Churro Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

There is something utterly irresistible about the combination of rich cheesecake and cozy churro spices wrapped into a cookie. This Churro Cheesecake Cookies Recipe brings together the best of both worlds: soft, cinnamon-swirled dough with a luscious, creamy cheesecake center. Perfectly golden on the outside and decadently gooey in the middle, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a get-together, or just because, these churro-inspired cheesecake cookies deliver comfort and delight in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to whip up this Churro Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is easier than you think because it relies on simple, everyday ingredients that create magic together. Each component plays a vital role, from the tender cream cheese that adds softness to the cinnamon that gives these cookies their signature warmth and sparkle.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Cream cheese (1/2 cup softened + 8 oz softened): Used both in the dough and the filling for that luscious, creamy center.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough while giving it a slight crispness.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
• Vanilla extract (1 tbsp + 1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
• Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients together and contribute to the soft crumb.
• All-purpose flour (3 cups): The backbone of the dough, providing structure.
• Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise and achieve the perfect texture.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Gives the dough that classic churro flavor.
• Cinnamon-sugar (1/2 cup for rolling): Coats the cookies in a sweet, spicy crunch.
• Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens and smooths the cheesecake filling.

How to Make Churro Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup much easier. This simple step sets you up for baking success.

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract until you get a smooth, creamy mixture. This blending of fats and sugars is what makes your cookies soft and flavorful.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This gradual incorporation helps the dough become light and airy while keeping everything perfectly combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This step evenly distributes the leavening and spices so every bite tastes balanced.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until fully blended. Overmixing can toughen cookies, so stop once you no longer see dry flour.

Step 6: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a small bowl, beat the remaining cream cheese with powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. This filling will melt beautifully inside your cookies, delivering indulgence in every bite.

Step 7: Assemble the Cookies

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a small dollop of the cheesecake filling right in the center.

Step 8: Seal the Filling

Gently wrap the dough around the cheesecake filling, sealing the edges to form a smooth ball. This careful wrapping is the secret to keeping that delicious filling inside as the cookies bake.

Step 9: Coat & Bake

Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them; you want the outside to be perfectly set while the inside remains soft.

Step 11: Cool & Enjoy

Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the cookies firm up just right without losing any of their delightful gooeyness.

How to Serve Churro Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate these cookies, try dusting them with a fresh sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar right before serving, or add a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch. A light dusting of powdered sugar also offers a beautiful, bakery-style finish.

Side Dishes

Pair these churro cheesecake cookies with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy latte to complement the warm, cinnamon flavors. They’re also fantastic alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a dessert that feels both cozy and special.

Creative Ways to Present

For a lovely presentation, arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with cinnamon sticks and mini bowls of fresh cream or fruit preserves. You can also serve them stacked in a clear jar tied with rustic twine for gifting or party favors that stand out.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover churro cheesecake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will maintain their soft texture and keep the cheesecake centers creamy and fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls to bake later. Just place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Also, baked cookies freeze well in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To warm frozen or stored cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This revives the soft texture and creamy cheesecake center without drying them out.

FAQs

What makes these cookies different from regular cheesecake or churro cookies?

The Churro Cheesecake Cookies Recipe combines the best of both worlds, featuring cinnamon-spiced cookie dough like a churro and a soft, creamy cheesecake filling in the middle, giving you double the flavor and contrast in each bite.

Can I substitute the cream cheese in the dough or filling?

Cream cheese is key for both the tender dough and the rich filling, so substituting it will change the texture and flavor significantly. For best results, use full-fat cream cheese at room temperature.

How do I prevent the cheesecake filling from leaking out?

Make sure to seal the dough around the filling completely in Step 8. Press the edges firmly and carefully pinch them together to trap the filling inside during baking.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure and be mindful that texture might vary slightly.

Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?

While these cookies keep well at room temperature for a few days, refrigerating them is recommended if you keep them longer than 3 days due to the soft cream cheese filling. Just bring them to room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cookie that tastes like a hug in dessert form, this Churro Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is your new go-to. It brings together buttery dough, silky cheesecake, and a perfect cinnamon-sugar crunch that everyone will adore. Bake a batch and share the love—these cookies truly make any moment extra special.

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