Name: Churro Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 21 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups almond flour; ¼ cup brown sugar (plus 1 tbsp and 2 tbsp more divided); ½ tsp baking powder; 1 tsp cinnamon (plus ½ tsp and ⅓ tsp more divided); ¼ tsp salt; ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce; 1 cup frosting (Simple Mills brand recommended); 1 tbsp brown sugar; ½ tsp cinnamon; 1 tbsp brown sugar (for crumble); ⅓ tsp cinnamon (for crumble)

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 3 reviews

If you’ve ever wished you could combine the warm, comforting flavors of a classic churro with the delightful convenience of a cookie, then this Churro Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These cookies capture that perfect cinnamon-sugar sweetness paired with a soft, tender almond flour base and a luscious cinnamon frosting that truly feels like a big hug in dessert form. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or impressing friends with a unique treat, these churro-inspired cookies deliver a magical flavor and texture combo that’s both nostalgic and fresh.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with this Churro Cookies Recipe is a breeze thanks to the simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the almond flour that gives the cookies a moist, tender crumb to the cinnamon and brown sugar that bring that iconic churro flavor alive.

2 cups almond flour: This gluten-free flour provides a moist, soft texture making these cookies extra tender.
¼ cup brown sugar: Adds just the right amount of natural sweetness and a slight molasses undertone.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Gives a subtle lift to create a perfectly fluffy cookie.
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce: Acts as a natural binder and adds moisture without overwhelming the flavors.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: The key spice that infuses the cookie dough with warm, cozy notes.
1 tablespoon brown sugar (for crumble): Used later as a topping to add extra sweetness and crunch.
⅓ teaspoon cinnamon (for crumble): Blends with brown sugar to bring the classic churro crumble flavor.
1 cup frosting (such as Simple Mills): Smooth and creamy, it’s the base for our cinnamon-sugar icing, elevating the cookie to churro status.
2 tablespoons brown sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to balance perfectly with the spices.
½ teaspoon cinnamon (for frosting): Adds a punch of warmth and color to the frosting, completing the churro taste.

How to Make Churro Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

First, preheat your oven to 350ºF. In a bowl, combine the almond flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and unsweetened applesauce. Mixing the applesauce with the dry ingredients can take a little patience—it initially resists—but keep at it until the dough comes together nicely with that soft, pliable consistency you’re looking for. This step is where the magic begins, transforming simple ingredients into a churro-inspired base.

Step 2: Form the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop, portion out one-inch balls of dough. Then, gently press the center of each ball with a ¼ teaspoon to create a small indentation. This little technique isn’t just for looks—it’s key to helping your cookies hold the delicious frosting later on, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for about 11 minutes until they’re set but still soft. Once they come out of the oven, allow them to cool completely to ensure the frosting won’t melt when applied. While waiting, mix together frosting ingredients: the frosting base, cinnamon, and brown sugar. This special cinnamon sugar frosting is what takes these cookies from ordinary to churro perfection, giving it that iconic, slightly caramelized flavor and lovely color.

Step 4: Frost and Crumble

Fill a piping bag with your cinnamon sugar frosting and pipe a small dollop onto the center of each cooled cookie. Then, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon and brown sugar crumble mixture on top, creating an irresistibly textured topping that mirrors the crunchy cinnamon sugar coating of traditional churros. Refrigerate your churro cookies in a covered container until it’s time to enjoy this dreamy treat!

How to Serve Churro Cookies Recipe

The image shows a white baking tray lined with parchment paper holding ten small round cookie dough balls. Each dough ball is golden brown with a rough, crumbly texture, and they are flattened slightly with an indentation pressed in the center. The dough looks soft and sandy, arranged evenly with a slight spacing between each piece. The white marbled surface beneath the tray is visible on the right side of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To highlight the churro-inspired vibe even more, consider dusting the finished cookies with a light sprinkle of additional cinnamon sugar right before serving. A small drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel can also add a fun twist that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve these churro cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee, a creamy chai latte, or even a sweet vanilla milkshake for a truly cozy and indulgent snack time. Their soft texture and cinnamon kick make them perfect companions to drinks that balance sweetness and spice.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, arrange the churro cookies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra frosting or dulce de leche for dipping. Alternatively, stack them in a mason jar tied with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade gift that will delight any cookie lover.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover churro cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Keeping them chilled preserves the luscious texture of the frosting and maintains the freshness of the cinnamon sugar topping.

Freezing

These cookies freeze very well, which makes them perfect for prepping ahead. Freeze baked and cooled churro cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months without losing their delightful flavor or texture.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen churro cookies, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven at 300ºF for about 5 minutes. This revives their soft texture while gently melting the frosting, bringing back that just-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?

Absolutely! While almond flour adds a moist, tender crumb and a subtle nutty flavor unique to this recipe, you can substitute with all-purpose flour if needed. Just note that the texture will be slightly different—less tender and more cake-like.

Is this Churro Cookies Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Thanks to the use of almond flour, these churro cookies are naturally gluten-free, making them a fantastic option for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor.

What type of frosting works best for these cookies?

The recipe suggests using a simple frosting like Simple Mills, but any creamy frosting that can hold the cinnamon and brown sugar mix works well. Cream cheese or buttercream frosting are delicious alternatives you might want to experiment with.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Definitely. The recipe is already close to vegan with applesauce replacing eggs, but make sure to use a plant-based frosting to keep everything vegan-friendly.

How do I get the frosting to stay in the indentation?

Pressing the center of each cookie with a small spoon before baking creates a perfect little well for the frosting. Make sure to cool the cookies completely before frosting to prevent the topping from sliding off.

Final Thoughts

Trying this Churro Cookies Recipe will bring a new level of joy to your baking adventures. It’s not just about making a delicious cookie—it’s about capturing the spirit of a classic churro in a fun, approachable treat that everyone will love. So roll up your sleeves, get your cinnamon and brown sugar ready, and dive into a batch of these blissfully soft, warmly spiced cookies that are as comforting as they are irresistible. Happy baking!