Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies

These cookies taste just like churros—crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and coated in warm cinnamon sugar. The smell alone will make you smile. I made them for a weekend treat, and they disappeared straight off the cooling rack.

I love how simple they are to make—no frying, no fuss, just that perfect churro flavor baked into a cookie. The cinnamon sugar coating gives a sweet crunch, while the buttery dough melts in your mouth.

If you love cozy, spiced desserts that feel homemade and comforting, these Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies are perfect. Let’s bake them together—you’ll love how warm, soft, and irresistible they taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Churro Flavor Without the Fuss: All the cinnamon-sugar goodness of churros in cookie form.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies stay tender for days thanks to brown sugar and butter.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you likely already have.
• Fun to Make: Rolling the dough in cinnamon sugar is easy and satisfying.
• Crowd Pleaser: Kids and adults both love these sweet, spiced cookies.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings: This recipe makes about 24 cookies, enough for a family gathering or several days of snacking. Want more? Double the batch and freeze half the dough for later.

Difficulty: Easy for beginners. If you can mix ingredients and roll dough balls, you can make these cookies.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Small bowl for cinnamon sugar coating
• Wire cooling rack

Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies

These cookies come together with basic baking ingredients that create something truly special.

For the Cookie Dough:

• Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature for easy mixing and rich flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a tender crumb.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor that keeps cookies soft.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors in the cookie.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread just right.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that gives these cookies their churro character.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• Granulated Sugar: Creates a sweet, sparkly exterior.
• Ground Cinnamon: Doubles down on that warm, spiced flavor.

Optional Add-In:

• Chocolate Chips: Fold into the dough for extra indulgence, or press a few on top before baking.

Variations for Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies

• Add Chocolate: Mix in semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for a chocolate-cinnamon combo.
• Extra Spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for depth.
• Stuffed Cookies: Place a square of chocolate or caramel in the center of each dough ball before coating.
• Mini Cookies: Make smaller portions for bite-sized treats that bake in 8-9 minutes.
• Mexican Hot Chocolate Style: Add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar for subtle heat.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Set out butter and eggs about 30 minutes before baking so they reach room temperature. This helps them blend smoothly into the dough.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures the leavening and spices distribute evenly.

3. Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar on medium speed. Mix for 2-3 minutes until the mixture looks light and fluffy.

4. Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything combines well.

5. Combine Wet and Dry

Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in two parts. Mix on low speed just until no dry streaks remain. If using chocolate chips, fold them in now with a spoon or spatula.

6. Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilled dough is easier to handle and helps cookies keep their shape while baking.

7. Make Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Set aside.

8. Shape and Coat

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough into balls about 1.5 tablespoons each. Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until completely coated. Place on baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

9. Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should look set and lightly golden, while centers may still appear slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.

10. Cool

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking while still warm.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies

These cookies shine on their own but also pair beautifully with:

• Hot Chocolate: Dunk them in Mexican hot chocolate or regular cocoa.
• Coffee or Tea: The cinnamon flavor complements morning beverages perfectly.
• Ice Cream: Sandwich vanilla or dulce de leche ice cream between two cookies.
• Milk: A classic combination that never disappoints.
• Dessert Platters: Arrange on a plate with other treats for parties or potlucks.

Decoration Ideas:

• Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over cooled cookies in a zigzag pattern.
• Press a few chocolate chips on top before baking for visual appeal.
• Dust with extra cinnamon sugar while still warm for more sparkle.
• Serve on a decorative plate with a dusting of powdered sugar around the edges.

Storing Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies

At Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

In the Refrigerator: Keep cookies fresh for up to 1 week in an airtight container in the fridge. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating.

Freezing Cookie Dough: Roll dough balls and coat in cinnamon sugar, then freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Room Temperature Matters: Softened butter blends better and creates a smoother dough texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients combine to keep cookies tender rather than tough.
• Chill the Dough: This step prevents cookies from spreading too thin and helps them stay thick and chewy.
• Watch the Clock: Cookies continue cooking on the hot baking sheet after you remove them from the oven, so take them out when centers still look slightly underdone.
• Even Sizing: Use a cookie scoop to make sure all cookies are the same size so they bake evenly.
• Fresh Cinnamon: Use recently purchased ground cinnamon for the strongest flavor.
• Test Your Oven: If cookies brown too quickly or take too long, your oven temperature may be off. An oven thermometer helps ensure accuracy.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Cookie (1 of 24)
Calories	145
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	25mg
Sodium	95mg
Total Carbohydrates	20g
Dietary Fiber	0.5g
Sugars	12g
Protein	2g

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies FAQs

Can I make these cookies without chilling the dough? You can skip chilling, but the cookies will spread more and become thinner. Chilling helps them stay thick and chewy.

Why are my cookies flat? This usually happens when butter is too warm or dough is not chilled enough. Make sure butter is just softened, not melted, and always chill the dough.

Can I use salted butter instead? Yes, but reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon to avoid overly salty cookies.

How do I know when cookies are done? The edges should look set and lightly golden. Centers may appear slightly underdone but will firm up as cookies cool on the baking sheet.

Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely. Refrigerate dough for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Roll into balls and coat with cinnamon sugar when ready to bake.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies bring the beloved flavors of a fairground favorite into your home kitchen. With their soft centers, sweet cinnamon coating, and simple preparation, these cookies make any day feel special. Whether you enjoy them with morning coffee or as an after-dinner treat, they deliver comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

I used these ingredients to create this recipe: unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and chocolate chips (optional).