1-First Step: Preparation and Organization Before beginning, ensure you have adequate workspace and all ingredients at room temperature. This catering size recipe yields about 100-120 large cookies, perfect for events serving 50-80 people. Clear your kitchen counters, organize your ingredients, and prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This preparation step will streamline the process and prevent scrambling during critical stages.

2-Second Step: Creaming Butter and Sugar In a large commercial-sized mixer (or work in batches with a standard mixer), beat 5 lbs of softened butter with 8 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process typically takes 5-7 minutes and incorporates air into the mixture, contributing to the cookies’ texture. For the best results, scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure even mixing. If using a standard home mixer, you’ll need to divide this process into 3-4 batches.

3-Third Step: Adding Eggs and Vanilla Gradually add 20 large eggs to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. This step-by-step approach prevents the mixture from separating. Once all eggs are incorporated, add 2 cups of vanilla extract (or less if you prefer a subtler vanilla flavor). The mixture should be smooth and glossy at this stage.

4-Fourth Step: Incorporating Dry Ingredients In a separate large container, whisk together 15 cups of all-purpose flour, 10 teaspoons of baking soda, 5 teaspoons of salt, and 2 cups of cinnamon. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can result in tough cookies, so be patient and mix only until no flour streaks remain visible. The dough will be thick and sticky.

5-Fifth Step: Chilling the Dough Cover the dough and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. This chilling period is crucial as it firms up the dough, making it easier to scoop and preventing excessive spreading during baking. The churro cookies catering size dough can be made up to 48 hours in advance, stored in the refrigerator, and baked fresh the day of your event for optimal freshness.

6-Sixth Step: Portioning the Cookies Using a #16 cookie scoop (approximately 3 tablespoons), portion the chilled dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, arranging 6 cookies per sheet. This size creates substantial cookies that resemble the popular Crumbl variety. If you prefer smaller cookies, use a smaller scoop and adjust the baking time accordingly.

7-Seventh Step: Baking to Perfection Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft. Rotating the pans halfway through the baking time ensures even cooking across all batches. This recipe typically yields 10-15 full baking sheets, so consider using multiple ovens if available to speed up the process.

8-Final Step: Cinnamon-Sugar Coating While the cookies are baking, prepare the coating by combining 2 cups of sugar with 1/4 cup cinnamon in shallow bowls. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, carefully roll the warm cookies in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while they’re still hot. This ensures the coating adheres properly and creates that authentic churro experience. Transfer the coated cookies to wire racks to cool completely. If you’re adding cream cheese frosting, allow the cookies to cool thoroughly before applying.