Name: Chewy Churro Cookies That Taste Like a Warm Hug Every Time
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-purpose flour (Measure using the spoon & level method for best results.); 1 teaspoon Baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon (Reserve some for the coating.); 1 cup Unsalted butter (Can be softened or browned.); 1 cup Brown sugar (Pack it in for moisture.); 1/2 cup Granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 1 large Egg (Room temperature for easier mixing.); 1/2 cup Granulated sugar (For churro sweetness.); 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon (For the sugary coating.)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

The moment you pull these Chewy Churro Cookies from the oven, the warm scent of cinnamon and sugar fills your kitchen, wrapping you in a cozy embrace. There’s something about the soft, chewy center and that irresistible crispy coating that instantly transports me back to my favorite churro stand at the local fair. With just 30 minutes of your time, you can recreate this delightful treat without the hassle of frying.

Ideal for those busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort, these cookies are a delectable twist on a classic favorite. If you’ve been searching for a quick dessert that blends nostalgia with convenience, look no further! Each bite is a testament to the joy of homemade goodies—perfectly sweet, with a texture that will make you feel like you’re indulging in a warm hug. Grab your apron, and let’s bake up some magic!

Why Will You Love Chewy Churro Cookies?

Comforting Bliss: These Chewy Churro Cookies deliver the nostalgic taste of fairground treats without any frying mess, making them easy to whip up in just 30 minutes.
Cinnamon-Sugar Delight: The sugary coating perfectly complements the soft, chewy center, creating a heavenly bite every time.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether for a family gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s sweet cravings.
Versatile Indulgence: Feel free to customize with fillings or toppings to make each batch uniquely yours—think cream cheese or chocolate surprises!
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep means you can enjoy baking without stress, making this recipe perfect for busy lives.
Sweet Memories: Each bite will remind you of cherished moments spent enjoying churros, wrapping you in warmth and comfort.

Chewy Churro Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough
• All-purpose flour – Provides structure; measure using the spoon & level method for best results.
• Baking soda – Helps the cookies puff up nicely during baking.
• Salt – Balances sweetness for a perfect flavor.
• Ground cinnamon – Imbues classic churro flavor; use some in the dough and reserve some for the coating.
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness; you can use it softened or brown it for a deeper flavor.
• Brown sugar – Keeps the cookies moist and adds a caramel-like sweetness; be sure to pack it in.
• Granulated sugar – Contributes to a crisp texture and sweetness.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
• Egg – Acts as a binder; make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.

For the Coating
• Granulated sugar – A key ingredient for that signature churro sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon – Adds that irresistible spice to the sugary coating for a true churro experience.

Feel ready to bake these Chewy Churro Cookies that taste like a warm hug? Let’s get going!

How to Make Chewy Churro Cookies

Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake while your cookies come together. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Whisk dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and 1½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon. This helps to distribute the ingredients evenly for a consistent cookie dough.
Cream butter and sugars: In another bowl, cream the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This process adds air and provides your cookies with a delightful texture.
Add egg and vanilla: Mix in the room-temperature egg and vanilla extract until well combined. This step adds moisture and a lovely flavor foundation to your cookie dough.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a soft dough that’s ready to scoop!
Shape dough: Scoop or pipe the dough into small balls or rings, then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat. This will create that iconic churro flavor on the outside.
Arrange on baking sheet: Place the coated cookies on the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows for even spreading while baking.
Bake cookies: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little underbaked.
Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This gives them time to firm up while still being warm and chewy.

Optional: Drizzle with chocolate or caramel for an extra indulgent treat!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Chewy Churro Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For added moisture, place a piece of bread in the container.

Fridge: If you’d like to extend their freshness, you can refrigerate Chewy Churro Cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week, but be aware it may slightly change their texture.

Freezer: Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for best results.

Reheating: Thaw at room temperature before enjoying, or warm in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that freshly baked taste!

Make Ahead Options

These Chewy Churro Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy homemade treats without the last-minute rush. You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance—simply mix it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors as they rest! For a quick baking session, just scoop or pipe the dough into balls or rings, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking, and they’ll be just as delicious as if you made them fresh. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly, then bake as instructed for that warm hug of flavor!

Delicious Chewy Churro Cookies Variations

Feeling inspired? Let’s take those Chewy Churro Cookies to the next level with these delightful twists that add flavor and fun!

