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 (see notes); ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 cup simple mills frosting; 2 tbsp brown sugar; ½ tsp cinnamon; 1 tbsp brown sugar; ⅓ tsp cinnamon

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If you adore the cozy, cinnamon-sugar magic of churros but want a fun twist that’s easy to bake and share, this Churro Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. These soft, almond-flour cookies are bursting with warm spices and a luscious cinnamon-infused frosting, crowned with a crumbly cinnamon sugar topping that perfectly mimics churros’ iconic crunch and flavor. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or a comforting snack, these cookies perfectly balance a tender texture with that irresistible churro taste we all love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six cooking ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. On the top left, there is a large clear glass bowl filled with a light yellow, grainy almond flour. To its right, there is a small round container with a red foil lid labeled unsweetened applesauce. Below the applesauce, a metal measuring spoon filled with light brown brown sugar sits on the surface. Below the almond flour bowl, there is a small clear glass bowl containing orange-brown cinnamon powder. To the right of the cinnamon bowl is another small clear glass bowl with white baking powder. Text labels identify each ingredient in simple black font. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, wholesome ingredients make this Churro Cookies Recipe shine. Each element plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture—almond flour keeps the cookies tender, applesauce adds moisture and natural sweetness, and a trio of cinnamon blends delivers that signature churro warmth.

2 cups almond flour: Provides a soft base with a mild nutty flavor, perfect for gluten-free baking.
¼ cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness and deep molasses notes; essential for that rich flavor.
½ tsp baking powder: Gives the cookies a slight lift and light texture.
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce: Keeps cookies moist without added fat, also helps bind the dough.
1 tsp cinnamon: Infuses the dough with classic spicy warmth.
1 tbsp brown sugar and ⅓ tsp cinnamon (for crumble): Creates the crunchy topping reminiscent of churro coating.
1 cup frosting (I use Simple Mills): The creamy base that’s enhanced with cinnamon and sugar for authentic churro flavor.
2 tbsp brown sugar and ½ tsp cinnamon (for frosting mix): Blend these into the frosting to mimic the sweet, spiced glaze of churros.

How to Make Churro Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and applesauce. It may take a bit of gentle mixing and some patience for the applesauce to fully incorporate, but keep working it until you get a smooth, cohesive dough. This step is crucial to ensure your cookies have the perfect tender crumb without being dry or crumbly.

Step 2: Shape Your Cookies

Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough into roughly one-inch balls. Press gently into the center of each ball with a ¼ teaspoon to create a small indentation—this little trick is super important because it gives your cookies a perfect spot to hold the frosting and keeps everything neatly in place once baked.

Step 3: Bake and Prepare Toppings

Bake the cookies for about 11 minutes until just set. While they cool completely—which is important for frosting to stick—mix your frosting ingredients: cinnamon, brown sugar, and frosting. This cinnamon-sugar frosting isn’t just any icing; it brings all the churro flavor you love in a creamy, luscious form. Also, combine the remaining cinnamon and brown sugar for the crumbly topping that adds a delightful textural contrast.

Step 4: Frost and Finish

Once the cookies have cooled, pipe a small dollop of the cinnamon sugar frosting right into the center indentation of each cookie. Then, generously sprinkle your cinnamon sugar crumble on top. Pop your beautifully finished cookies into the refrigerator inside a covered container until you’re ready to enjoy them. This chilling step helps meld the flavors, making each bite insanely satisfying.

How to Serve Churro Cookies Recipe

The image shows six small round cakes with a crumbly light brown base topped with a swirl of beige cream that has a smooth and fluffy texture. Each cake is sprinkled with fine brown crumbs on the cream, adding a slightly rough texture. The cakes are arranged on a white marble surface, with four placed directly on the surface and two on a metal cooling rack. To the right, there is a clear glass bowl with more of the brown crumbs inside. Small crumbs are scattered around the cakes and bowl on the marble. The overall look is warm and cozy with soft natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and flavor, consider sprinkling a pinch of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted chocolate on top of these churro cookies. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on the frosting can also create a beautiful sweet-salty balance that takes these from wonderful to unforgettable.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with warm beverages like coffee, hot chocolate, or chai tea. If you’re looking for something fresh alongside the sweetness, a bowl of fresh berries or a lightly sweetened fruit compote complements the cinnamon and sugar perfectly without overpowering the cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these Churro Cookies Recipe treats on a rustic wooden board with a small ramekin of extra cinnamon sugar for dipping. Alternatively, stack them in a pretty jar or wrap in parchment tied with twine to give as a charming homemade gift. They also make beautiful edible favors for parties or cozy afternoons with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your cooled and frosted churro cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for about 4-5 days. Keeping them chilled helps preserve the frosting’s texture and flavor while maintaining the cookie’s moist tenderness.

Freezing

If you want to keep these churro treats longer, freeze unfrosted cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready, bake from frozen adding a minute or two to the baking time. For frosted cookies, freeze fully baked and iced cookies in a single layer on a tray, then store in a container separated by parchment paper for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Enjoy chilled or slightly warmed! If you prefer warm cookies, microwave a single cookie for about 10 seconds or reheat in a 300ºF oven for 3-5 minutes. This softens them slightly and brings back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling. Just be gentle so the frosting doesn’t melt away completely.

FAQs

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Since the recipe uses almond flour instead of wheat flour, these churro cookies are naturally gluten-free and a fantastic option for those avoiding gluten.

Can I substitute the applesauce?

You can try swapping applesauce for mashed banana or Greek yogurt, but keep in mind these will change the flavor and texture slightly. Applesauce offers that neutral moisture without overpowering the cinnamon-spiced profile.

What frosting works best for these churro cookies?

A simple, creamy frosting like the Simple Mills frosting works wonderfully here. The key is to mix it with cinnamon and brown sugar to echo that classic churro glaze flavor and add warmth.

How do I get the crumble topping just right?

Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon until combined and slightly coarse. It should feel crumbly and easy to sprinkle. This topping is dry, not wet, so it sits perfectly on the frosting without melting into it.

Can these cookies be made larger or smaller?

Absolutely! Just adjust baking time accordingly—smaller cookies may need a few minutes less, and larger ones a few more. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking for the best chewy texture.

Final Thoughts

You’re going to love how effortlessly this Churro Cookies Recipe brings all the cinnamon-sugary goodness of churros right into cookie form. Easy to make, fun to share, and absolutely delightful to eat—these cookies are perfect for any occasion or just a special treat to brighten your day. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll quickly become a staple in your baking routine!