Introduction

These easy Churro Crinkle Cookies bring the warm, cinnamon-sugar flavors of classic churros into a chewy, baked treat. Perfect for a quick sweet snack, they are simple to make and delightfully addictive with their crackled powdered sugar finish.

Easy Churro Crinkle Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (110g) brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for coating)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Powdered sugar (for crinkle effect)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking trays with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 4: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until combined.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a dough forms.
Step 6: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 7: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
Step 8: Scoop out 1 tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll each into balls, then coat generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Step 9: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking trays, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 10: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are slightly puffed and the tops appear crinkled.
Step 11: Let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar for the signature crinkle effect before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the dough.
If you prefer a stronger cinnamon taste, increase the cinnamon in the coating mixture.
Chill the dough longer for thicker cookies that keep their shape well during baking.
Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized cookies for consistent baking.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a low oven for a few minutes to restore their soft texture and warm cinnamon aroma.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use margarine or oil instead of butter?

Butter provides the best flavor and texture for these cookies. Using margarine or oil may change the texture and taste slightly, leading to less rich cookies.

Why do the cookies have a crinkled appearance?

The crinkled look comes from the powdered sugar dusting which spreads and cracks as the cookies bake and puff. This gives them their signature churro-inspired look and a hint of sweetness.

Easy Churro Crinkle Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 82 reviews

Delightfully easy and quick to make, these Churro Crinkle Cookies capture the warm flavors of cinnamon and vanilla with a perfect soft yet crinkly texture. Rolled generously in cinnamon sugar and dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies make a festive and irresistible treat for any occasion.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes
Yield: 24 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (110g) brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating

1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Powdered sugar (for crinkle effect)

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Trays: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined to create the dry base for the cookies.
Cream Butter and Sugars: Using an electric mixer, beat softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring a smooth and aerated dough.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until fully incorporated, creating a uniform batter.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until a dough forms to avoid overmixing.
Chill Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes, allowing it to firm up for easier handling and better texture.
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to make the coating mixture that will give the cookies their signature churro flavor.
Shape and Coat Cookies: Scoop 1 tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll each into a ball, and generously coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to capture the churro essence.
Arrange on Baking Tray: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking trays, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading while baking.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are slightly puffed and crinkled, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Refrigerating the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and enhances the texture.
Rolling the dough balls generously in the cinnamon-sugar coating is key for that authentic churro flavor and crunch.
For an even more prominent crinkle effect, dust the coated dough balls lightly with powdered sugar before baking.
Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to easily lift baked cookies without breakage.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Churro cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, crinkle cookies, easy cookie recipe, cinnamon cookies, holiday cookies, soft cookies