Meet the churro inspired treat that fits busy days. While their exact origins are debated, many culinary historians suggest that churros originated from a pastry introduced to Spain by the Moors. These Churro Crinkle Cookies fuse the warm cinnamon sugar of a churro with the chewy, crinkled texture of a classic cookie. Soft on the inside with a crackled top, they deliver comforting flavor in every bite. The recipe is quick to mix, easy to scale, and beginner friendly. Perfect for bake sales, after school snacks, or a sweet moment any time. Bake joy into your day.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Churro Crinkle Cookies
- Unique Flavor: A delightful blend of cookie texture and churro spice.
- Easy Recipe: Simple steps, minimal fuss, great for beginners.
- Versatile Options: Vegan and gluten-free friendly.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for sharing at parties or school events.
- Decadent Texture: Crinkly exterior with a soft, chewy center.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 2 tablespoons Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
Beyond its comforting flavor, cinnamon offers several potential health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Optional Dusting
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
Notes & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.
- Vegan-Friendly: Use flax eggs and plant-based butter.
- Sugar: Adjust amounts to taste.
- Cocoa: Omit for a classic churro flavor.
- Salt: Kosher or table salt works well.
How to Make Churro Crinkle Cookies
- Prep Oven & Sheet: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt together.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: Beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and mix until incorporated.
- Mix Dough: Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.
- Chill Dough: Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Prepare Coating: Mix cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.
- Shape & Coat: Scoop chilled dough, roll in coating, and place on the lined sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set and tops are cracked.
- Cool Cookies: Let cool on the sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Optional Dusting: Sprinkle powdered sugar before serving.
Churro Crinkle Cookies emerge with a crackled top and a cinnamon kiss, perfect for dessert or a snack anytime.
Pro Tips for Perfect Crinkle Cookies
- Chill Longer: Prevent excessive spreading and keep a thick, fudgy center.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh baking powder and spices for bright flavor.
- Gentle Mixing: Stop as soon as the dough comes together.
- Watch Baking Time: Aim for soft centers with crisp edges.
- Dust After Cooling: A light dusting helps keep sugar from melting.
Serving Suggestions & Flavor Variations
Serving Suggestions
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A creamy counterpoint to warm cookies.
- Hot Chocolate: Classic pairing for cozy evenings.
- Coffee or Espresso: Balances sweetness with a touch of bitterness.
- Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Rich, decadent addition.
- Caramel Sauce: Adds velvety richness.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Light contrast to the indulgence.
- Cold Milk: A timeless, comforting bite.
- Nutty Trail Mix: For varied texture and flavor.
Flavor Variations
- Nutty Twist: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Chocolate-Loaded: Add chocolate chips or chunks.
- Spice It Up: Introduce pumpkin spice or ginger.
- Sugar Swap: Use coconut sugar for caramel notes.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne in the cinnamon sugar.
Storage & Make-Ahead Options
Storage
- Room Temperature: Airtight container up to 1 week.
- Refrigeration: Airtight up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Bake-ahead cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm briefly in microwave or Oven to revive softness.
Make-Ahead
- Dough Preparation: Chill the mixed dough up to 24 hours.
- Pre-Rolled Balls: Refrigerate coated balls up to 3 days for quick bake time.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional snapshot per cookie. The values below reflect a single cookie.
| Nutrition | Per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Sodium | 110 mg |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Potassium | 60 mg |
| Iron | 6 mg |
FAQ
What Flour Should I Use?
All-purpose flour gives the classic cookie texture. For gluten-free, use a blend with xanthan gum to mimic structure.
How Should I Store the Cookies?
Store airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the fridge up to 2 weeks.
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
These Churro Crinkle Cookies prove that treats can be both quick and remarkable. The cinnamon sugar aroma, crinkled tops, and soft centers come together in a method that any beginner can master. They’re a joyful fusion of churro comfort and cookie convenience, ideal for busy families and gatherings alike. Ready to bake? Grab your ingredients, roll in cinnamon sugar, and share the delicious result with friends and family. Your kitchen just turned snack time into a celebration.

Delicious Churro Crinkle Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Medium bowl
- Large bowl
- Electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Small Bowl
- wire rack
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp Baking powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar
- 2 Eggs large
- 1 tbsp Vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Powdered sugar optional, for dusting
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the cookie coating.
- Scoop chilled dough into balls, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and the tops show cracks.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
- Optionally, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.


