Chocolate Brigadeiros
Learn how to make authentic chocolate brigadeiros with step-by-step tips, ingredient substitutions, ...
22
total time
24
servings
150 kcal
calories
Why These Chewy Churro Cookies Feel Like a Warm Hug
Thereâs a special comfort in the warm aroma of cinnamon and sugar â itâs the scent of cozy kitchens, holiday mornings, and small acts of care. These chewy churro cookies are built around that feeling: a soft, slightly gooey center surrounded by a thin, caramelized exterior and finished with a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating. The recipe borrows the flavor profile of classic Mexican churros but translates it into a cookie format thatâs quicker to make, easier to share, and ideal for those who prefer a tender, chewy bite rather than a fried pastry. The key to achieving that âwarm hugâ texture is balancing moisture in the dough, controlling oven temperature, and finishing the cookies while theyâre still warm so the cinnamon sugar adheres beautifully. From a search engine optimization standpoint, people look for terms like âchewy churro cookies,â âcinnamon sugar cookies,â and âeasy churro recipe.â This article focuses on those search intents by providing a clear ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips, and creative variations so readers can find exactly what they need whether theyâre baking for a crowd, gifts, or a quiet evening treat. We emphasize practical details â oven temps, chilling times, mixing technique, and coating tips â because small changes produce big results in cookie baking. Expect helpful timing cues (when to remove from the oven, when to roll in sugar), texture descriptions to guide doneness, and storage advice so your cookies stay soft for days. If youâve ever wanted churro flavor without the deep-frying, these cookies are a perfect bridge. They keep the cinnamon, the sugar, and the warm, comforting mouthfeel while offering the convenience and comparatively gentle prep of a drop cookie. Read on for ingredient specifics, equipment notes, a detailed baking process, variations for chocolate-lovers and spice enthusiasts, and best practices for freezing and gifting. Whether youâre an experienced baker or just learning, these chewy churro cookies are forgiving and rewarding â and likely to become a new favorite when you crave something that truly feels like a warm hug.
Gathering Ingredients: What You Need for Perfect Churro Cookies
Before you preheat the oven or scribe the first measuring cup, gather ingredients with an emphasis on quality and temperature. For chewy churro cookies that taste reliably delicious, youâll want to use ingredients that interact predictably: room-temperature butter and eggs for proper emulsification, a fine granulated sugar for even sweetness, and real ground cinnamon â not just pre-blended âpumpkin spiceâ â for a clear, warm cinnamon flavor. The recipe relies on a balance between brown sugar and granulated sugar: brown sugar contributes moisture and chewiness due to its molasses content, while granulated sugar helps spread and create a slight crisp edge. Key ingredients include all-purpose flour, baking powder and baking soda (for lift and slight chew), fine sea salt (to enhance flavor), unsalted butter (room temperature), light or dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, a whole egg plus an extra egg yolk (for extra chew and richness), pure vanilla extract, and high-quality ground cinnamon. Some versions call for a small amount of cornstarch to soften the crumb and increase tenderness. For the cinnamon-sugar coating, use a mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon in a ratio that suits your taste â 1 cup sugar to 2 teaspoons cinnamon is a good starting point, but you can increase cinnamon for more punch. If you like subtle variations, consider adding a pinch of cardamom or a smidge of nutmeg to the dough for complexity. Salted brown butter can intensify the toasty notes if youâre comfortable browning butter; otherwise, standard softened butter works beautifully. Also gather reliable measuring spoons and cups, a digital scale if you prefer accuracy, a mixing bowl, and parchment or silicone mats for baking. Having everything measured and ready ensures the dough comes together quickly and consistently, reducing the chance of overworking it and keeping the cookies pleasantly chewy rather than dense or tough.
Equipment and Prep: Tools That Make Baking Easier
Successful cookie baking depends not only on ingredients but also on having the right tools and a sensible prep workflow. For chewy churro cookies, you donât need specialized equipment, but a few pieces make consistent results much easier. A stand mixer or hand mixer speeds up creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy, but a sturdy whisk and a bit more elbow grease will also work. A digital kitchen scale provides consistency; if youâre following volume measures, ensure your measuring cups are leveled for accuracy. Other useful tools include a medium mixing bowl for dry ingredients, a large bowl for creaming and combining dough, a rubber spatula for scraping, and a cookie scoop (1.5 tablespoons to 2 tablespoons) to portion uniform cookies. A small bowl for the cinnamon-sugar coating will make rolling quick. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and help cookies bake evenly. If youâre making multiple batches, rotate baking sheets through the oven; preheating two sheets can help deliver even heat distribution across batches. Donât forget a wire rack for cooling so cookies donât trap steam and become soggy underneath. If chilling the dough (recommended for flavor development and to prevent excessive spread), use a covered dish or plastic wrap. For browning butter variation, use a light-colored skillet so you can monitor the color change and avoid burning. Finally, keep a small digital thermometer handy if youâre temperamental about oven accuracy; an oven that runs hot by 10â20°F will alter baking times and texture. With these tools and prepping steps organized, your baking session will be smoother and produce reliably chewy, flavorful churro cookies.
