Churro Cookies

These Churro Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic treat, perfect for any occasion. With their soft and chewy texture, these cookies are coated in cinnamon sugar and topped with a rich buttercream frosting. Ideal for parties, gatherings, or just a cozy night in, they bring the warm flavors of cinnamon and sweetness to your table. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as a sweet treat later on, these cookies will surely impress any cinnamon lover!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a tasty treat that pleases everyone.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can enjoy making these cookies.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for dessert tables, snack time, or holiday gatherings.
• Decadent Frosting: The churro buttercream adds an extra layer of flavor that makes these cookies truly special.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies remain soft and chewy even after baking, ensuring every bite is enjoyable.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Churro Cookies, gather your tools and prepare your workspace for success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Provides powerful mixing to achieve a fluffy buttercream quickly.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for separating ingredients and combining them efficiently.
• Baking sheets: Ensures even baking across all cookies when lined with parchment paper.

Ingredients

For the Sugar Coating

• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Cookies

• 1/2 cup (113g) butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (103g) shortening, room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Churro Buttercream

• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 cups (375g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 1/3 cup (67g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2-3 teaspoons whole milk (as needed for consistency)

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How to Make Churro Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sugar Coating

In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the sugar coating. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough

Using a handheld mixer or stand mixer:
1. Combine the softened butter, shortening, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
2. Beat until light and creamy.
3. Add the flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon to the mixture.
4. Mix until all ingredients are incorporated and a dough forms.

Step 4: Shape and Coat the Cookies

1. Using 1/4 cup of dough per cookie (or two scoops using a 2-tablespoon scoop), portion the dough onto prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart.
2. Slightly flatten each ball of dough with your hands.
3. Roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar coating before returning them to the baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for:
– 12 minutes for a softer texture
– Up to 14 minutes for firmer cookies.

Remove from oven and let them cool completely on baking sheets before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Churro Buttercream

In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment:
1. Beat together unsalted butter, confectioners’ sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon on low speed until combined.
2. Increase speed to high; beat for about 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add milk one teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Step 7: Frost the Cookies

Once cooled completely:
– Use churro buttercream to frost each cookie evenly.
– For best results, pipe or spread it evenly onto each cookie.

Step 8: Serve and Store

Serve your frosted cookies cold. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, bring them back to room temperature if desired. Any unused buttercream can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator; remember to bring it back to room temperature before use.

How to Serve Churro Cookies

Churro Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just indulging at home, these cookies will surely impress!

With Coffee or Hot Chocolate

• A perfect pairing for your morning brew, the warmth of coffee or hot chocolate complements the cinnamon flavors of the churro cookies beautifully.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange churro cookies on a platter with fruit and nuts for a colorful dessert spread. This adds variety and makes serving easy for gatherings.

With Ice Cream

• Top your churro cookies with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The contrast between warm cookies and cold ice cream is irresistible!

For Special Occasions

• Serve churro cookies at birthday parties or celebrations. Their unique flavor makes them a fun alternative to traditional desserts.

In Cookie Sandwiches

• Spread extra churro buttercream between two cookies to create delicious cookie sandwiches. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness.

As Party Favors

• Wrap individual churro cookies in clear bags with festive ribbons. They make charming party favors that guests will love to take home.

How to Perfect Churro Cookies

Achieving the perfect churro cookie requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out fantastic every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and shortening are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough: If time allows, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; every oven is different. Bake until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
• Cool Before Frosting: Let the cookies cool completely before adding frosting to prevent it from melting off.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add sprinkles or chocolate chips on top of the frosted cookies for added fun!

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Best Side Dishes for Churro Cookies

Churro Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile and provide balance. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of berries, melons, and citrus provides freshness that pairs well with sweet churro cookies.
2. Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Melted chocolate or a rich ganache offers an indulgent dip that enhances each bite.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn: This light snack echoes the flavors of churros while adding a crunchy texture.
4. Cheese Platter: Include creamy cheeses like brie or mascarpone alongside savory crackers for contrast against sweet treats.
5. Warm Apple Crisp: The warm spiciness of apple crisp pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon in churro cookies.
6. Nutty Granola Bars: These provide a chewy texture and nutty flavor that nicely complements soft churro cookies.
7. Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce adds sweetness and richness when served alongside your cookies.
8. Milkshake: A classic vanilla milkshake balances sweetness from the churro cookie while making it a fun treat!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Churro Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can lead to a dense cookie. Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Not Measuring Flour Accurately: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements instead of scooping directly from the bag.
• Overbaking the Cookies: Baking too long will cause them to become hard. Aim for a soft texture and watch for a light golden color on the edges.
• Ignoring Cooling Time: Frosting warm cookies can cause the buttercream to melt. Let your cookies cool completely before frosting them for the best results.
• Not Sifting Confectioners’ Sugar: Lumps in frosting can ruin its smoothness. Always sift confectioners’ sugar before mixing it into your buttercream.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store frosted Churro Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Ensure they are completely cool before sealing them to avoid condensation.

Freezing Churro Cookies

• You can freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container.
• Frosted cookies can be frozen but may lose some texture; wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Churro Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overdo it, or they may become tough.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place cookies in the skillet for a few minutes until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Churro Cookies different from regular cookies?

Churro Cookies are inspired by traditional churros, featuring a delicious cinnamon-sugar coating and often topped with creamy buttercream frosting, adding a unique flavor profile.

Can I customize my Churro Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even swap out spices like nutmeg for a different twist on this delightful treat.

How long do Churro Cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Churro Cookies remain fresh for up to three days.

Can I make these Churro Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup, ensuring you keep other ingredients consistent.

What is the best way to serve Churro Cookies?

Serve chilled or at room temperature as an indulgent dessert or treat for special occasions!

Final Thoughts

Churro Cookies are not only soft and chewy but also bring a delightful cinnamon flavor that will please any sweet tooth. Their versatility allows you to customize them with various toppings or mix-ins, making them perfect for any gathering or personal treat. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these deliciously sweet cookies!