If you have a soft spot for warm, cinnamon-kissed treats stuffed with luscious cream cheese filling, you are going to fall head over heels for this Churro Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. These indulgent cookies bring together the irresistible flavors and textures of churros and cheesecake in one glorious bite. Imagine tender, buttery dough with a cinnamon-sugar crust hugging a smooth, tangy cheesecake center—the perfect balance of sweet and creamy that will quickly make these cookies your new favorite snack or dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect churro-cheesecake harmony. From the tender cream cheese to the fragrant cinnamon, every component guarantees texture, taste, and that iconic churro flair.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides the sturdy but tender base for the cookie dough.
- Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Adds a slight lift, ensuring the cookies are fluffy yet chewy.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Brings richness and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup total): Sweeter with a little crunch, split between dough and filling for balance.
- Brown sugar, packed (1/4 cup): Adds a deep caramel note to the dough.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients while adding tenderness to the cookies.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Introduces warm aromatic sweetness.
- Cream cheese, softened (1/2 cup): The heart of the cheesecake filling with a creamy tang.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp): Provides that signature churro flavor, both inside and out.
How to Make Churro Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Start by beating the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Then stir in half a tablespoon of ground cinnamon for that unmistakable churro twist. Set this heavenly filling aside; it’s what transforms the cookie experience from ordinary to extraordinary.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is essential for achieving that perfect cookie texture—airy yet rich. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is beautifully combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing here to keep your cookies tender and soft.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
Grab a tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place a teaspoon-sized dollop of the cheesecake filling right in the center. Carefully fold the edges around the filling to seal it inside, then roll the ball seam-side down and flatten slightly. This part makes the magic happen—hidden creamy pockets encased in dough.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Mix the remaining half tablespoon of cinnamon with two tablespoons of granulated sugar in a shallow dish. Roll each cookie ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. This step gives the cookies their signature churro sparkle and flavor on the outside.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about two inches apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely as the edges turn a glorious golden brown and the centers set. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for about five minutes after taking them out of the oven to firm up a bit. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely—though believe me, the temptation to dive in will be strong no matter what.
How to Serve Churro Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon sugar on top right after baking for added crunch and flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce can also elevate these cookies, making them feel extra special when sharing with friends or family.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a frothy cup of Mexican hot chocolate or a creamy vanilla latte to complement the warm cinnamon and cream cheese flavors. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or berries can add a refreshing contrast, rounding out the indulgence beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the churro cheesecake cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board or nestled in a colorful tin for gift-giving. For parties, arrange them on a tiered dessert stand alongside churros and mini cheesecakes for a themed sweet table that will wow guests instantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover churro cheesecake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their tender texture. If you want them a bit crispier, a quick zap in the microwave before eating works wonders.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Freeze assembled dough balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When ready, bake directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
Warm the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to revive their fresh-from-the-oven charm. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the cinnamon-sugar crust perfectly crisp and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?
Low-fat cream cheese can work, but full-fat cream cheese ensures the filling is luxuriously smooth and creamy. If you use low-fat, the texture might be slightly less rich but still tasty.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures 1:1 for best results. The cookies might be a touch more delicate, so handle them gently when assembling.
Is there a way to make these cookies dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives. The flavor and texture may vary slightly but still deliver that wonderful churro cheesecake experience.
How long do these cookies last once baked?
Stored properly at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about three days. Refrigerating can extend longevity but may change the texture slightly.
Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cheesecake filling can be made a day in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before assembling the cookies for easier handling.
Final Thoughts
Taking the time to bake this Churro Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is absolutely worth every minute. The way these cookies marry the classic cinnamon sugar crunch of a churro with the luscious surprise of cheesecake inside is pure magic. Next time you want to impress friends or indulge in a cozy treat, whip up a batch—you won’t regret it, and I promise every bite will bring a smile to your face!
Print
Churro Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Churro Cheesecake Cookies combine the best of both worlds—crispy cinnamon sugar-coated cookie exterior with a creamy, luscious cheesecake center. These indulgent treats are perfect for dessert lovers looking for a unique twist on traditional cookies, featuring warm cinnamon flavors and a smooth cream cheese filling baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Dough Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cheesecake Filling
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (divided into 1/2 tbsp for filling and 1/2 tbsp for coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the cheesecake filling: Beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Set this filling aside.
- Cream the dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, stirring gently until combined but not overmixed.
- Assemble cookies: Take a tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place about a teaspoon of the cheesecake filling in the center, then carefully wrap the dough around the filling, sealing it well. Roll the ball seam-side down and gently flatten slightly to form a cookie shape.
- Coat cookies: Mix the remaining 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar in a shallow dish. Roll each cookie ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
- Bake: Arrange the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers appear set.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up without breaking.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter and cream cheese for smooth mixing.
- Seal the dough tightly around the filling to prevent leaking during baking.
- The cinnamon-sugar coating can be adjusted to taste for more or less cinnamon.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies depending on size.
