Name: Irresistible Churro Crinkle Cookies You’ll Crave This Holiday
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 72 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour (For gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.); 0.5 cups Granulated Sugar (Use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index alternative.); 0.5 cups Brown Sugar (Light or dark brown sugar works; adjust for sweetness preference.); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Ensure freshness for optimal puffing.); 1 tablespoon Cinnamon (Pumpkin pie spice or a mix of nutmeg and allspice can also be used.); 0.5 cups Butter (Vegan butter can be used for a dairy-free version.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Fresh or high-quality extract deepens taste.); 2 large Eggs (Replace with flax eggs for a vegan option (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg).); 1 teaspoon Salt (Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.); 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar; 1 tablespoon Cinnamon

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The aroma of cinnamon and sugar fills the air as I pull these delightful Tasty Churro Crinkle Cookies from the oven, their crinkly tops beckoning for a taste. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that surrounds you with the warm, nostalgic flavors of festive churros—perfect for elevating any holiday dessert table. Not only are they an effortless baking project for a cozy afternoon, but they also make for a crowd-pleasing treat at festive gatherings. This recipe is your ticket to delivering joy through homemade goodies, and I promise you’ll want to share it far and wide. Ready to create some delicious memories with these cookies?

Why You’ll Adore Churro Crinkle Cookies

Irresistible Flavor: The delightful combination of warm cinnamon and sugar will transport you to holiday markets filled with fragrant churros.

Effortless Baking: Even beginners can create these cookies with just a few simple steps—perfect for those who want delicious results without the fuss.

Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are sure to impress at parties! Serve them alongside other treats like Cotton Candy Cookies or Chocolate Oat Cookies for a festive spread.

Versatile Treats: Customize your cookies by adding nuts or a drizzle of salted caramel for an indulgent twist everyone will love.

Homemade Goodness: Nothing beats the joy of baking at home, filling your kitchen with heavenly aromas and sharing heartfelt treats with loved ones.

Churro Crinkle Cookies Ingredients

Everything you need for delicious cookies!

For the Cookie Dough

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cookies. For gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and contributes to the cookie crinkle effect. Use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index alternative.
Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a deeper flavor. Light or dark brown sugar works; adjust for sweetness preference.
Baking Powder – Gives the cookies their lift. Ensure freshness for optimal puffing.
Cinnamon – Imparts the signature churro flavor and crunchy coating. Pumpkin pie spice or a mix of nutmeg and allspice can also be used.
Butter – Adds richness and moisture. Vegan butter can be used for a dairy-free version.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor. Fresh or high-quality extract deepens taste.
Eggs – Bind ingredients and provide structure. Replace with flax eggs for a vegan option (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg).
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Tasty Churro Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an essential step to ensure your Tasty Churro Crinkle Cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which will help the cookies release easily after baking.

Step 2: Prepare Dough
In a mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened butter, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well blended and gives a smooth, creamy appearance.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will start to come together and should be soft yet slightly sticky, perfect for forming cookies.

Step 4: Chill Dough
To maintain the shape of your Tasty Churro Crinkle Cookies, cover the bowl of dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling process will help the butter firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking. During this time, you can prepare your cinnamon-sugar coating.

Step 5: Form Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes. Preheat the oven again if necessary. Roll tablespoons of dough into balls and then roll each ball in a mixture of 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon until fully coated. This will create that iconic crunchy, sweet exterior.

Step 6: Bake
Place the rolled dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops look crinkly. The centers will still look soft, which is perfect for that chewy texture you want in your churro cookies.

Step 7: Cool
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, allowing them to firm up a bit. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they retain their delightful texture while saving them from getting soggy. Enjoy the heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen as they cool!

Expert Tips for Churro Crinkle Cookies

Chill the Dough: Chilling is key! It helps the dough hold its shape while baking, preventing flat cookies that lose their crinkle.
Check Oven Temperature: Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at the right temperature—too hot can lead to uneven baking.
Double Sugar Coating: For an extra crunch and sweetness, roll your dough balls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture twice before baking.
Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies, as baking too long can result in a dry texture. They should look set around the edges but soft in the center.
Proper Storage: Store your Churro Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer freshness.

What to Serve with Tasty Churro Crinkle Cookies

The warmth of cinnamon and sugar in these delightful cookies opens the door for a full holiday feast.

