These churro cookies are everything you love about churros—but easier, mess-free, and perfectly portioned into cookies. The dough is piped into star shapes and baked until crisp on the outside and soft inside, then coated in a warm blanket of cinnamon sugar for that authentic churro flavor.
Whether you’re craving fairground nostalgia or just a fun baking day with the family, these cookies deliver all the cinnamon sugar joy without the need for deep frying. Best served slightly warm with a glass of milk or a side of caramel dip, they’re a must try for dessert lovers of all ages.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups water
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1 cup butter
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons sugar
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1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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4 eggs
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
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1/2 cup sugar
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1 tablespoon cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
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Pinch of ground cloves
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and vanilla. Bring to a hard simmer.
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In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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Once the butter mixture is simmering, remove from heat and stir in the flour mixture in two additions until well combined.
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth, thick dough.
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Using a pastry bag fitted with a 1M star tip, pipe dough into cookie shapes onto the baking sheets (about 4 spirals each).
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Bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
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Quickly transfer cookies to a cooling rack. After about 1 minute, roll cookies in the cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm.
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Let them cool slightly more before serving. Enjoy them warm or cooled!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 12 cookies
The Magic of Churro Cookies: A Cozy Twist on a Classic Favorite
When you think of churros, you probably picture amusement parks, street fairs, or that first irresistible bite at Disneyland the crispy exterior, warm fluffy interior, and that unmistakable sparkle of cinnamon sugar. Churros are a beloved treat with a long history and international appeal. But what if you could take all that nostalgic deliciousness and simplify it into a cookie form, baked instead of fried, and still just as irresistible?
That’s exactly what Churro Cookies deliver: all the cinnamon-sugar charm of traditional churros, without the mess of deep frying. These cookies are light, golden, and piped into beautiful spirals with a crisp exterior and soft, tender middle. They’re not only fun to make, but they’re also a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, bake sales, or cozy family nights in.
Let’s explore how these churro inspired cookies came to be, what makes them so unique, and why they’re quickly becoming a favorite among home bakers.
A Brief History of the Churro
To understand the appeal of churro cookies, it helps to appreciate the treat they’re based on. The origins of the churro are a bit fuzzy, with stories tracing back to Spain, Portugal, and even ancient China. The most popular version credits Spanish shepherds who created the treat as a portable snack while tending sheep in the mountains. Their version of churros made with simple dough and cooked over an open fire eventually made its way to Latin America, where it became deeply rooted in culinary culture.
Traditional churros are long, ridged sticks of dough, deep-fried until golden, then rolled in a blend of cinnamon and sugar. In Mexico, they’re often enjoyed with a thick chocolate dipping sauce, while in Spain, they’re a breakfast staple served alongside hot chocolate. No matter where you are in the world, churros bring joy and warmth both figuratively and literally.
Reinventing a Classic: Why Cookies?
As much as we love churros, they aren’t always practical to make at home. Deep frying can be intimidating for novice bakers, not to mention the cleanup involved. That’s where churro cookies come in. This baked version eliminates the need for frying oil, relying instead on your oven to do the work. The dough is piped using a star tip to recreate those signature ridges, and once baked, the cookies are quickly coated in cinnamon sugar while still warm to lock in that nostalgic flavor.
Baking these cookies also means less mess, more control, and a fun activity for the whole family. They’re easier for kids to handle, safer to make at home, and they still give you that toasty cinnamon scent that fills the kitchen and makes everyone ask, “What’s baking?”
The Perfect Bake: Tips for Success
Though simple in ingredients, churro cookies do require a bit of technique. The dough is similar to pâte à choux the same dough used for cream puffs and éclairs which means it’s cooked briefly on the stove before being piped. It’s a bit thicker than most cookie doughs and needs to be mixed well after adding the eggs to achieve the right texture.
Using a piping bag with a star tip is key. This not only gives the cookies their charming churro-like shape, but it also creates those delicious ridges that hold onto the cinnamon sugar coating.
Timing is also crucial. Once out of the oven, the cookies should be cooled just enough to handle, then immediately rolled in the sugar mixture. Waiting too long will prevent the coating from sticking, but doing it too soon may cause it to melt. Finding that sweet spot takes practice but the result is more than worth it.
Flavor Notes and Variations
The core of any churro treat is, of course, the cinnamon sugar. But churro cookies offer plenty of opportunities for customization. Some bakers like to add a hint of nutmeg or cloves for extra depth, especially in the fall and winter seasons. A little vanilla or almond extract enhances the warmth of the cinnamon, while browned butter in place of regular butter can take the flavor to gourmet levels.
Dipping or drizzling these cookies adds even more fun. Think: warm caramel sauce, a splash of dulce de leche, or melted chocolate. You can even sandwich them with marshmallow fluff or buttercream for a churro-cookie sandwich experience.
And for an elegant twist? Serve them with espresso or coffee-infused whipped cream. The pairing of bitter coffee and sweet cinnamon is a match made in dessert heaven.
Presentation and Serving Ideas
Churro cookies are as beautiful as they are tasty. Their piped, ridged design gives them a rustic elegance that makes them perfect for holiday platters, afternoon tea, or even as edible gifts. Pack them in parchment paper with a ribbon or stack them in a mason jar with a cute tag for a homemade touch.
They’re also great for dipping, so serve them alongside small ramekins of chocolate ganache, caramel, or spiced cream cheese frosting. Warm them for just a few seconds in the microwave before serving to recreate that “fresh from the bakery” vibe.
Whether it’s a casual movie night or a festive brunch, these cookies fit the bill and disappear quickly from the plate.
Why You Should Bake These Churro Cookies
There’s something truly special about a recipe that brings comfort, nostalgia, and creativity all in one bite. Churro cookies check all the boxes. They’re simple yet show-stopping. They satisfy that craving for something sweet and cinnamony without requiring a trip to the fair or a deep fryer. They fill your kitchen with a cozy aroma that instantly makes your home feel warm and welcoming.
Perhaps best of all, they bring people together. Whether you’re baking with kids, sharing with neighbors, or just treating yourself to a quiet moment with coffee and cookies, these treats invite joy. They’re approachable for beginner bakers and endlessly adaptable for more experienced ones looking to experiment with flavor combinations and presentation.
Conclusion
Churro Cookies are more than just a baked treat they’re a celebration of everything we love about comfort food: simplicity, sweetness, and a dash of fun. Inspired by the classic churro, these cookies capture the same flavors and textures in a form that’s easy to bake, share, and enjoy.
So next time you’re craving something nostalgic, cozy, and just a little magical, give churro cookies a try. Whether you serve them warm with a side of chocolate or gift them to friends during the holidays, you’re guaranteed to make someone’s day a little sweeter.