Name: Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 8 ounces cream cheese; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

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If you have a sweet tooth that craves a little twist on classic treats, then these Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are about to become your new favorite indulgence. Combining the irresistible cinnamon sugar crunch of churros with the creamy richness of cheesecake and the irresistible shape of donuts, these cookies offer a unique bite-size experience that delights every sense. Perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, they’re a guaranteed hit whether you’re enjoying a cozy afternoon snack or serving up dessert at your next gathering.

Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making these charming Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies come to life. Each element plays a special role, from the creamy butter that creates tenderness to the cinnamon sugar that gives that classic churro kick.

1 cup unsalted butter: Provides rich flavor and a tender crumb when creamed with sugar.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a light, fluffy texture.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture for a soft dough.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor enhancing the overall taste.
3 cups all-purpose flour: The base structure of the cookies for just the right chewiness.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become slightly fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds a bit of lift and works with acid ingredients for texture.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
8 ounces cream cheese: Creates the luscious cheesecake filling with a smooth texture.
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling): Sweetens the cheesecake filling just right.
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating): Combined with cinnamon for that iconic churro coating.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings the churro flavor alive.

How to Make Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies

Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar

Start by beating the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until they become light and fluffy, which creates the perfect base for your cookie dough. This step is crucial because it incorporates air that helps your cookies maintain a tender bite.

Step 2: Add eggs and vanilla

Next, mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. These additions add moisture and a wonderful aromatic note that balances beautifully with the cinnamon and cream cheese filling.

Step 3: Combine dry ingredients separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents any clumping that could create uneven textures.

Step 4: Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Then chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to handle and keeping the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 5: Prepare the cheesecake filling

Beat the cream cheese with the 1/4 cup sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This filling adds that luscious cheesecake surprise inside each cookie, pairing perfectly with the crispy cinnamon-sugar coating.

Step 6: Shape the cookies

Take a flattened portion of dough in your hand, add about one teaspoon of cheesecake filling in the center, then cover it with more dough and gently seal the edges. This step creates the donut-like shape and encloses the creamy center just right.

Step 7: Bake and coat

Place the shaped cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden. While still warm, roll each cookie in a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar to capture the authentic churro experience.

How to Serve Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra touch of fun, dust the finished cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate. Sprinkling a little extra cinnamon sugar on top while they’re still warm intensifies that churro vibe that makes these cookies so addictive.

Side Dishes

Pair these Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies with a rich hot chocolate, a cup of spiced coffee, or even a refreshing glass of milk. Their creamy centers and cinnamon-sugar coatings beautifully complement warm, cozy beverages that enhance this dessert’s comforting nature.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these cookies arranged on a platter shaped like a donut for a playful presentation, or skewer several on sticks for a festive treat at parties. Wrapping individual cookies in parchment paper and tying with twine makes them perfect for gifting heartfelt homemade treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their soft texture and cinnamon sugar crunch. Avoid refrigerating as it might dry them out.

Freezing

If you want to save these cookies for later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to two months without losing their delicious flavor or texture. Just thaw completely before serving.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This restores the chewy exterior and enhances the gooey cheesecake center, making every bite as delightful as the first.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cream cheese filling with something else?

While cream cheese gives this recipe its signature tangy richness, you could try mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different but still creamy filling. Keep in mind that cream cheese’s texture and flavor are key to that authentic Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies taste.

Are these cookies suitable for a gluten-free diet?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, you can experiment with a gluten-free baking flour blend, but results may vary in texture. Be sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake later?

Absolutely! The dough benefits from chilling, so preparing it a day in advance and keeping it refrigerated will actually improve handling and deepen the flavors, making your Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies even more delicious.

What if I don’t have ground cinnamon—any alternatives?

Cinnamon is essential for that signature churro flavor, but if you’re out, try mixing ground nutmeg or pumpkin spice as a temporary substitute. The taste will shift slightly, but it will still deliver a warm, comforting spice note.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?

Make sure to seal the dough completely around the cream cheese filling and gently pinch the edges closed. Chilling the dough before shaping also helps the cookies keep their shape and prevent any filling from escaping.

Final Thoughts

Trying these Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies is like discovering a whole new dessert treasure that combines the best of churros, cheesecake, and donuts in one irresistible bite. Once you make them, you’ll find endless reasons to bake them again, sharing their warm, cinnamon-sweet magic with friends and family. Trust me, they’re a must-try that’s bound to brighten any snack time or celebration!

Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 16 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies combine the delightful flavors of classic churros with a creamy cheesecake filling, offering a soft, cinnamon-sugar coated treat that’s perfect for dessert or snack time. Crispy on the outside and smooth on the inside, these cookies are a fun twist on traditional cookies inspired by the beloved churro and cheesecake donut flavors.

Instructions

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time followed by 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender.
Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to handle for shaping.
Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In another bowl, beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Shape Cookies: Flatten a portion of the chilled dough in your hand. Place about 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake filling in the center, then cover with more dough and seal the edges well to encase the filling inside.
Bake Cookies: Arrange the filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, roll them in a mixture of 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon until evenly coated to give the classic churro flavor and crunch.

Notes

Chill the dough properly to prevent spreading and maintain the shape during baking.
Ensure the cheesecake filling is smooth and well blended for a creamy center.
Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for easier mixing.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to keep the filling fresh.
These cookies can be frozen baked or unbaked; thaw completely before baking or reheating.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American