1-First Step: Prepare the mise en place
Soften 4 cups butter and set out eggs to room temperature. Measure dry ingredients: whisk 8 cups flour, 4 tsp baking soda, 4 tsp cream of tartar, 2 tbsp cinnamon, and 1 tsp salt in a large bowl. This keeps everything organized for quick assembly, ideal for busy schedules.

2-Second Step: Cream butter and sugar
In a 20-quart stand mixer bowl, beat 4 cups softened unsalted butter and 2 cups granulated sugar on medium until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Scrape sides often. This base ensures tender crumb in your copycat crumbl churro cookies.

3-Third Step: Add wet ingredients
Mix in 4 large eggs one at a time, then 2 tbsp vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined, about 2 minutes. For vegan adaptation, use flax eggs here they blend seamlessly.

4-Fourth Step: Combine dry and wet
Gradually add dry mixture to wet on low speed, mixing just until dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies soft. Dough will be sticky; chill helps. If gluten-free, incorporate flour blend slowly.

5-Fifth Step: Chill the dough
Divide dough into two portions, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate 1 hour (or up to 3 days). Chilling prevents spreading for perfect catering size shapes.

6-Sixth Step: Prepare cinnamon sugar coating
Mix 1.5 cups sugar and 1/3 cup cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Line sheet pans with parchment; use #16 scoop for 3 tbsp dough balls (3-4 inches wide).

7-Seventh Step: Shape and roll cookies
Roll chilled balls in cinnamon sugar, place 4-6 per half-sheet pan. Gently flatten slightly. For low-calorie, roll lightly to reduce coating.

8-Eighth Step: Bake the cookies
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake 10-12 minutes until edges set but centers soft. Cool on pans 5 minutes, then wire racks. Rotate pans midway for even baking in large batches.

9-Ninth Step: Make the frosting
Beat 32 oz softened cream cheese, 2 cups butter, 8 cups powdered sugar, and 2 tbsp vanilla until fluffy. Spread 1-2 tbsp per cooled cookie. Learn more frosting techniques with our chocolate buttercream frosting guide.

10-Tenth Step: Add torched cinnamon sugar topping
Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar over frosting, torch lightly for brulee effect (kitchen torch or broiler). Add sea salt flakes. For events, prep unfrosted and frost on-site.

11-Final Step: Finishing touches and serving
Cool completely. Serve on platters or in boxes. Prep time: 30 min + 1 hr chill. Bake time: 10-12 min per batch. Total: 2 hours. Scale x2 for 120 cookies. These stay chewy like originals.