CRUMBL churro cookie copycat recipe

If you’re obsessed with decadent, bakery-style cookies, you’re going to be head over heels for this CRUMBL churro cookie copycat recipe. Imagine the ooey-gooey joy of a warm cinnamon sugar churro, but in the form of an oversized, pillowy-soft cookie topped with creamy churro buttercream. Every bite is loaded with warmth, cinnamon, and a buttery richness that’ll take you straight back to your favorite bakery. Whether you’re making these for a weekend treat, a party platter, or just to satisfy your own sweet tooth, this recipe is here to make you a baking legend in your own kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this CRUMBL churro cookie copycat recipe has an important role, from the rich butter and caramel-like brown sugar to that magical combo of cinnamon and sugar. These aren’t your everyday cookies—each element helps build texture, depth, or that irresistible churro charm!

• Butter (2 sticks, plus 1 for frosting): This brings unbeatable richness and keeps the cookies super soft and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Brown Sugar (1 cup for cookies, 1/4 cup for frosting, 1 tbsp for garnish): Deep caramel flavor and chewiness—it’s key for those cookie shop vibes!
• Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup, plus more for cinnamon sugar): Adds sweetness and helps form that quintessential churro crust when rolled with cinnamon.
• Cinnamon (1/2 tsp for cinnamon sugar, 1 & 1/4 tsp for cookies, 1 tsp for frosting): The heart and soul of any churro-inspired treat, warming up every bite.
• Egg (1 large) & Egg Yolk (1 large): Extra yolk means extra chewy richness—just the way these cookies should be.
• Vanilla Flavoring (2 tsp for cookies, 2 tsp for frosting): Lends a bakery-perfect, sweet depth that enhances the cinnamon.
• Lemon Juice (1/4 tsp): A splash brightens up the cookie and balances all that sweetness!
• All Purpose Flour (2 & 3/4 cup): The sturdy base for these thick, bakery-style cookies.
• Corn Starch (1 tbsp): Makes the cookies extra soft and helps them stay pillowy after baking.
• Baking Powder (1 tsp) & Baking Soda (1/2 tsp): For the perfect rise and that just-right, tender crumb.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances every other flavor—don’t skip it!
• Powdered Sugar (1 & 1/2 cup, for frosting): Keeps the buttercream smooth and luscious.
• Heavy Cream (2-3 tbsp, for frosting): Adds airy lightness to the frosting; use more or less to get your ideal consistency.

How to Make CRUMBL churro cookie copycat recipe

Step 1: Prep the Cinnamon Sugar and Baking Sheet

Set the scene for cookie magic by preheating your oven to 350F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment—trust me, you’ll thank yourself at cleanup. In a bowl, stir together 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. This mix becomes the churro coating that’ll make your cookies irresistibly golden and crackly on the outside.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

Grab your stand mixer or a hand mixer and combine 2 sticks of butter with 1 cup packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and looks absolutely dreamy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This step sets up that signature soft, tender base for your CRUMBL churro cookie copycat recipe.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and a Touch of Lemon

In go one whole egg, one egg yolk, 2 teaspoons of vanilla flavoring, and 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice. Mix just until incorporated—don’t overdo it, or your cookies might get dense. The extra yolk is your secret weapon for melt-in-your-mouth richness, while the lemon adds a bright pop you’ll notice in every bite.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients for Cookie Dough Magic

Whisk together the flour, 1 tablespoon corn starch, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 & 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt, then add to your wet mixture. Stir until just combined—stop the moment no streaks of flour remain. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 5: Shape and Coat the Cookies

With a large cookie scoop (or a 1/4 cup measure), portion out 12 balls of dough. Roll them in your hands to smooth, then give each a generous roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Trust me, getting that full churro coverage is what makes this CRUMBL churro cookie copycat recipe truly special. Save the leftover cinnamon sugar—you’ll use it later!

