Easy Homemade Churro Cookies with Pie Crust: A Quick & Delicious Recipe

Prepare for a delightful treat that captures the irresistible essence of classic churros in a convenient cookie form! These churro cookies are incredibly quick and easy to make, requiring just four simple ingredients: store-bought pie crust, sugar, cinnamon, and butter. In under 30 minutes, you can have a batch of crunchy, crispy cookies, perfect on their own or elevated with a luscious caramel filling. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a speedy, satisfying dessert that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

*Thank you Pillsbury for sponsoring today’s post, allowing me to share this beloved recipe and my family’s tradition with all of you. As always, all opinions and the joy of baking are entirely my own.*

My childhood kitchen memories are often filled with the comforting scent of baking. My Mom and I had a special fondness for these “lazy” cookies. We adored them because they were effortlessly simple to create, yet impressive enough to be cherished as homemade gifts during the bustling Holiday season. Now, years later, I recreate these precious moments with my own son. Watching him dive into the big box of cookie cutters, choosing whimsical shapes and letting his creativity soar, truly means the world to me. These shared experiences in the kitchen are more than just baking; they’re about creating lasting bonds and sweet traditions. If you’re eager to discover more fun baking projects to share with your little ones, explore other fantastic pie crust recipes like our Flaky Butter Pie Crust, Graham Cracker Crust, and Oreo Pie Crust.

As I rolled out the pie crusts for these cookies, my mind wandered to the excitement of the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest. For all you passionate bakers out there, this contest is a magnificent platform to showcase YOUR cherished family memories, heartfelt stories, and unique recipes that hold a special place in your heart! Imagine the thrill of your family’s recipe being crowned a winner, alongside incredible prizes. It’s an invitation to dust off those old family recipe books, get wonderfully creative, and start baking. What an amazing opportunity to celebrate culinary heritage and innovation!

Key Ingredients for Stuffed Cinnamon Churro Cookies

Crafting these delectable churro cookies requires only a handful of readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect churro-inspired flavor and texture:

• Pie Crust: For ultimate convenience and consistent results, I highly recommend using a good quality store-bought pie crust, such as the Pillsbury brand mentioned earlier. These pre-made crusts are already rolled out and ready to use, saving you significant time and effort in the kitchen. They provide a perfectly flaky and buttery base for our cookies.
• Soft Caramel Candy: If you’re opting for the delightful stuffed version, soft caramel candies are essential. Ensure you choose pliable, chewy caramels rather than hard ones, as they will melt into a wonderfully gooey, irresistible center during baking. Cutting them in half helps prevent overfilling.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for this recipe. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of your cookies, ensuring they are sweet and cinnamon-spiced without any unwanted savory notes. Remember to melt it before brushing.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is the star for creating that iconic crispy, sweet coating. Do not substitute with powdered or brown sugar, as these will alter the texture and flavor profile significantly. Granulated sugar provides the necessary crunch reminiscent of authentic churros.
• Cinnamon Powder: This spice is non-negotiable! Cinnamon powder is the heart and soul of the churro flavor. A generous amount mixed with sugar creates the characteristic warm, aromatic coating that defines these cookies.

Churro Cookie Variations to Explore

While the classic caramel-stuffed churro cookie is undeniably delicious, this recipe serves as a fantastic canvas for creativity. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these exciting variations to customize your churro cookie experience:

• Churro Cookie Bars: Instead of cutting individual circles, simply cut the rolled-out pie crust into strips or squares. Bake these until golden, then generously brush with melted butter and coat entirely in cinnamon sugar. These make for easy-to-share treats!
• Churro Apple Pie Cookies: Infuse a touch of autumnal delight by replacing the caramel candy with a small amount of store-bought or Homemade Apple Pie Filling. Be mindful to use a very modest amount of filling to prevent it from oozing out of the cookies during baking. The cinnamon from the churro coating perfectly complements the apple.
• Add Chocolate: For chocolate lovers, swap out the caramel for a small piece of your favorite chocolate, such as a chocolate chip or a small square of a chocolate bar. As with the apple filling, a small piece is key to maintain the cookie’s integrity and prevent messy leaks.
• Caramel Cream Cheese Delight: For an extra layer of richness, spread a thin layer of cream cheese on one pie crust circle before placing a small piece of soft caramel on top. Cover with another pie crust piece and seal the edges firmly with a fork. Bake, then finish with butter and cinnamon sugar. This variation is truly decadent!
• Omit Filling for Classic Churro Bites: If you prefer a simpler, traditional churro experience without a filling, simply cut out your pie crust pieces, place them on a baking tray, and bake until wonderfully crispy and golden brown. Once cooled, brush them with melted butter and coat thoroughly in cinnamon sugar. These are fantastic for dipping!
• Homemade Pie Crust: While store-bought Pillsbury pie crusts are incredibly convenient and delicious, feel free to use your favorite homemade pie crust if you have the time and desire. A Flaky Pie Crust works beautifully as a substitute.

