San Antonio-Inspired Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy cinnamon churro cookies sandwiching a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream, inspired by beloved San Antonio dessert flavors. This latin american-inspired desserts ready in about 35 minutes layers (125g) all-purpose flour, (50g) granulated sugar, ground cinnamon into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 8 Latin American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Step 3: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter logs and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cookies are firm and lightly golden around the edges. Remove from oven and while still warm, roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture (1/3 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tbsp ground cinnamon) until coated. Cool completely.
  5. Step 5: Once cooled, take 1 scoop (about 1/4 cup) of slightly softened vanilla ice cream and sandwich between two cinnamon churro cookies. Press gently to spread the ice cream evenly.
  6. Step 6: Place sandwiches on a tray and freeze for at least 1 hour to set before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does San Antonio-Inspired Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover San Antonio-Inspired Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in San Antonio-Inspired Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale San Antonio-Inspired Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with San Antonio-Inspired Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches?

Latin American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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