Name: Churro Cheesecake Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Introduction

Churro Cheesecake Cookies combine the best of two beloved treats: the sugary, cinnamon delight of churros and the rich, creamy indulgence of cheesecake. These cookies are a fun twist on the classic churro, offering a soft and chewy texture with a creamy cheesecake filling that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a dessert to impress, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies are the perfect choice. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making Churro Cheesecake Cookies, complete with variations, serving suggestions, and tips to make them a hit every time.

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the cookie dough In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined to form the dough.

Step 2: Mix the cheesecake filling In another medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set this filling aside while you prepare the rest of the cookies.

Step 3: Roll and assemble the cookies Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Add a small spoonful of the cheesecake filling in the center and fold the dough around it to seal the filling inside. Roll the dough into a ball, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed.

Step 4: Cinnamon sugar coating In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Roll each filled dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated evenly.

Step 5: Bake the cookies Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cinnamon-sugar-coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball slightly with your fingers. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the center is still slightly soft. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variation:

For a fun twist, you can add a little twist by incorporating different flavors or textures. Try adding a sprinkle of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate churro effect. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or caramel on top after baking for added indulgence. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the cinnamon sugar coating for a sugar-and-cocoa mixture to create a rich, chocolatey version of these cookies.

Cooking Note:

To ensure the cream cheese filling doesn’t leak out during baking, make sure you completely seal the dough around the filling. Chilling the dough before baking can help prevent spreading, leading to more uniform cookies. If your dough feels too sticky to work with, you can refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve these Churro Cheesecake Cookies warm with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee for a perfect snack. They also make an excellent addition to any dessert table for gatherings or celebrations. For an extra treat, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The combination of warm, cinnamon-spiced cookies with cold, creamy ice cream is absolutely irresistible!

Tips:

Make sure your butter and cream cheese are fully softened before starting to ensure a smooth dough and filling.
If you want extra chewy cookies, slightly underbake them so the centers remain soft.
You can make the cookie dough and cream cheese filling ahead of time and refrigerate both until you’re ready to bake.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

10-12 minutes

Total Time:

25-30 minutes

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 200 per cookie
Protein: 2g per cookie
Sodium: 80mg per cookie

FAQs:

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, both the dough and cream cheese filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake them whenever you’re ready for fresh cookies.

Q: Can I use a different filling?
A: Absolutely! While cream cheese is the traditional filling for cheesecake, you can experiment with other fillings like Nutella, peanut butter, or even fruit preserves for a unique twist.

Q: How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
A: If your cookies spread too much during baking, try chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before rolling and baking. This helps the dough firm up and retain its shape in the oven.

Q: Can I substitute the cream cheese?
A: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use dairy-free cream cheese, available in most grocery stores. The texture and flavor will still be similar to the original.

Conclusion:

Churro Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful blend of two classic desserts, offering the comforting flavors of churros with the creamy richness of cheesecake. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a cozy afternoon snack or a show-stopping dessert for your next gathering. With their easy preparation, delicious variations, and indulgent taste, they are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy these cookies fresh out of the oven for the best experience, and don’t forget to try out the different variations to make them your own!