If you are searching for an irresistibly cozy treat to brighten up chilly evenings, look no further than these Cinnamon Sugar Churro Crinkle Cookies for Cozy Winter Nights. They perfectly capture the warm, comforting essence of churros with their soft, chewy centers and those signature cinnamon sugar coatings that make every bite taste like a hug from your favorite blanket. Whether you’re curled up with a hot beverage or sharing a sweet moment with loved ones, these cookies deliver all the cozy vibes and delectable flavor you could wish for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples that come together beautifully to create the unique texture and flavor of Cinnamon Sugar Churro Crinkle Cookies for Cozy Winter Nights. Each element plays a distinct role, from the fluffy eggs that lend moisture to the cinnamon sugar that adds that magical finishing touch.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure and softness—you can swap gluten-free flour if needed.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Optional for a subtle chocolate twist, but leaving it out gives that classic churro feel.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and develop those cute crinkles.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and the cinnamon sugar coating for that signature churro crunch.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel notes for richness.
- Eggs: The binding agents that keep everything together with a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla complements the cinnamon and elevates the overall taste beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon is essential for authentic churro flavor.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For dusting to add a festive touch and contrast the cinnamon sugar coating.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Churro Crinkle Cookies for Cozy Winter Nights
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and bake evenly. Then, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder if you’re using it, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This dry mix will bring harmony and lift to your cookie dough.
Step 2: Cream Sugars and Eggs Until Fluffy
In a larger bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until the mixture is light and fluffy — this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. This step is crucial; it aerates the dough, making the cookies beautifully tender. Then add the vanilla extract and beat until just combined for that subtle vanilla warmth.
Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Stir gently to combine, being careful not to overmix. The dough should come together into a soft ball, ready to chill for maximum flavor and texture development.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll and ensuring the cookies bake with the perfect chewy centers and crisp edges.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Mix the granulated sugar with ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This coating mimics the classic churro topping and gives the cookies their irresistible, crunchy exterior.
Step 6: Roll, Coat, and Bake
Scoop the chilled dough into balls and roll each generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Space the cookies on the parchment-lined sheet and bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. Watch for set edges and beautifully cracked tops — the hallmark of perfect churro crinkle cookies.
Step 7: Cool and Optional Dusting
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes, then move them to a wire rack. If you’re feeling fancy or festive, lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Churro Crinkle Cookies for Cozy Winter Nights
Garnishes
Enhance these delicious Cinnamon Sugar Churro Crinkle Cookies for Cozy Winter Nights with a sprinkling of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted chocolate for those who love a bit more decadence. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top can also create a delightful contrast to the cinnamon-sugar coating, making each bite pop even more.
Side Dishes
Pair these addictive cookies with hot drinks like creamy chai tea, rich hot chocolate, or a cinnamon-spiced latte to amp up the winter warmth. For an extra cozy treat, scoop vanilla or cinnamon ice cream alongside for a dreamy dessert experience that feels like a mini celebration of comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies in a rustic basket lined with a soft cloth napkin to create an inviting centerpiece for a winter gathering. Or place them elegantly on a wooden board garnished with cinnamon sticks and star anise for that authentic churro vibe. Wrapping individual cookies in parchment and tying with twine also makes charming homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cinnamon Sugar Churro Crinkle Cookies for Cozy Winter Nights in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about 4-5 days, retaining their chewy texture with a lovely cinnamon sugar crunch. Avoid refrigeration, as it might dry the cookies out.
Freezing
You can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. Freeze dough balls arranged on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag once solid for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, allow the dough to thaw slightly before rolling in cinnamon sugar. Baked cookies freeze well too—wrap them tightly and thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To refresh stored cookies, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back their soft, chewy centers and revives the crispy cinnamon sugar coating as if they are fresh from the oven. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I make these Cinnamon Sugar Churro Crinkle Cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Keep in mind that different blends absorb moisture differently, so you might need to adjust slightly for the perfect dough consistency.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is highly recommended because it makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies bake with the signature chewy centers and crinkled tops, making the cookies even better.
Can I omit the cocoa powder?
Yes, leaving out the cocoa powder results in a more classic churro taste, focusing purely on cinnamon and sugar flavors. The cookies will be a lighter color but just as delicious.
Are these cookies vegan-friendly?
To make these cookies vegan, swap the eggs with flax eggs (a mixture of ground flaxseed and water) and use non-dairy alternatives for sugar and other ingredients as needed. The texture might differ slightly but will still be tasty.
How do I store cookies to keep the cinnamon sugar coating intact?
Store your cookies in a single layer to avoid rubbing off the cinnamon sugar coating, and choose an airtight container to keep them fresh. Layering cookies with parchment paper in between helps maintain the coating’s beautiful texture.
Final Thoughts
Nothing quite matches the joy of biting into these warm Cinnamon Sugar Churro Crinkle Cookies for Cozy Winter Nights, where every crumb tastes like a celebration of comfort and sweetness. They’re simple to make, share, and enjoy — perfect for creating those unforgettable winter memories with friends and family. Go ahead and make a batch; your cozy nights just found their new best friend.
PrintCinnamon Sugar Churro Crinkle Cookies for Cozy Winter Nights
These Cinnamon Sugar Churro Crinkle Cookies bring the cozy flavors of churros into a soft, chewy cookie form. Perfect for winter nights, they feature a delightful cinnamon sugar coating and a rich, slightly chocolatey dough that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 cups All-purpose flour (Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder (Omit for a classic churro taste)
- 1 tbsp Baking powder (Ensure it’s fresh)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (Use kosher or table salt)
- 1 cup Granulated sugar (Adjust for desired sweetness)
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar (Dark brown sugar adds more flavor)
- 2 large Eggs (For vegan option, use flax eggs)
- 1 tbsp Vanilla extract (Use pure extract for best taste)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 2 tbsp Ground cinnamon (Preferably freshly ground)
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar (Adjust to taste)
For Dusting (Optional)
- 1 cup Powdered sugar (Optional for a festive dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt ensuring an even distribution of rising agents and flavors.
- Beat Sugar and Eggs: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, blending gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to handle and helping to develop flavors.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix ground cinnamon and granulated sugar to create the signature churro coating.
- Shape and Coat Cookies: Scoop the chilled dough into balls using a spoon or cookie scoop, then roll each ball generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture before placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops have cracks, showing the crinkle effect.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Dusting: For an extra festive touch, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Omit cocoa powder if you prefer the traditional churro flavor focused on cinnamon and sugar.
- Fresh baking powder ensures proper rise and texture.
- For a vegan option, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg).
- Adjust cinnamon sugar coating amount based on your preferred sweetness and spice level.
- Do not overbake to maintain the soft and chewy texture.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.