Craving a dessert that blends the crispy charm of churros with the creamy richness of cheesecake? Churro Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect treat. These cookies offer a delightful mix of cinnamon sugar crunch and a soft, sweet cheesecake center. They’re ideal for parties, potlucks, or when you just want something extra special at home.
With their bold flavor and soft texture, these cookies stand out on any dessert table. The warm notes of cinnamon and graham cracker crumbs add a cozy feel, while the creamy filling brings a smooth surprise in every bite.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you step-by-step to make Churro Cheesecake Cookies at home. Whether you’re a beginner or a baking pro, you’ll find this recipe simple and satisfying. Get ready to enjoy the best of both worlds, churros and cheesecake, in one bite-sized cookie.
If you’re a fan of classic churros, you’ll love this traditional churros recipe that inspired these chewy, creamy cookies.
Table of contents
Churro Cheesecake Cookies Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
How to Make Churro Cheesecake Cookies?
Making Churro Cheesecake Cookies is easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create these delightful treats:
- Gather Your Ingredients: You’ll need flour, sugar, cinnamon, butter, cream cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, and baking powder.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, then gradually add the dry ingredients until well combined.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add a splash of vanilla extract and mix well.
- Assemble the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a small amount of dough, flatten it, and place a teaspoon of the cheesecake filling in the center. Fold the dough around the filling, sealing it completely. Roll the filled dough into a ball.
- Bake: Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar until well coated.
Churro Cheesecake Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Churro Cheesecake Cookies are soft, buttery cookies rolled in cinnamon sugar and filled with a creamy cheesecake center. With a graham-cinnamon dough and a sweet surprise inside, they’re the ultimate indulgent treat, perfect for holidays, parties, or sweet cravings.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Rolling:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, graham cracker crumbs, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
- In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon for rolling.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Scoop 1 tbsp cookie dough, flatten it, place a small amount of cheesecake filling in the center, and fold the dough around it to seal. Roll into a ball.
- Roll each dough ball in cinnamon-sugar mixture and place on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden. Cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Notes
- For extra churro flavor, add 1/4 tsp nutmeg or more cinnamon to the dough.
- Chill cheesecake filling for easier stuffing.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Serve slightly warm for an oozy cheesecake center!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
Keywords: churro cheesecake cookies, stuffed cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, cream cheese cookies, graham cracker cookie recipe
Tips for Perfect Churro Cheesecake Cookies
Want bakery-style Churro Cheesecake Cookies at home? These expert tips will help you get perfect results every time.
- 1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Let your butter, eggs, and cream cheese sit out before baking. This makes mixing easier and helps create a smooth dough and creamy filling. Cold ingredients can cause lumps or uneven texture. - 2. Chill the Dough Before Baking
After forming the cookies, chill them in the fridge for 15-30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up, so it holds its shape while baking and doesn’t spread too much. - 3. Don’t Overfill the Cookies
The cheesecake filling should be just a small spoonful. Too much can cause the cookies to crack or leak while baking. Aim for a balanced bite, just enough filling for a creamy center without overpowering the cookie. - 4. Seal the Dough Completely
After adding the filling, gently fold the dough around it and pinch all sides to seal. If any part stays open, the filling might ooze out during baking. Rolled dough balls should be smooth with no gaps. - 5. Roll in Cinnamon Sugar Just Before Baking
For that churro-like crust, roll each cookie ball in cinnamon sugar right before placing it on the baking sheet. This keeps the sugar from dissolving into the dough and gives a crisp outer layer. - 6. Don’t Overbake
Bake just until the edges turn golden brown. The centers should stay soft. Overbaking will make the cookies dry and take away that cheesecake texture inside.
Follow these tips, and your Churro Cheesecake Cookies will turn out soft, gooey, and full of flavor every time!
Helpful Tips
Making Churro Cheesecake Cookies is easy, but a few small tricks can make a big difference.
- Chill the Dough
If your dough feels too soft or sticky, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilled dough is easier to shape and less likely to stick to your hands. It also helps the cookies bake more evenly. - Use a Cookie Scoop
A cookie scoop ensures that each cookie is the same size. This is important because evenly sized cookies bake at the same rate, so you won’t end up with some undercooked and others too crisp. - Work Quickly
Once you add the cream cheese filling, work fast to shape and seal the dough. The filling can soften the dough if it sits too long, making it harder to seal properly.
With these tips in mind, you’ll save time and get more consistent results every time you bake.
Cooking Tips
Getting the bake just right is key to the perfect Churro Cheesecake Cookie.
- Watch the Baking Time
Every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They’re ready when the edges turn golden brown. The centers might look slightly soft, that’s okay. They’ll continue to set as they cool. - Cool on a Wire Rack
After baking, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack. This prevents the bottoms from getting soggy and helps the cheesecake filling firm up inside. - Avoid Overbaking
Don’t wait for the entire cookie to turn brown. Overbaking dries out the dough and makes the filling rubbery. Aim for soft, chewy centers and lightly crisp edges.