How to Make Easy Churro Cookies with Pie Crust

Making these churro cookies is surprisingly straightforward, even for novice bakers. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:

1. Prepare Pie Crusts: Begin by unrolling your store-bought pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface or parchment paper. Use a small, round cookie cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out an even number of circular pie crust pieces. Don’t worry about scraps; you can gently re-roll them to cut out more circles until all the dough is used.
2. Add Caramel Filling: Take one circular piece of pie crust and place a small piece of soft caramel candy directly in the center. Remember, less is more to prevent leakage!
3. Moisten Edges: Lightly brush a small amount of water around the edges of the pie crust circle with the caramel. This acts as a natural glue, helping the two pieces of dough seal together effectively.
4. Cover and Seal: Carefully place another round pie crust piece directly on top of the caramel-filled piece. Gently align the edges.
5. Press to Seal: Use the tines of a fork to firmly press and crimp the edges of the two pie crust pieces together all around the perimeter. This creates a decorative seal and, more importantly, locks the caramel filling inside.
6. Bake Until Golden: Transfer the sealed cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden brown and the crust is visibly crispy.
7. Cool Slightly & Brush with Butter: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. While still warm, generously brush the top and bottom of each cookie with melted butter. The butter helps the cinnamon sugar adhere perfectly and adds to the rich flavor.
8. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon powder. Roll each buttered cookie completely in this cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring every surface is coated. Serve warm and enjoy these irresistible treats!

Irresistible Dipping Sauces

While these churro cookies are fantastic on their own, pairing them with a delicious dipping sauce elevates the experience to another level. Here are some fantastic options to try:

• Easy Chocolate Fondue
• Hot Fudge Sauce (Chocolate Fudge Sauce)
• Homemade Caramel Sauce
• Nutella Syrup
• Homemade Whipped Cream
• Chocolate Whipped Cream
• Chantilly Cream
• Chocolate Ganache
• Chocolate Fruit Dip
• Chocolate Gravy
• Cream Cheese Fruit Dip

Creative Filling Ideas for Stuffed Cookies

Beyond caramel, there’s a world of delicious possibilities for stuffing your churro cookies. Get creative with these fillings:

• Caramel
• Small candy bars (e.g., mini Snickers, Milky Way)
• Chocolate truffles
• Chocolate chips (mini or regular)
• Peanut butter (a small dollop)
• Nutella
• Biscoff spread
• Reese’s peanut butter cups (cut into small pieces)

Essential Tips and Techniques for Perfect Churro Cookies

Achieving the best churro cookies is easy with a few key techniques. Keep these tips in mind for consistently delicious results:

Use unsalted butter: This is crucial because salted butter will introduce an undesirable salty flavor, overwhelming the sweet cinnamon profile. Unsalted butter allows the authentic churro taste to shine through.

Opt for granulated sugar: Granulated sugar provides the distinct crunchy texture that makes these cookies so satisfyingly churro-like. Powdered sugar would create a softer, almost powdery coating, while brown sugar would make them chewy and alter the flavor. Stick to granulated for that perfect crunch.

Don’t over-fill the cookies: Resist the urge to add too much filling! Overfilling is the most common reason for leaks. A small, central piece of caramel (or your chosen filling) is all you need for a delicious surprise without the mess.

Always line your baking sheet: Parchment paper is your best friend here. It prevents the cookies from sticking to the pan, ensuring they lift off easily and maintain their perfect shape without breaking. It also makes cleanup a breeze!

Allow cookies to cool slightly before buttering: While it might seem counterintuitive, letting the cookies cool to room temperature before brushing them with melted butter ensures that the butter adheres properly and the cinnamon sugar coating sticks without clumping or dissolving. If they’re too hot, the butter might run off.

Don’t skip brushing water on the edges: This seemingly minor step is incredibly important for creating a strong seal. The water acts as a binder, helping the two pie crust pieces fuse together securely. This watertight seal prevents your delicious filling from leaking out during baking, preserving that gooey center.

Recipe FAQ

Got questions about making churro cookies? We’ve got answers!

Storage of Homemade Churro Cookies

Proper storage ensures your churro cookies remain as delicious as possible. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Room temperature: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, warm from the oven. However, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. While they will still be tasty, they might lose a little of their initial crispiness over time.

Fridge: You can place these cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Again, they are at their peak freshness and texture when served immediately. Refrigeration might slightly alter the texture, making them a bit chewier.

Freezer: Unfortunately, these particular churro cookies do not freeze well. The delicate pie crust and the cinnamon-sugar coating can become soggy and lose their desirable crispy texture once thawed. It’s best to enjoy them within a few days of baking.

More Delicious Cinnamon Desserts

If you love the warm, comforting spice of cinnamon as much as we do, you’ll adore these other cinnamon-infused dessert recipes:

• Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
• Cinnamon Roll Cake (With Cake Mix)
• Cinnamon French Toast
• Cinnamon Roll Icing (Without Cream Cheese)
• 1 Hour Cinnamon Rolls
• Cinnamon Cookies
• Cinnamon Pancakes
• Cinnamon Muffins

Recipe

These easy churro cookies are more than just a quick dessert; they’re a delightful shortcut to a beloved flavor, perfect for creating cherished memories or satisfying a sweet craving in a flash. Whether you stick to the classic caramel-stuffed version or explore the many delicious variations, you’re in for a treat that’s crunchy, sweet, and utterly irresistible. So, grab that pie crust and get ready to whip up a batch of these cinnamon-sugar wonders today. Happy baking!