Churro Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
If you love the irresistible combination of cinnamon, sugar, and creamy cheesecake filling, then you’re in for a treat! This Churro Cheesecake Cookies Recipe brings together the best of two beloved desserts—crispy, cinnamon-coated churros and rich, luscious cheesecake—all packed into a perfectly soft and chewy cookie. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a holiday, or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into the details of this must-try recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Fusion: Combines the crunch and warmth of churros with the creamy richness of cheesecake.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family gatherings, parties, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Endlessly Customizable: Offers multiple variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients
To make these Churro Cheesecake Cookies, you’ll need two main components: the cookie dough and the cheesecake filling.
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon small dollops (about ½ teaspoon each) onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze for at least 30 minutes, or until firm. This step makes it easier to stuff the cookies without the filling oozing out.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
- Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it in the palm of your hand.
- Place a frozen cheesecake dollop in the center.
- Wrap the dough around the filling and roll it into a ball, ensuring the cheesecake is fully enclosed.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together.
- Roll each cookie dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 5: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the cookie dough balls at least 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are set.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Perfect Churro Cheesecake Cookies
- Freeze the Cheesecake Filling: This helps prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to set after being removed from the oven.
- Use Softened Butter: This ensures the dough mixes evenly and creates a tender cookie texture.
- For Extra Crispiness: After baking, lightly brush the cookies with melted butter and re-roll them in cinnamon sugar.
Variations & Customizations
Want to switch things up? Try these fun variations:
- Chocolate Churro Cheesecake Cookies: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the dough.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookies before serving.
- Pumpkin Spice Twist: Replace the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired treat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy these cookies warm for the ultimate gooey cheesecake experience.
- Pair them with a cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or chai latte for a cozy treat.
- Serve them at parties alongside dulce de leche or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Storing
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated for up to a week.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Make-Ahead Option
- Freeze Unbaked Dough Balls: Assemble the cookie dough with the cheesecake filling, freeze them, and bake directly from frozen (add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time).
Final Thoughts
This Churro Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is a dream come true for dessert lovers. Whether you’re a fan of churros, cheesecake, or just love indulging in unique cookies, this recipe will not disappoint. With its rich flavors, soft texture, and a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating, it’s a guaranteed hit!
Churro Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon small dollops (about ½ teaspoon each) onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
- Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it.
- Place a frozen cheesecake dollop in the center.
- Wrap the dough around the filling and roll it into a ball.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together.
- Roll each cookie dough ball in the mixture until fully coated.
Step 5: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Freeze the Cheesecake Filling: Helps prevent it from leaking during baking.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to set after removal.
- Extra Crispiness: Lightly brush with melted butter and re-roll in cinnamon sugar after baking.
- Storage: Store at room temperature for 3 days, refrigerate for 1 week, or freeze for 2 months.