Short Description
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies combine the warm, cinnamon-sugar coating of classic churros with a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, all in a soft and chewy cookie. These delightful treats are perfect for dessert lovers who enjoy a mix of textures and flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Combines the flavors of churros, cheesecake, and donuts in one treat
Soft, buttery cookies with a luscious cheesecake center
Coated in a delicious cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra flavor
Perfect for parties, holidays, or indulgent snacks
Can be enjoyed with or without caramel drizzle for added sweetness
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
8 oz cream cheese
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Caramel Sauce (optional):
1 cup caramel sauce
Directions
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag for easy filling.
Shape and Fill the Cookies:
Divide the dough into equal portions.
Flatten each portion into a small disc.
Pipe a small amount of the cheesecake filling into the center of half the discs.
Place another dough disc on top and seal the edges by pressing them together.
Use a small round cutter to remove the center, creating a donut shape.
Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar: In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Roll each cookie in the mixture until fully coated.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.
Servings and Timing
Servings: Approximately 12 cookies
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of caramel, drizzle the cookies with melted chocolate for a different twist.
Stuffed Variation: Add a small spoonful of fruit preserves inside along with the cheesecake filling for extra flavor.
Crunchy Exterior: Double-coat the cookies in cinnamon sugar for a thicker, crunchier coating.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Spiced Churro Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a deeper flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked, filled cookie dough for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10 seconds to restore their soft texture, or reheat in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and cheesecake filling a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake when ready.
Why do my cookies spread too much while baking?
Make sure the dough is chilled before baking to help maintain the donut shape. Also, avoid over-softening the butter.
Can I skip the cheesecake filling?
Yes, you can make these as plain churro donut cookies without the filling for a simpler treat.
What is the best way to coat the cookies in cinnamon sugar?
Coat them while they are still slightly warm so the sugar mixture sticks better.
Can I use store-bought cookie dough instead of homemade?
Yes, but homemade dough provides a better texture and flavor. If using store-bought dough, add cinnamon to enhance the flavor.
How do I prevent the cheesecake filling from leaking?
Make sure to seal the edges of the cookies well and avoid overfilling them.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can work as a substitute.
What can I serve with these cookies?
They pair well with coffee, hot chocolate, or vanilla ice cream.
Can I make these in a mini version?
Yes, use smaller portions of dough and filling to create bite-sized churro cheesecake cookies.
Do these cookies taste best warm or cold?
They taste great both ways! Warm cookies have a softer filling, while chilled cookies have a firmer cheesecake center.
Conclusion
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are a delightful twist on classic churros, featuring a buttery cookie, creamy cheesecake filling, and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. Whether served warm or cold, with caramel drizzle or without, these cookies are sure to impress. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or indulgent snacks, they offer a unique blend of textures and flavors in every bite.
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are a heavenly fusion of classic churros, creamy cheesecake, and soft cookies! Coated in cinnamon sugar and optionally drizzled with caramel sauce, they’re the ultimate sweet treat for any occasion
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough forms.
-
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Transfer to a piping bag for easy filling.
-
Shape the Cookies:
- Roll out the dough and cut into circles.
- Pipe a small amount of cheesecake filling in the center of half of the circles.
- Place another circle of dough on top, sealing the edges.
- Use a small cutter to create a donut-shaped hole in the center.
-
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
- In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
-
Bake:
- Arrange cookies on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Let cool slightly, then drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.
- Enjoy warm for a melt-in-your-mouth experience
Notes
- These cookies taste best fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For extra crunch, briefly broil the cookies for a minute after baking.
- Try serving with chocolate or dulce de leche for a fun twist!
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *