Name: Churro Cheesecake Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are a delicious fusion of two beloved desserts—churros and cheesecake. With a soft, donut-like texture and a burst of cinnamon-sugar sweetness, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. The creamy cheesecake element adds a rich twist to the traditional churro flavor, making every bite irresistible.

Churro Cheesecake Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Churro Cheesecake Cookies combine the comforting warmth of cinnamon and sugar with the creamy decadence of cheesecake. The texture is soft and pillowy, reminiscent of a donut, while the flavors meld together beautifully, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. They’re quick to make, require minimal ingredients, and are sure to impress anyone you share them with. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or preparing for a special occasion, these cookies will be a hit!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Then, blend in the cream cheese until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool cookies on a wire rack.
While the cookies are still warm, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Roll each cookie in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 24 servings (24 cookies)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Cream Cheese Glaze: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle a cream cheese glaze over the top of your cookies after coating them in cinnamon sugar.
Chocolate Chips: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough to add a bit of chocolatey richness to the cookies.
Nutty Twist: Add finely chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the dough for a crunchy texture that pairs well with the soft and creamy cookie.
Vegan Version: Replace butter with vegan butter and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to make these cookies vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, you can place a slice of bread inside the container to help maintain their softness. If you want to enjoy them warm again, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze these churro cheesecake cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough or the baked cookies. For dough, scoop it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container. For baked cookies, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat directly from the freezer.

2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but the texture and flavor might vary slightly. Butter provides a richer taste, while margarine may make the cookies slightly softer.

3. How do I make the cream cheese filling smoother?

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing it into the dough. If you find it lumpy, you can beat it on its own for a few extra minutes until smooth before adding it to the batter.

4. Can I add more cinnamon to the sugar mixture?

Absolutely! If you love cinnamon, feel free to increase the amount in the sugar mixture for an extra spicy kick.

5. Can I make these cookies without cream cheese?

Yes, you can omit the cream cheese, but you’ll lose the cheesecake flavor. You could substitute with more butter or a small amount of sour cream if you want to maintain a rich texture.

6. Are these cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Make sure the baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

7. Can I add a drizzle of caramel to these cookies?

Yes! A drizzle of caramel would pair wonderfully with the cinnamon-sugar coating, adding a touch of richness and sweetness.

8. What can I use instead of brown sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar with granulated sugar, though the cookies will lose some of the richness and depth of flavor that brown sugar provides. You can also try using coconut sugar as an alternative.

9. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft. They will firm up as they cool on the wire rack.

10. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe if you want to make more cookies. Just be sure to adjust your baking time slightly if necessary, depending on the size of your batch.

Conclusion

Churro Cheesecake Cookies offer the perfect combination of creamy and spiced flavors, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party, a special event, or just for yourself, these cookies will leave everyone wanting more. They’re simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and versatile enough to accommodate variations for any taste preference. Enjoy them fresh, or store them for later—it’s hard to stop at just one!