Step-by-Step Mixing and Baking Process (Cooking Process)
Follow these steps to achieve the chewy texture and cinnamon-sugar exterior that define churro cookies. Read the full method before starting so you can work confidently. 1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats and set aside. If you prefer firmer cookies, reduce the oven temp to 325°F and bake a little longer. 2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter (room temperature) with 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar and 1 cup (220g) light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2â3 minutes with a stand mixer on medium speed. The creaming step incorporates air for lift and contributes to the cookiesâ tender exterior. 3. Add Eggs and Flavor: Add 1 whole large egg and 1 egg yolk, mixing until combined. Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract and 1â2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. The extra yolk increases chewiness and richness. 4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Optionally add 1 tablespoon cornstarch for an even softer crumb. 5. Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing; stop when the flour streaks disappear. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. 6. Chill (Optional but Recommended): For more pronounced chew and less spread, chill the dough for 30â60 minutes. This firms the dough and deepens flavors. If youâre short on time, you can bake immediately, but spacing and shape may vary. 7. Portion and Coat: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion 1.5â2 tablespoon mounds. Roll each mound lightly into your hands to form a ball, then roll generously in a cinnamon-sugar mixture (about 1 cup granulated sugar + 2 teaspoons cinnamon) until evenly coated. Place balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. 8. Bake: Bake at 350°F for 9â12 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through if necessary. Cookies should look set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center; this ensures a chewy interior. For slightly crisper edges, allow them to bake until edges are lightly golden. 9. Cool and Finish: Remove from oven and let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2â3 minutes; then transfer to a wire rack to cool. For extra churro-like texture, you can roll cookies again in cinnamon-sugar while still warm so the coating adheres evenly. Serve warm or at room temperature. By following measured steps â creaming, careful mixing, chilling for structure, and watching the bake time â youâll consistently produce cookies that are soft, chewy, and full of cinnamon-sugar goodness. Tiny adjustments in bake time and oven temperature allow you to tune the final texture to your preference.
Coating, Cooling, and Texture Tips
The coating and cooling steps are deceptively important for churro cookies. The cinnamon-sugar exterior delivers the signature flavor and a slight crunch that offsets the chewy interior. Use extra-fine granulated sugar if you prefer a smoother coating; for a more traditional churro crunch, slightly coarser sugar works well. Mix your coating in a shallow bowl so you can roll the cookie dough balls easily; include a spoon to redistribute cinnamon evenly after a few rolls. Timing matters: roll cookies in cinnamon sugar just before baking and again immediately after baking for a double-layered flavor and texture. The warmth from the oven helps the sugar adhere to the cookie surface and, if rolled a second time, creates a lightly caramelized finish. If you overbake, the sugar can become overly hard â aiming for centers that look a touch underbaked ensures a chewy interior after cooling. A typical indicator is edges set and lightly golden while centers remain glossy. Cooling on the pan for a couple of minutes stabilizes their shape; transferring them too soon can cause them to split or flatten. After transferring to a wire rack, avoid stacking cookies until theyâre completely cooled to prevent trapping steam that softens the exterior. If cookies lose their initial chewiness after a day or two, refresh them briefly in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3â4 minutes to restore some of the texture. For flavor balance, consider a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on warm cookies just after baking to highlight the cinnamon-sugar notes. If you choose to brown the butter before creaming, allow it to cool slightly before incorporating to preserve the right dough consistency; browned butter intensifies toasted, nutty flavors that complement cinnamon beautifully. Small adjustments to sugar ratio, cinnamon intensity, and bake time let you tailor each batch to your ideal level of chew, crispness, and sweetness.
Final Presentation and Serving Suggestions (Final Presentation)
Presentation turns a great cookie into a memorable treat. Serve your chewy churro cookies on a rustic wooden board, layered with parchment and garnished with a small bowl of dulce de leche or warm chocolate sauce for dipping. Arrange cookies in slightly overlapping rows to show off the sugar coating and ensure visual appeal. For gifting, place cooled cookies into parchment-lined boxes or tins with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon-sugar between layers to keep them from sticking together. Include a small note with reheating instructions (microwave for 8â10 seconds or oven refresh at 300°F for a few minutes) so recipients can enjoy the cookies warm. Pairing suggestions: chai tea or cafĂ© con leche are natural companions, as their warm spices echo the cookiesâ cinnamon notes. A scoop of vanilla ice cream atop a slightly warm cookie creates contrast between cold and warm, creamy and chewy. For a grown-up twist, serve with a small glass of spiced rum or coffee liqueur alongside espresso for a dessert board. If youâre staging cookies for a brunch or holiday spread, combine with other complementary bites like cinnamon spiced nuts, dulce de leche drizzled mini doughnuts, or cardamom shortbread. For photo-friendly presentation, sprinkle a delicate dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon over the board and use natural props like linen napkins and wooden utensils to enhance the homey vibe. The right context â warm light, textured backgrounds, and simple garnishes â makes these cookies look as comforting as they taste and encourages people to reach for a second one.
