Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Churro cheesecake cookies bring together the best of two beloved desserts: the warm, cinnamon-sugar crunch of churros and the creamy, tangy richness of cheesecake. These cookies offer a delightful contrast of textures—a slightly crisp exterior with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center. The cinnamon-infused flavor makes them a cozy treat, perfect for sharing during holidays, celebrations, or as an everyday indulgence. Plus, they’re easy to make and require simple pantry ingredients, making them accessible to both novice and experienced bakers.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Egg yolk
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Milk
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the cheesecake filling by beating cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the cookie dough.
- Make the cookie dough by whisking together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Cream butter and sugars in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and milk, mixing until combined.
- Incorporate dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the cookies by rolling the dough into balls and flattening slightly. Create a small indentation in the center and spoon in a bit of the chilled cheesecake mixture.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the cookies for that signature churro flavor.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving to allow the flavors to set.
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted chocolate on top for a richer taste.
- Pumpkin Spice: Substitute cinnamon with pumpkin spice for a fall twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
- Dulce de Leche: Add a drizzle of dulce de leche for an extra caramelized sweetness.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 12 cookies
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to a week.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a freshly baked feel.
FAQs
How do I prevent the cheesecake filling from oozing out?
Chilling the filling before assembling helps keep it firm while baking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use store-bought cinnamon sugar?
Absolutely! But making your own blend allows you to adjust the sweetness.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
Mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt can work as alternatives.
Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?
Yes, due to the cheesecake filling, storing them in the fridge is best.
Can I add mix-ins to the dough?
Sure! Try mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Over-creaming the butter or not chilling the dough can cause excessive spreading.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and bake in batches.
What type of cinnamon works best?
Ground Ceylon cinnamon provides a mild, sweet flavor, while Cassia cinnamon is bolder.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Bake a few extra minutes and let them cool completely before serving.
Conclusion
Churro cheesecake cookies are a heavenly treat that blend the comforting warmth of churros with the luxurious texture of cheesecake. Their easy preparation and delightful flavor make them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or simply a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to impress. Try them today and enjoy the irresistible combination of cinnamon, sugar, and creamy goodness!
Print
Irresistible Churro Cheesecake Cookies for Your Sweet Cravings
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
Description
Churro cheesecake cookies combine the best of both worlds—crispy, cinnamon-sugar churros and creamy cheesecake. These soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Try them for a cozy, indulgent treat!
Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth. Chill while preparing the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and milk, mixing until combined.
- Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Shape & Fill: Roll dough into balls, flatten slightly, and create a small indentation in the center. Spoon in a small amount of cheesecake filling.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over cookies for a churro-like finish.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
- Cool & Serve: Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies.
- Pumpkin Spice: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice for a fall twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dulce de Leche: Drizzle dulce de leche for added sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: churro cheesecake cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, cheesecake-filled cookies, easy baking recipes, holiday cookies
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