1-First Step: Mise en place and wet ingredients. Soften 3 cups unsalted butter. In a large stand mixer bowl, cream butter with 3 cups brown sugar on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. Add 6 eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in 3 tsp vanilla. This base ensures even distribution for consistent crumbl copycat churro cookies. Takes 10 minutes. Vegan tip: Use flax eggs here.

2-Second Step: Dry ingredients and dough formation. In a separate bowl, whisk 9 cups flour, 3 tsp baking soda, 1.5 tsp salt, and 6 tbsp cinnamon. Gradually add dry to wet on low speed until just combined. Dough will be soft; avoid overmixing to keep cookies chewy. For gluten-free, swap flour now. Cover and chill 30 minutes. This rest hydrates flour for better texture in large batch churro cookies. 10 minutes active.

3-Third Step: Preheat and portion dough. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line sheet pans with parchment (fits 6-8 per pan for 6-inch size). Scoop dough into 4 oz balls (about 1/4 cup each) using a cookie scoop for uniformity. Place 2 inches apart. For catering size cookie recipe, divide into 3 batches. Roll lightly if needed. Bake time per sheet: 12-15 minutes until edges golden but centers soft. Yields perfect doughnut-like chew.

4-Fourth Step: Cinnamon-sugar coating. While baking, melt 1/2 cup extra butter. Mix 3 cups granulated sugar with 2 tbsp cinnamon. Remove hot cookies from oven, brush with melted butter, then toss immediately in cinnamon-sugar. This creates the crunchy churro shell essential to crumbl churro cookies copycat. Work in batches to keep warm. Low-cal: Skip butter brush, use cooking spray.

5-Fifth Step: Frosting preparation. Beat 24 oz softened cream cheese, 6 cups powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth. Pipe or spread on cooled cookies. For filling variation, mix 8 oz cream cheese into dough. Vegan: Use plant-based cream cheese. Adds 5 minutes.

6-Final Step: Cooling and serving. Cool on racks 10 minutes. Serve warm or store. Pair with churro dip from sweetened condensed milk. Total bake time 1 hour for all batches. Prep ahead by freezing dough balls. Perfect for events, stays soft days.