Variations and Flavor Twists to Make Them Your Own
Once youâve mastered the base chewy churro cookie, experiment with variations that highlight different flavor profiles. Chocolate lovers can fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips or swirl 1/3 cup of melted dark chocolate into the dough for a marbled effect. To intensify cinnamon notes and add complexity, blend in 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg â spices that harmonize beautifully with cinnamon without overpowering the cookie. For a filled version, press an indent in each cookie dough ball before baking and add a teaspoon of dulce de leche or chocolate ganache; bake until edges are set and centers remain soft. Another option is to sandwich a scoop of buttercream or dulce de leche between two cooled cookies for a churro cookie sandwich thatâs ideal for gifting. If you prefer a citrus lift, add 1 teaspoon of finely grated orange zest to the dough and reduce the cinnamon in the coating slightly; the brightness of citrus pairs surprisingly well with cinnamonâs warmth. To make them gluten-free, use a well-formulated 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1 tablespoon of xanthan gum if the blend lacks binding agents. Replace some sugar with coconut sugar for a caramel-tinged profile, though expect a slightly darker color and different moisture balance. For vegan variations, use coconut oil or vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) â note that textures will vary slightly, with a firmer crumb in some substitutes. These adaptive ideas let you customize sweetness, spice, and texture for different occasions: more cinnamon for cozy nights, chocolate for parties, or citrus for brunch. Keep track of tweaks and bake small test batches so you can refine proportions until you hit your perfect chewy churro cookie formula.
Storage, Freezing, and Frequently Asked Questions
Storing churro cookies properly ensures they remain chewy and delicious over several days. For short-term storage, place fully cooled cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep at room temperature for up to 4 days. If youâd like to extend keeping time, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container; theyâll keep up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 300°F oven for 5â7 minutes to refresh texture. You can also freeze raw dough balls. Scoop and roll dough balls, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1â2 minutes to the bake time. This method is great for spontaneous cravings or gift-making since you can bake a fresh batch as needed. Label frozen items with date and bake instructions for the best future results. FAQ: Q: Why did my cookies spread too much? A: Likely reasons include too-warm dough, an oven that runs hot, or too much granulated sugar. Chill the dough for 30â60 minutes and check oven temperature. Using more flour or slightly smaller butter quantity can also reduce spread. Q: How do I keep cookies chewy instead of cakey? A: Use a mix of brown and granulated sugar, include an extra yolk, avoid overmixing after adding flour, and pull cookies from the oven when centers still look slightly underbaked. Cooling on the sheet briefly helps the center set while maintaining chew. Q: Can I brown the butter for more flavor? A: Yes. Browned butter adds toasty, nutty notes. Cool it slightly before creaming with sugars to preserve the right dough consistency. Expect a deeper flavor and slightly darker cookie color. Q: Are these safe to make ahead for parties? A: Absolutely. You can freeze dough or bake ahead and store in airtight containers. Refresh briefly in a low oven before serving for best warmth and texture. With these storage tips and answers to common questions, youâll be equipped to bake, store, and enjoy chewy churro cookies whenever the craving hits. Theyâre versatile, freeze-friendly, and simple to adapt, making them a dependable go-to treat for gifting, holidays, and everyday comfort.
Chewy Churro Cookies That Taste Like a Warm Hug
Easy chewy churro cookies loaded with cinnamon sugar and a soft, hug-like center. Step-by-step recipe, tips, and variations for perfect results every bake.
total time
22
servings
24
calories
150 kcal
ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened đ§
- 1 cup granulated sugar đ
- 1 large egg đ„
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract đš
- 2 Âœ cups all-purpose flour đŸ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder đ„
- Âœ teaspoon salt đ§
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon đ
- ÂŒ cup granulated sugar for rolling đŹ
instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining Πcup granulated sugar and the ground cinnamon for rolling.
- Scoop dough by tablespoonfuls and roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.
- Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Lightly flatten each ball with the palm of your hand to about œ inch thickness.
- Bake cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your chewy churro cookies warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat that tastes like a warm hug.
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