Churro Cheesecake Cookies
Get ready to indulge in the delightful combination of Churro Cheesecake Cookies! These cookies are the ultimate treat, merging the warm, cinnamon-sugar flavor of churros with the creamy, luscious texture of cheesecake. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a sweet pick-me-up any day of the week, this recipe is simple to follow and guaranteed to impress everyone who tries them.
Whether you’re a baking pro or just starting out, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your dessert lineup. Let’s dive into how to create this scrumptious treat!
What You’ll Need
Before we get started, gather these essential tools to ensure your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable:
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Small bowl (for cinnamon-sugar coating)
Ingredients for Churro Cheesecake Cookies
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these delicious cookies:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Churro Cheesecake Cookies Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set this delicious filling aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it into a small disc. Place 1 teaspoon of cheesecake filling in the center of the disc, then top it with another tablespoon of cookie dough, sealing the edges to encase the filling completely. Roll the assembled cookie into a ball.
Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Roll each cookie ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re fully coated—this is what gives them that signature churro flavor!
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Place the coated cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Fun Variations
Feel free to get creative with these cookies! Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an extra indulgent touch.
- Nutty Twist: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough for a delightful crunch.
- Fruit Filling: Swap the cheesecake filling with raspberry or strawberry jam for a fruity twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Cooking Notes
- Softening Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling or dough.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven for the best texture.
- Sticky Dough: If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before assembling the cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies warm with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee for a delightful treat. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert, or arrange them on a platter for parties or potlucks—trust me, they’re always a crowd-pleaser!
Helpful Tips
- Use a Cookie Scoop: This ensures evenly sized cookies for consistent baking.
- Prevent Filling Oozing: If the cheesecake filling oozes out during baking, try freezing the filled cookie balls for 10 minutes before baking.
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips for the Best Churro Cheesecake Cookies
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality cream cheese for the best flavor.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Don’t skip this step; it’s what gives these cookies their signature churro taste.
- Gooey Center: For a gooier center, slightly underbake the cookies by 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze Churro Cheesecake Cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked cookie balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
2. Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
While homemade dough is recommended for the best flavor, you can use store-bought sugar cookie dough as a convenient shortcut.
3. How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Make sure the cookie dough fully encases the filling and freeze the assembled cookies for 10 minutes before baking to help keep everything in place.
Conclusion
Churro Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: the sweet, cinnamon-sugar goodness of churros and the creamy richness of cheesecake. With their crispy exterior and soft, luscious center, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe is a winner.
Try it today, and enjoy the delicious results! 🍪✨