Step 6: Flatten and Bake

Arrange the coated dough balls on your lined sheet, spacing at least 1.5 to 2 inches apart. Gently press each to about 2 cm thick—just the right shape for that authentic “Crumbl” look. Bake for 10 minutes, until the edges are set and centers look just a tad underdone. That’s the sweet spot for ultimate softness!

Step 7: Cool the Cookies

Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—they’ll finish setting up before you transfer them to a wire rack. This pause makes sure they don’t break apart. Then, move them to cool fully; frosting works best when the cookies are no longer warm.

Step 8: Whip Up the Churro Buttercream Frosting

As the cookies cool, get started on the frosting. Beat together 1 stick softened butter, 1 & 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 teaspoons vanilla, and 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream. Aim for a fluffy, pipeable consistency—add more cream if needed. This buttercream is pure churro delight in a bowl!

Step 9: Frost the Cookies Like a Pro

Fit a piping bag with a Wilton 35 (or your favorite) tip, or just snip a zip-top bag. Pipe a gorgeous swirl over each cooled cookie, letting the cinnamon flecks peek out. The swirl not only looks bakery-fancy, but delivers a perfect ratio of cookie to icing.

Step 10: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Final Touch

Mix the leftover cinnamon sugar with 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Sprinkle a generous pinch over each frosted cookie. This gives your CRUMBL churro cookie copycat recipe the classic churro sparkle and crunch. Now, dive in—these are best shared with those you love!

How to Serve CRUMBL churro cookie copycat recipe

Garnishes

After frosting, a final snow of cinnamon sugar-and-brown sugar mixture truly cements the churro character. If you’re feeling extra, add a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving—it looks beautiful and adds sweetness in classic churro style!

Side Dishes

For a full bakery experience, pair your CRUMBL churro cookie copycat recipe with a cold glass of milk, a mug of hot cocoa, or even a shot of warm espresso for adults. Serving these cookies with a scoop of cinnamon or vanilla ice cream is also a knockout move for maximum indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Lay out the cookies on a rustic wooden board with little bowls of extra cinnamon sugar, or create a cookie tower centerpiece topped with candles for a festive dessert display. Want extra fun? Serve with small dipping bowls of chocolate or dulce de leche sauce for dunking—your guests will be wowed!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The buttercream holds up beautifully and the cookies stay super soft—their cinnamony aroma even seems to get better overnight!

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. Let them cool, wrap tightly, and thaw at room temperature when ready to frost and eat. You can even freeze the buttercream separately, then whip it again before using to restore its fluffy texture.

Reheating

If you love a warm cookie (who doesn’t?), pop an unfrosted cookie in the microwave for 8–10 seconds, then frost and dust just before serving. If already frosted, microwave in super short bursts—just enough to make it slightly warm, but not melted.

FAQs

Can I make this CRUMBL churro cookie copycat recipe without a mixer?

Absolutely! While a hand or stand mixer makes creaming easier, you can use a sturdy spatula and plenty of elbow grease for both the dough and frosting. It just takes a bit longer, but the results are equally delicious.

Can I double this recipe for a big crowd?

Yes, this CRUMBL churro cookie copycat recipe can be easily doubled—simply use larger bowls and consider chilling the dough briefly if it gets too soft while you’re portioning the cookies. Bake in batches if needed, and keep the finished cookies covered until ready to serve.

What if I don’t have heavy cream for the frosting?

You can substitute with whole milk, half-and-half, or even a splash of your favorite non-dairy milk. Use just enough to achieve a pipeable, fluffy frosting texture.

How do I keep the cookies super soft?

The key is not to overbake! Pull them out when the edges are set but the centers still look a bit underdone. Letting them finish setting on the baking sheet keeps that amazing softness you want from a CRUMBL churro cookie copycat recipe.

Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute a good all-purpose 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but you’ll still get those fantastic churro flavors and beautiful cookies everyone can enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a CRUMBL fanatic or just love big, bakery-style cookies, this CRUMBL churro cookie copycat recipe is guaranteed to win you over from the very first bite. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend to bake along, and get ready for rounds of compliments and happy faces—these cookies are pure joy in dessert form!

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