Creamy Hot Cocoa: The rich, chocolatey warmth of hot cocoa brings out the sweetness of the churro cookies, creating a cozy pair that wraps you in comfort.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream drizzled with caramel sauce adds a delightful contrast to the warm, chewy cookies.
Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavors of coffee perfectly balance the sweetness, making each bite of the cookies sing with joy.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of berries and citrus brightens the palate, offering a crisp, juicy counterpart to the rich, spiced flavors of churros.
Nutty Biscotti: Dipping a crunchy, nut-filled biscotti into your coffee while snacking on churro cookies offers an irresistible texture combination.
Sweet Holiday Punch: A fruity, sparkling punch with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg will elevate your dessert experience, tying together the festive flavors beautifully.
Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: The salty crunch of chocolate-dipped pretzels provides a delightful contrast to the sweet, cinnamon-sugar flavor of the cookies, making for a memorable pairing.
Spiced Tea: Aromatic chai or spiced herbal tea enhances the warm flavors of the cookies, inviting you to savor each bite slowly.
Gingerbread Cookies: For a holiday classic, serve these alongside gingerbread cookies for a delightful gathering of festive flavors that will delight everyone.
Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of churro crinkle cookies into melted chocolate for an extravagant twist, allowing everyone to enjoy this rich dessert experience together.

Make Ahead Options

These Tasty Churro Crinkle Cookies are fantastic for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their delightful flavors without the last-minute rush. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking, which helps maintain their chewy texture. Simply follow the recipe through the dough-chilling step, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. Alternatively, if you want to prepare even further in advance, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, allow the dough to thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling in cinnamon sugar and baking as directed. This way, you can enjoy fresh, homemade cookies with minimal effort whenever cravings strike!

Churro Crinkle Cookies Variations

Feel free to explore these fun twists and adaptations for your delicious Churro Crinkle Cookies!

Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with your favorite vegan butter for a delightful dairy-free option. Just like the original, they’ll still be soft and chewy!
Nutty Addition: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy element that pairs beautifully with the soft cookie texture. This little addition brings a nice depth of flavor!
Chocolate Twist: Add white chocolate chips to the dough for an extra touch of sweetness that complements the cinnamon. These will melt beautifully into the cookies and elevate each bite.
Festive Colors: Stir in some red and green sprinkles to create a holiday-themed treat that’s as fun to decorate as it is to eat.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar coating for a surprising heat that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet flavors.
Maple Glaze: Drizzle a maple syrup glaze over the cooled cookies for added moisture and a maple cinnamon profile that’s simply irresistible!
Flavor Infusion: Infuse the cookie dough with orange or lemon zest for a refreshing citrus touch that brightens up the warm flavors of cinnamon.
Holiday Flavor Boost: Consider using a blend like pumpkin pie spice for a different seasonal flair—it’s perfect for those cozy holiday vibes.

Each variation brings its own special charm to these beloved Churro Crinkle Cookies. If you’re looking for some more sweet ideas, why not try your hand at Cotton Candy Cookies or 4-Ingredient Chocolate Oat Cookies? Happy baking!

How to Store and Freeze Churro Crinkle Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep fully cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent them from getting stale.

Fridge: While refrigeration is not necessary, you can store cookies in the fridge for up to 7 days if you prefer a firmer texture; just ensure they are well-wrapped.

Freezer: For extended storage, freeze Churro Crinkle Cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy the cookies warm, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or microwave briefly for 10-15 seconds until warm.

Tasty Churro Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my ingredients are fresh and good to use?
Absolutely! Check your baking powder by adding a teaspoon to warm water; if it bubbles vigorously, it’s fresh. Flour should be free of any off smell, and spices should be fragrant. Regarding eggs, a quick water test can help: if they sink and lay flat, they’re fresh; if they float, it’s time to toss them.

How should I store leftover Churro Crinkle Cookies?
The more the merrier! Keep your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will help maintain their soft and chewy texture. If you’re storing them in the fridge for a firmer texture, make sure they’re wrapped well to prevent drying out. I often enjoy them chilled on a hot day!

Can I freeze Churro Crinkle Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, lay the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until firm, about 1-2 hours. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge or simply warm them in the oven.

What can I do if my cookies come out flat?
Very! If your Churro Crinkle Cookies turn out flat, it could be due to warm dough—chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking is crucial! Additionally, double-check that your baking powder is fresh. I recommend keeping your butter at room temperature rather than melting it to ensure the dough retains enough structure.

Are these cookies safe for dogs or do they contain any common allergens?
While Churro Crinkle Cookies are delightful for humans, they’re not safe for dogs due to the chocolate-like flavor and high sugar content. If you have allergies, this recipe includes gluten (from flour) and dairy (from butter). You can substitute with gluten-free flour and vegan butter to make them more allergy-friendly, but always check specific ingredient labels to confirm.