Creamy Center: Add a cream cheese filling in the center of each cookie for a rich surprise that complements the churro flavor beautifully.
Picture that first bite—tender cookie with a creamy heart—that’s comfort heaven.
Nutty Bliss: Integrate crushed almonds or walnuts into the dough for a nutty crunch that adds texture and enhances flavor.
The warmth of nuts partnered with the sweet cinnamon just elevates this classic treat!
Double Chocolate: Mix in chocolate chips or substitute part of the flour with cocoa for a chocolatey twist on the traditional cookie.
Each bite delivers a luscious chocolate surprise, amplifying the sweetness you crave.
Spicy Kick: Enhance the cinnamon with a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a warm, savory note that balances the sweetness perfectly.
The subtle heat combines wonderfully with the sugary coating—an unexpected delight!
Fruity Finish: Incorporate dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for a chewy texture and a sweet burst of fruity flavor.
This addition makes every cookie a mini adventure, dancing between sweet and tart.
Flavor Infusion: Infuse the butter with vanilla bean or almond extract for a uniquely aromatic cookie that tantalizes the senses.
Those subtle notes of richness offer a sophisticated edge to your favorite churro flavor.
Caramel Surprise: Place a soft caramel candy inside each dough ball before baking for a gooey, melty center you’ll adore.
This unexpected twist adds an indulgent, chewy element that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Crispy Coating: For an extra crunch, roll your dough balls in crushed graham crackers or cornflakes before the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
The crispy texture will contrast beautifully with the soft cookie interior, making each bite a joy.

Expert Tips for Chewy Churro Cookies

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and egg are at room temperature to achieve a creamy, well-blended dough.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.

• Baking Time Awareness: Keep an eye on the baking time; cookies should look slightly underbaked when removed from the oven for perfect chewiness.

• Creative Variations: Try adding cream cheese or chocolate-filled centers for a delightful twist on your Chewy Churro Cookies!

• Proper Cooling: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack—this helps maintain a soft center with a crispy exterior.

What to Serve with Chewy Churro Cookies?

Indulge in the cozy charm of a full dessert spread that enhances the warmth of these cookies.

Rich Hot Chocolate: A steaming cup of hot chocolate will create a comforting pairing, embracing the sweetness of the cookies with each sip.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast in temperature and creaminess, blending beautifully with the cinnamon-sugar flavor.
Fresh Berries: Serve a side of fresh strawberries or raspberries to add a burst of tartness and freshness that balances the cookie’s sweetness.
Espresso or Coffee: A strong espresso or rich coffee brings out the spices in the cookies, creating a cozy café vibe right in your home.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over the cookies will take your dessert experience to new heights, enhancing their indulgent nature.
Chocolate Drizzle: Enhance the churro experience by adding a drizzle of melted chocolate, creating a perfect chocolate-cinnamon balance with luxurious flavor.
Cinnamon Sugar Milkshake: Blend up a milkshake with vanilla ice cream and a dash of cinnamon to echo the cookie flavors in a fun and frosty treat.
Churro Ice Cream Sandwich: For a fun twist, sandwich some ice cream between two cookies for a delightful bite that combines textures and flavors.

Chewy Churro Cookies Recipe FAQs

Which ingredients should I choose for the best Chewy Churro Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, look for room-temperature unsalted butter and eggs, as they blend more smoothly. Make sure your ground cinnamon is fresh for maximum aroma and taste. When selecting all-purpose flour, opt for a brand that you trust; some may yield better results than others depending on your kitchen environment.

How long can I store my Chewy Churro Cookies?
You can store your delightful cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To help maintain moisture, consider placing a slice of bread in the container—this little trick works wonders! If you’re planning to keep them longer, the fridge can extend their shelf life to about a week, though it may alter their texture slightly.

Can I freeze Chewy Churro Cookies? If so, how?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your Chewy Churro Cookies, wrap each cookie loosely in plastic wrap to protect them from freezer burn, then place them in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature. If you prefer a warm cookie, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to revive that freshly baked goodness.

What should I do if my cookies turn out too dry?
If your cookies come out dry, they might be overmixed, or perhaps the flour was packed too tightly. To prevent this, be gentle when combining the wet and dry ingredients—mix just until combined! If you need a quick fix for dry cookies, consider adding a dollop of cream cheese or a bit of milk to the dough next time you bake.

Are Chewy Churro Cookies safe for pets?
No! Keep in mind that the sugar and ingredients in Chewy Churro Cookies can be harmful to pets, especially chocolate, so make sure to store them out of reach. If your pet sneaks a bite, it’s best to contact your veterinarian because even small amounts can upset their stomach.

What can I do with leftover ingredients, like cinnamon and sugar?
Great question! You can utilize leftover cinnamon and sugar mixture for various purposes. Consider using it to sweeten your morning oatmeal or sprinkle it over toasted bread or muffins for breakfast. It also works nicely on popcorn or sprinkled on top of baked fruits for a delicious dessert twist!