Following these simple cooking tips ensures your cookies will come out soft, gooey, and packed with churro flavor every time.
Serving Suggestions
Churro Cheesecake Cookies are best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven. Their soft, gooey centers and cinnamon-sugar coating make them an irresistible treat for any time of day.
Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or creamy hot chocolate for the perfect cozy combo. These cookies also pair well with a glass of cold milk, especially if you’re serving them to kids.
Want to take things up a notch? Offer a side of warm caramel or melted chocolate for dipping. The extra sweetness adds fun and flavor, especially for parties or dessert platters.
These cookies also make thoughtful homemade gifts. Pack them in a cute box or bag with a ribbon, and you’ve got a delicious, personal treat for friends, family, or neighbors.
Whether you serve them as a late-night snack, party dessert, or sweet surprise, Churro Cheesecake Cookies bring comfort and joy with every bite.
Why You Will Love This Recipe?
Churro Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful fusion that will captivate your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Here’s why this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen:
- Unique Flavor Combination: The warm, cinnamon-spiced exterior of churros pairs perfectly with the creamy, tangy cheesecake filling, creating a unique and irresistible taste experience.
- Texture Perfection: Each bite offers a delightful contrast – the crispy, sugar-coated outer layer gives way to a soft, creamy center, making these cookies an absolute joy to eat.
- Easy to Make: Despite their impressive appearance and complex flavor profile, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are great for parties, holidays, or just a special treat for yourself. They also make wonderful gifts for friends and family.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of churro and cheesecake flavors is universally appealing, making these cookies a hit with both kids and adults alike.
- Instagram-Worthy: With their golden, sugar-coated exterior and enticing filling, these cookies are as photogenic as they are delicious. They’re sure to impress your friends and followers on social media.
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll discover why Churro Cheesecake Cookies are a standout treat that everyone will love!
For a quick alternative, try these Air Fryer Churro Bites that offer the same cinnamon-sugar crunch. Compare your Churro Cheesecake Cookies to other flavor-packed cookies like the Lemon Curd Cookies for citrus lovers.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To enjoy your Churro Cheesecake Cookies at their best, proper storage and reheating are essential. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
- Refrigeration: If you plan to keep the cookies for longer, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: For extended storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Remember to label the container with the date.
Reheating Tips
- Room Temperature: If stored at room temperature, you can enjoy the cookies without reheating. They will be slightly softer but still delicious.
- Refrigerated Cookies: To restore their crispy texture, warm refrigerated cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, heating them on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
- Frozen Cookies: Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once thawed, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Following these storage and reheating tips will ensure your Churro Cheesecake Cookies remain as delightful and tasty as when they were freshly baked. Enjoy them warm and crispy, just like new!
If you’re interested in making Churro Cheesecake Cookies, you might also enjoy preparing traditional churros at home. Churros are crispy, fried pastries coated in cinnamon sugar, offering a delightful treat for any occasion. Our detailed Churros Recipe provides step-by-step instructions to help you recreate this classic dessert in your own kitchen. Exploring this recipe will deepen your appreciation for the flavors that inspire Churro Cheesecake Cookies.
FAQs About Churro Cheesecake Cookies
Can I make Churro Cheesecake Cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Churro Cheesecake Cookies ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Follow the reheating tips to enjoy them warm and crispy.
What can I use as a substitute for cream cheese in the filling?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese or ricotta cheese as a substitute. These alternatives will provide a similar creamy texture and taste. Ensure the cheese is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make Churro Cheesecake Cookies gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Ensure that all other ingredients you use are also gluten-free.
How do I prevent the cheesecake filling from leaking out during baking?
To prevent the cheesecake filling from leaking, make sure to seal the dough completely around the filling. Chill the dough if it becomes too soft to handle. Additionally, avoid overfilling the cookies to reduce the risk of leakage.
Can I add other flavors to the cheesecake filling?
Absolutely! You can customize the cheesecake filling by adding flavors such as lemon zest, almond extract, or chocolate chips. These additions can enhance the taste and add a unique twist to your Churro Cheesecake Cookies.
Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?
No special equipment is required to make Churro Cheesecake Cookies. Basic kitchen tools like mixing bowls, a hand or stand mixer, baking sheets, and parchment paper will suffice. A cookie scoop can be helpful for portioning the dough evenly.
Conclusion
Churro Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful and innovative dessert that combines the best elements of churros and cheesecake. With their unique flavor combination, pleasing texture, and easy preparation, they are sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a casual get-together, or simply to enjoy a sweet treat, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.
Their versatility and crowd-pleasing nature make them perfect for any event, and they are also a fantastic gift option. By following the storage and reheating tips, you can ensure that your cookies stay fresh and delicious for days, allowing you to savor their delightful taste and texture anytime.
Try this recipe today and experience the irresistible charm of Churro Cheesecake Cookies. Happy baking!
