Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Churro Cookie Bars! They are like a warm hug on a plate, combining the irresistible flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a soft, buttery cookie base. Imagine biting into a perfectly baked bar that has the chewy, gooey goodness of a cookie, all while giving you that classic churro experience. It’s pure bliss!
This recipe has a special place in my heart because it was inspired by those late-night trips to the fair with friends, where we’d devour hot churros dusted in sugar. I wanted to recreate that joy but in a form that’s easy to share with family and friends. Plus, who doesn’t love a dessert that’s simple to whip up but tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen?
These cookie bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for a cozy movie night or a festive gathering, and trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “churro”! So, grab your butter and sugar, and let’s dive into the deliciousness of Churro Cookie Bars! You won’t regret it!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
How to Prepare Churro Cookie Bars
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get those Churro Cookie Bars baking! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want your bars to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown. While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and let’s start creaming our butter and sugars together.
In that bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to mix these together until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes should do the trick. Next, crack in those 2 large eggs and pour in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until everything’s well combined and dreamy!
Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This is where the magic of flavor happens! Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. I like to do this in three parts, mixing gently after each addition. You want a nice, smooth dough without overmixing it. It’s okay if there are a few flour streaks—just stir until combined.
Once your dough is ready, spread it evenly into a greased baking pan (a 9×13 inch pan works perfectly). Now, let’s make that churro topping! In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this heavenly mixture generously over the top of your dough.
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before cutting them into bars. Trust me, the wait is worth it! Enjoy those warm, gooey bites of churro cookie bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These Churro Cookie Bars come together in just 45 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute dessert for any occasion.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and sugar brings that classic churro taste to every bite, satisfying your sweet tooth.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these bars, making them a hit at family gatherings, parties, or cozy nights in.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm out of the oven or store them for later—these bars stay delicious for days!
- Shareable Goodness: With a yield of 12 bars, they’re perfect for sharing with friends or taking to potlucks!
Tips for Success
To make your Churro Cookie Bars truly shine, here are some pro tips that’ll have you baking like a champ!
First, ensure your butter is at room temperature. This means it should be soft enough to leave an indent but not melted. If it’s too cold, you won’t get that lovely fluffy texture when creaming with the sugars.
Next, don’t skip the resting time after baking! Allowing the bars to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes helps them set up nicely, making it easier to cut clean bars later on.
Also, when mixing your dry ingredients, make sure to whisk them well. This helps distribute the baking soda and powder evenly, ensuring your bars rise beautifully without any weird pockets.
Lastly, feel free to get creative with the toppings! A drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt can elevate these bars to the next level. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the Churro Cookie Bars and their nutritional values! Keep in mind, these figures are estimates, but they give you a general idea of what you’re enjoying. Each bar contains about 250 calories, with 10 grams of fat, 2 grams of protein, and 36 grams of carbohydrates. You’ll also find 15 grams of sugar and 150 milligrams of sodium per serving. With a delicious treat like this, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in, right? Just remember, they’re best enjoyed in moderation—after all, happiness can be a little sweet! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these Churro Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before spreading it in the pan and baking. They taste fantastic fresh, but they also hold up well for a few days!
Q2: What’s the best way to store leftover cookie bars?
To keep your Churro Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months—just make sure to wrap them tightly!
Q3: Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit into the dough for a twist on the classic flavor. Just keep in mind that adding too many mix-ins may alter the texture slightly, but it’s all about what you love!
Q4: How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?
A great way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready! The edges should be golden brown, and the center should look set but slightly soft.
Q5: Can I use a gluten-free flour blend for these bars?
Yes, you can! A good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend should work well. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum, as this will help mimic the texture of traditional flour in your Churro Cookie Bars.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Churro Cookie Bars fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you’ve got more than you can eat, don’t worry! These bars freeze beautifully for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature. For a warm, gooey treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. They’ll taste just like they came straight out of the oven!
Call to Action
If you enjoyed making these Churro Cookie Bars, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below to share your thoughts or any fun twists you tried. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends on social media—let’s spread the churro love!
Print
Churro Cookie Bars: 5 Irresistible Bites of Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious churro cookie bars with a cinnamon-sugar topping.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Spread the dough into a greased baking pan.
- Mix topping ingredients and sprinkle over the dough.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best served warm.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Churro Cookie Bars