Galactic Churro Cookies

The warm cinnamon smell hits me first, and it feels like a little trip to space in my kitchen. These cookies are soft, sweet, and sparkle just a bit, like tiny stars. I made them last night, and everyone grabbed them fast.

I love the mix of churro flavor with that fun, galaxy look. It feels magical but still so easy to make. My family kept saying, “Wow, these taste amazing.”

So, if you want cookies that feel warm, sweet, and a little out of this world, these are perfect. They’re simple. And I’ll show you how to make them right now.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Show-Stopping Appearance: The galactic shimmer adds a unique and playful touch.
• Irresistible Texture: A chewy center with a crisp, cinnamon-sugar-coated edge.
• Quick and Simple: Ready in under 45 minutes, including baking time.
• Customizable: Add edible glitter or colorful sugar to match any theme.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for dessert tables, gifts, or a fun baking project with kids.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing Bowls: Large and medium bowls for combining ingredients.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar to perfection.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the perfect cookie.
• Baking Sheets: Line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookie sizes.
• Wire Rack: Essential for cooling the cookies evenly.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (softened) – Provides the rich, creamy base.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup – Sweetens and helps create the crispy edges.
• Packed Light Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup – Adds moisture and a touch of caramel flavor.
• Eggs: 2 large – Bind the dough and contribute to the chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons – Enhances the churro-inspired flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 cups – Forms the structure of the cookies.
• Cream of Tartar: 1 teaspoon – Essential for that classic churro tang.
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon – Leavens the dough.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon – Balances sweetness.

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup – Creates a crispy coating.
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon – Infuses the churro spice.
• Edible Glitter or Shimmer Sugar: 2 teaspoons (optional) – Adds a galactic sparkle.

Variations for Galactic Churro Cookies

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.
• Add Chocolate: Dip half the cookie in melted dark or white chocolate for extra decadence.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a subtle kick.
• Dye the Dough: Add gel food coloring to the dough for a colorful surprise inside.
• Shimmer Explosion: Use a mix of edible glitter and colored sugar for the ultimate galactic vibe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

3. Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling ensures the cookies don’t spread too much while baking.

4. Create the Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and edible glitter (if using). Stir until evenly mixed.

5. Shape the Cookies

1. Scoop the chilled dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon. Roll each portion into a smooth ball.
2. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.

6. Bake the Cookies

1. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked but will set as they cool.
3. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Galactic Churro Cookies

• On a Dessert Table: Arrange on a platter with other galaxy-themed treats.
• With Hot Drinks: Pair with hot chocolate, coffee, or chai tea.
• As a Gift: Package in a decorative box or bag with a celestial-themed tag.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Place a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies.

Decoration Tips

• Sprinkle additional edible glitter over the cookies while they’re warm for extra sparkle.
• Use galaxy-themed cupcake liners to display individual cookies.

Storing Galactic Churro Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the dough and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month. Thaw before baking.

Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)

Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
145	7g	19g	2g

Galactic Churro Cookies FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used if necessary.

Why chill the dough?

Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much and enhances the flavor.

Can I skip the edible glitter?

Absolutely! The cookies will still taste amazing with just the cinnamon-sugar coating.

Can I make smaller or larger cookies?

Yes! Adjust the baking time slightly. Smaller cookies may bake in 8-10 minutes, while larger cookies may take 12-14 minutes.

Conclusion

Galactic Churro Cookies are a whimsical treat that merges the nostalgic warmth of churros with a cosmic twist. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting, or simply indulging, these cookies promise to delight. Try them out, and let your taste buds embark on a stellar adventure!