Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies: A Delightful Twist on a Classic Treat
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Toppings:
– Melted chocolate for drizzling
– Whipped cream or dulce de leche for dipping
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
1. **Cream the Butter and Sugars**: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
2. **Add Wet Ingredients**: Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to ensure soft cookies.
Step 2: Forming the Cookies
4. **Chill the Dough**: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and make it easier to handle.
5. **Preheat the Oven**: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. **Form Cookie Balls**: Scoop out 1.5 tablespoons of dough at a time, rolling them into balls between your palms.
Step 3: Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
7. **Prepare the Coating**: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating.
8. **Coat the Cookies**: Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 4: Baking
9. **Bake the Cookies**: Arrange the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden. The centers should still be soft.
10. **Cool**: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Optional Finishing Touches
11. **Drizzle with Chocolate**: For an extra decadent treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. You can also serve them with a side of whipped cream or dulce de leche for dipping.
History of Churro-Inspired Desserts
Churros date back to Spanish and Portuguese cuisines, where they became a popular breakfast treat, often paired with hot chocolate. Their appeal quickly spread to Latin America, where churros became a beloved street food. The cinnamon-sugar combination, iconic to churros, pairs perfectly with many dessert bases, inspiring everything from churro donuts to churro-flavored cookies like this one. This cookie recipe is a modern twist on the classic fried dough, providing all the familiar flavors with a more approachable, oven-baked method.
Benefits of Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies
1. **Ease of Preparation**: Compared to traditional churros, these cookies don’t require deep frying, making them less time-consuming and healthier.
2. **Versatility**: These cookies can be served in many ways—plain, drizzled with chocolate, or paired with whipped cream—making them suitable for a range of occasions, from casual family gatherings to festive parties.
3. **Cinnamon’s Health Benefits**: Cinnamon has been linked to several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant effects, and the potential to help regulate blood sugar.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximately):
– **Calories**: 150 kcal
– **Carbohydrates**: 20g
– **Fat**: 7g
– **Protein**: 2g
– **Sugar**: 12g
– **Fiber**: 0.5g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the size of the cookies and the amount of coating used.)
Who Will Love These Cookies?
These cookies are perfect for:
– **Churro Lovers**: Fans of the classic fried churro will adore these cookies, which capture the same flavors in a softer, chewier format.
– **Cinnamon Enthusiasts**: With cinnamon in both the dough and the coating, these cookies are ideal for anyone who loves the warm, comforting spice.
– **Bakers Looking for Easy Recipes**: Since the recipe doesn’t require frying or complicated steps, it’s perfect for home bakers who want a delicious yet simple dessert.
– **Kids and Families**: The cookies are fun to make with children, who can help roll the dough in the cinnamon-sugar mixture and enjoy the fruits of their labor afterward.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cookies are a delightful fusion of classic churro flavors and the ease of baking. The combination of cinnamon and sugar with the buttery, soft cookie makes for a crowd-pleasing treat that can be enjoyed on any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family get-together, a holiday party, or just craving something sweet and comforting, these cookies will not disappoint. So why wait? Grab your ingredients and start baking!
These cookies will capture the hearts of all churro lovers and cookie fans alike—enjoy the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of sugar, and the joy of a homemade treat!