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These homemade Crumbl churro cookies have become my go to when I want a comforting dessert that tastes like a warm churro fresh from the fair. They are soft inside with the perfect cinnamon sugar crunch on the outside, topped with a creamy cinnamon buttercream that takes these cookies to another level. They are a delightful treat for any occasion or just a cozy night in.
I first made these over Memorial Day weekend and they instantly became a family favorite. Now whenever I bake them, the kids gather around asking for their favorite churro cookie.
Ingredients
- Butter: for richness both in the cookie dough and the frosting use unsalted for better control over salt
- Brown and granulated sugar: brown sugar adds chewiness granulated sugar gives the classic churro crunch
- Eggs and egg yolk: provide tenderness and help bind the dough
- Vanilla extract: adds warm depth to both dough and frosting
- Lemon juice: prevents the sugar from crystallizing substituting cream of tartar in this recipe
- All purpose flour: is the base for a soft cookie
- Cornstarch: improves tenderness creating a bakery style cookie
- Baking soda and baking powder: give the cookies lift and a perfect height
- Ground cinnamon: is essential the star spice that brings the churro flavor
- Salt: balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors
- Heavy cream: smooths the cinnamon buttercream
- Powdered sugar: lightens the frosting texture and adds sweetness
Instructions
- Sauté the Butter and Sugars:
- Cream together room temperature butter with both brown and granulated sugars in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Incorporate the Wet Ingredients:
- Mix in one whole egg one egg yolk vanilla extract and lemon juice. Stir until combined evenly without over mixing.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl whisk together all purpose flour cornstarch baking soda baking powder cinnamon and salt. Add these dry ingredients gradually to the wet ingredients and mix just until the flour disappears being careful not to over mix.
- Form the Cookie Dough:
- Portion dough into balls about the size of a golf ball then roll them generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture making sure every surface is coated well.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Place the dough balls on a parchment lined baking sheet spaced apart. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies should look slightly soft in the center when removed.
- Cool before Frosting:
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack after resting on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to cool completely.
- Pipe Cinnamon Buttercream:
- Using a piping bag spread or pipe cinnamon buttercream on each cookie. Sprinkle some additional cinnamon sugar on top for the final churro crunch. Enjoy immediately or store for later.
The cinnamon buttercream frosting brings back so many cozy moments of baking with my kids who love helping me pipe the frosting as much as eating the cookies.
Storage Tips
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days which keeps them soft but with the cinnamon sugar crust still crisp. Refrigerating them can extend freshness up to a week just allow them to come to room temperature before serving so the buttercream softens nicely. For longer storage freeze in a sealed container for up to two months and thaw in the fridge overnight.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute lemon juice with cream of tartar to prevent sugar crystallization if preferred. For a dairy free version use vegan butter and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream in the frosting. If you want a spicier kick add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cayenne powder to the cinnamon sugar mixture for extra warmth and contrast.
Serving Suggestions
These churro cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee to balance the sweetness. They make festive additions to holiday dessert platters or casual weekend cookie trays. Try sprinkling a little sea salt on the buttercream for an unexpected but delicious salty sweet combination.
Enjoy these churro cookies warm with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. They store well and make a delightful treat for family and guests.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What flavors define these churro-inspired cookies?
The cookies combine warm cinnamon spice with sweet brown and granulated sugars, topped by a smooth cinnamon buttercream for a rich finish.
- → Can these cookies be made without the buttercream topping?
Yes, the cinnamon sugar coating alone offers plenty of flavor, making frosting optional based on preference.
- → How should the cookies be stored for freshness?
Store airtight at room temperature up to 3 days, refrigerate up to a week, or freeze for 2 months, thawing before serving.
- → What is the texture like inside these cookies?
The interior is soft and tender with a slight chewiness, while the exterior has a delicate cinnamon sugar crunch.
- → Are there tips to achieve the best texture when baking these cookies?
Use room-temperature ingredients, avoid over-mixing the dough, and pull cookies from the oven when the centers are still slightly soft.