Churro Surprise Cookies

The smell of cinnamon sugar hit me the moment these cookies came out of the oven. It reminded me of fresh churros at the fair. I couldn’t wait to take a bite.

When I did, there was a sweet little surprise inside. Soft, gooey, and so good that I had to grab another. It felt like the best mix of cookie and churro in one bite.

If you love warm, cozy treats with a fun twist, these cookies are perfect. Let’s bake them together and you’ll see how easy they are to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Churro Flavored Delight: If you’re a fan of churros, you’ll love how these cookies capture the warm, cinnamon-sugar goodness in every bite.
• Surprise Inside: Each cookie is packed with chocolate chips or chunks, providing a sweet and gooey surprise with every bite.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll be able to bake these delicious cookies in no time.
• Customizable: Want to mix things up? Feel free to swap the chocolate for other fun fillings like caramel bits, toffee, or even mini marshmallows.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are perfect for a bake sale, party, or just a cozy treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large Mixing Bowl: To combine the wet and dry ingredients.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: Helps cream the butter and sugar together for a smooth dough.
• Baking Sheet: For placing the cookie dough before baking.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and ensures even baking.
• Wire Rack: To cool the cookies and prevent them from getting soggy.
• Small Bowl: For preparing the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these scrumptious cookies (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

For the Cookie Dough:

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup): Softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and contributes to the crispy edges.
• Brown Sugar (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor.
• Eggs (2 large): Provide structure and moisture to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups): The base of the cookie dough that holds everything together.
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and become nice and soft.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The signature spice that gives the cookies that delightful churro flavor.

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• Sugar (1/4 cup): For coating the cookies and giving them that signature churro crunch.
• Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds an extra hit of cinnamon to the coating.

For the Surprise Inside:

• Chocolate Chips or Chunks (1 cup): These are for stuffing the cookies, giving them a gooey chocolatey center.

Variations for Churro Surprise Cookies

• Caramel Chunks: Instead of chocolate, you can use caramel bits or chopped up caramel candies for a sweet and chewy surprise.
• Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the dough for extra crunch.
• Different Spices: Experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or even a dash of cocoa powder for a unique spin.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour blends to make these cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• Vegan Option: Swap the butter and eggs for dairy-free butter and flax eggs to make these cookies vegan-friendly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream the Wet Ingredients

Start by creaming together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl using a hand or stand mixer. Mix on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will help give the cookies their soft and chewy texture. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.

2. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Make sure all the dry ingredients are well combined before adding them to the wet mixture.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Mixture

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed to avoid a flour explosion! Once combined, you’ll have a thick dough that’s perfect for stuffing with chocolate.

4. Stuff with Chocolate Chips

Take a small portion of the dough (about 1 tablespoon), flatten it slightly in your hand, and place about a teaspoon of chocolate chips or chunks in the center. Seal the dough around the chocolate and roll it into a ball. Repeat the process for the rest of the dough.

5. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating. Roll each cookie dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it is evenly coated.

6. Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. Place the cinnamon-sugar-coated dough balls onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to cook slightly as they cool.

7. Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they hold their shape and don’t crumble.

How to Serve Churro Surprise Cookies

These Churro Surprise Cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special events. Here are some ideas for serving them:

• As a Dessert: Serve these cookies as a sweet end to a meal. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• In a Gift Box: Pack them in a cute box with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• With a Hot Beverage: Enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or even a latte to complement the churro flavor.
• In a Cookie Platter: These cookies would make a great addition to a cookie platter for parties or gatherings. Their unique flavor will surely stand out!

Storing Churro Surprise Cookies

• Unbaked Cookie Dough: You can store the cookie dough in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just make sure it’s covered well to prevent it from drying out. If you want to freeze the dough, roll the balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the bake time.
• Baked Cookies: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they’ll stay delicious for a few days!

Nutrition with Table Format

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per cookie:

Nutrient	Per Cookie
Calories	180 kcal
Protein	1g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	15g
Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	20mg
Sodium	95mg

(Note: Nutritional values are estimated and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Conclusion

These Churro Surprise Cookies are a unique and delightful treat that combines the beloved flavors of churros with the chewy, comforting texture of cookies. With their gooey chocolate center and cinnamon-sugar coating, they are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a cozy night in, or a bake sale, these cookies will always impress. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can swap the chocolate chips for caramel bits, toffee chunks, or even just leave them plain for a classic churro experience.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

While this recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.