The crinkle effect happens from the chilled dough baking and expanding, combined with rolling in cinnamon sugar. This creates delightful cracks, giving the cookies their signature look and texture.

Final Thoughts

These Churro Crinkle Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar are a true celebration of fun textures and nostalgic flavors wrapped into one irresistible treat. They’re simple enough for a quick bake but special enough to impress anyone lucky enough to taste them. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite cookie that brings endless smiles and sweet cinnamon memories to your kitchen.

Print

Churro Crinkle Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

These Churro Crinkle Cookies are a delightful fusion of rich cocoa and warm cinnamon sugar, inspired by the classic churro. Perfectly soft and slightly chewy, they feature a beautiful crinkle top coated in aromatic cinnamon sugar, making them a delicious dessert or snack with a Mexican-American twist.

  • Author: Dana
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating

  • ½ cup cinnamon sugar (for coating) – made from mixing granulated sugar with ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and cocoa throughout the dough.
  3. Cream Sugars and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can lead to tough cookies.
  5. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to roll into balls and helping the cookies hold their shape while baking.
  6. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon to create the classic churro-inspired coating.
  7. Shape and Coat Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into balls, then generously coat each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture to ensure full coverage for that delicious cinnamon flavor and crackled appearance after baking.
  8. Bake: Place the coated cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set and the tops begin to crackle.
  9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving their texture.

Notes

  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.
  • Freeze cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months for longer storage.
  • Reheat frozen cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to enjoy them warm and soft.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Churro, Crinkle Cookies, Cinnamon Sugar, Dessert, Baking

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