The Best Coconut Churro Cookies (Baked, Not Fried!)

What if you could enjoy all the crispy, cinnamon-sugar goodness of traditional churros without the mess of hot oil or the guilt of deep-fried treats? These amazing coconut churro cookies bring all the beloved flavors of your favorite carnival snack right into your kitchen – and they’re baked to golden perfection! Get ready to discover how these cookies deliver that perfect churro taste with a delightful coconut twist that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

What Makes These Coconut Churro Cookies So Special?

These coconut churro cookies are the perfect marriage of two beloved treats. They capture the warm, cinnamon-sugar coating and tender interior of traditional churros, but with the convenience of cookies and an amazing coconut flavor that takes them to the next level. The best part? No deep frying required!

Time Requirement: Just 30 minutes from start to finish (including 12-15 minutes of baking time)

Difficulty Level: Beginner-friendly! If you can mix ingredients and roll dough, you can make these cookies. No special equipment or advanced techniques needed.

What makes this recipe truly special is how it combines the nostalgic comfort of churros with the tropical sweetness of coconut. The cookies have a slightly crispy exterior that gives way to a soft, tender center, just like the best churros. Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, making them a lighter option that’s perfect for any time of day.

The coconut adds moisture and richness while complementing the warm spices beautifully. These cookies taste like vacation and childhood memories all rolled into one delicious bite!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Coconut Churro Cookies

Let’s break down what makes these coconut churro cookies absolutely irresistible:

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): This creates the perfect cookie base. The flour gives structure while staying tender. You can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.

Shredded Coconut (1 cup, unsweetened): This is your star ingredient! Unsweetened coconut flakes add texture and tropical flavor without making the cookies too sweet. Sweetened coconut works too, but reduce the sugar slightly.

Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Real butter creates the best flavor and texture. Make sure it’s soft but not melted. For dairy-free cookies, use vegan butter or coconut oil.

Sugar (1/2 cup granulated): This sweetens the dough and helps create the right texture. The cookies aren’t overly sweet because the cinnamon-sugar coating adds more sweetness.

Egg (1 large): Acts as a binder and adds richness. For egg-free cookies, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).

Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Pure vanilla enhances all the other flavors. Don’t skip this – it makes a real difference!

Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon in dough, plus more for coating): The signature churro spice! Use fresh cinnamon for the best flavor.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and makes all flavors pop.

Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Creates the perfect cookie texture – not too dense, not too cakey.

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Substitutions and Variations:

• No coconut? Try chopped almonds or leave it out entirely
• Want more coconut? Add 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
• Prefer brown sugar? Use it in place of white sugar for deeper flavor
• Gluten-free? Use your favorite flour blend
• Dairy-free? Coconut oil works perfectly in place of butter

Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Path to Cookie Paradise

Creating these amazing coconut churro cookies is easier than you think. Here’s how to make them perfectly every time:

Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Dough (10 minutes)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper – this prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy!

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer, or 4-5 minutes by hand. The mixture should look pale and airy.

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined and smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and spices.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix – this can make your cookies tough.

Fold in the shredded coconut until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Pro tip: If your dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and shape.

Step 2: Shape and Coat Your Cookies (8 minutes)

Now for the fun part! In a shallow bowl, mix together the coating ingredients: sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. This creates a paste-like mixture that will stick to your cookies perfectly.

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the dough into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 24 cookies.

Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure to coat all sides. The coating should stick nicely to the dough.

Place the coated cookies on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They’ll spread slightly while baking.

Shaping tip: For extra churro-like appearance, you can roll the balls into logs instead of keeping them round. Both shapes taste amazing!

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection (12-15 minutes)

Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look slightly underdone – that’s perfect! They’ll continue cooking on the hot pan after you remove them from the oven.

Don’t overbake these cookies! They should be soft and tender, not crispy all the way through.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Baking tip: If you want extra cinnamon-sugar coating, brush the warm cookies with melted butter and roll them in more cinnamon-sugar mixture while they’re still warm.

Building Your Cookie Base: Tips for Success

The secret to perfect coconut churro cookies lies in getting the details right. Here are some pro tips:

Butter Temperature: Your butter should be soft enough to easily press with your finger, but not melted. Room temperature butter creates the best texture.

Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten and makes cookies tough.

Even Sizing: Use a cookie scoop or measure your dough balls to ensure even baking. Consistent size means they’ll all finish at the same time.

Coconut Prep: If your coconut flakes are very large, give them a rough chop so they distribute better in the dough.

Presentation Tips:

• Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant look
• Drizzle with melted chocolate for extra decadence
• Serve with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate
• Arrange on a pretty plate with fresh berries
• Package in clear bags tied with ribbon for gifts

Texture Notes: These cookies should have a slightly crispy exterior with a soft, tender center. The coconut adds pleasant chewiness throughout.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These coconut churro cookies stay fresh and delicious with proper storage:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to one week. They actually improve in flavor after a day or two!

Freezer Storage: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Layer between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container.

Dough Storage: You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Let frozen dough thaw in the refrigerator before shaping and baking.

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Shape the cookies and freeze them on baking sheets, then transfer to bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.
• Mix the cinnamon-sugar coating in advance and store in an airtight container
• Double the recipe and freeze half the dough for later
• Pre-measure all dry ingredients and store in labeled containers

Freshness Tips: If cookies get soft, you can crisp them up by placing them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. Let them cool completely before storing again.

Creative Recipe Variations

Once you master the basic coconut churro cookies, try these delicious twists:

Chocolate Chip Coconut Churros: Fold in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness and texture.

Orange Coconut Churros: Add the zest of one orange to the dough and use orange extract instead of vanilla for a citrus twist.

Spiced Coconut Churros: Add 1/2 teaspoon each of nutmeg and cardamom to the dough for warm, complex flavors.

Almond Coconut Churros: Replace half the coconut with chopped almonds and add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract.

Chocolate Dipped: Dip cooled cookies halfway in melted dark chocolate and let set on parchment paper.

Caramel Filled: Make an indent in each cookie before baking and fill with caramel sauce after they cool slightly.

Tropical Mix: Add dried pineapple pieces and macadamia nuts along with the coconut.

Coffee Shop Style: Add 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder to the dough for a mocha-coconut flavor.

Mini Version: Make bite-sized cookies using a small cookie scoop – perfect for parties and gift boxes.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Cookie Recipe

These coconut churro cookies prove that you don’t need a deep fryer to enjoy the amazing flavors of churros. With their perfect balance of warm cinnamon spice and tropical coconut sweetness, these baked cookies deliver all the satisfaction of the classic treat in a more convenient form.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, want to try something new for your family, or need a crowd-pleasing treat for a gathering, these cookies always deliver. They’re easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for experienced bakers.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! Try the variations we’ve suggested, or come up with your own creative additions. The base recipe is so reliable that it’s hard to go wrong, making it perfect for experimentation.

The combination of textures – from the crispy cinnamon-sugar coating to the tender coconut-studded interior – creates a cookie experience that’s truly special. Plus, since they’re baked instead of fried, you can feel good about enjoying them any time of day.

So preheat that oven and give these coconut churro cookies a try. We guarantee they’ll become a regular in your baking rotation. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of these amazing cookies!