There’s something magical about churros, cheesecake, and donuts. Now, imagine combining all three into one delightful treat—Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies! These cookies have the perfect balance of crispy cinnamon sugar coating, rich cheesecake filling, and a soft, donut-like texture. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked.
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Why You’ll Love Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
- Triple Flavor Fusion: A delicious mix of churros, cheesecake, and donuts in every bite.
- Perfectly Soft & Crispy: Soft, donut-like cookies with a crispy cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether for a party, bake sale, or just a personal treat, these cookies always impress.
- Cheesecake Filling: A luscious surprise center that makes them extra special.
Ingredients in Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
These cookies come together with pantry staples and a few special additions:
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the perfect cookie structure.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with that classic cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a hint of caramel-like flavor.
- Butter: Keeps the cookies rich and moist.
- Eggs: Essential for binding the dough and adding structure.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Cream Cheese: The key to the creamy cheesecake filling.
- Cinnamon: Brings that classic churro warmth.
- Baking Powder: Helps create the perfect rise for a soft, fluffy texture.
- Milk: Keeps the dough soft and easy to work with.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s break it down step by step:
- Preheat Your Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spoon small dollops onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze for about 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Dough: Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, then mix in dry ingredients.
- Assemble the Cookies: Scoop out dough, flatten slightly, place a frozen cheesecake dollop in the center, and wrap the dough around it.
- Bake: Arrange cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Mix cinnamon and sugar, then roll warm cookies in the mixture for that classic churro finish.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let them cool slightly before biting into that creamy, dreamy center!
How to Serve Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
These cookies taste amazing in so many ways:
- Warm & Fresh: Enjoy them straight from the oven for a gooey cheesecake filling.
- With Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Perfect for dipping!
- Topped with Extra Cinnamon Sugar: Double up on that churro magic.
- With a Drizzle of Caramel or Chocolate Sauce: Takes them over the top.
Additional Tips
- Chill the Dough: Helps prevent spreading and makes the cookies easier to handle.
- Freeze the Filling: Keeps the cheesecake center intact during baking.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: Ensures even-sized cookies.
- Storage Tips: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freeze for Later: Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use a different filling?
A1: Absolutely! Try Nutella, peanut butter, or fruit preserves for a fun twist.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Prepare the dough and filling in advance, assemble, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Q3: Can I skip the cinnamon sugar coating?
A3: You can, but that’s what gives them the churro magic! If you prefer, dust them lightly with powdered sugar instead.
Q4: How do I know when they’re done baking?
A4: The edges should be golden brown, and the tops should look set.
Q5: Can I make these gluten-free?
A5: Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a similar result.
Q6: What’s the best way to reheat them?
A6: A few seconds in the microwave or a quick warm-up in the oven at 300°F will do the trick.
Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Definitely! Just bake in batches if your oven space is limited.
Q8: Can I use a store-bought cookie dough?
A8: You can, but homemade dough gives the best texture and flavor.
Q9: Can I add a crunchy topping?
A9: Sure! Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or cinnamon sugar before baking.
Q10: Are these best eaten warm or cold?
A10: Both work! Warm gives you a gooey center, while chilled makes the filling extra creamy.
Final Thoughts
These Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are the ultimate treat—warm, spiced, and filled with creamy goodness. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Give them a try and let me know what you think!
Print
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies combine the crispy cinnamon-sugar coating of a churro with the creamy richness of cheesecake, all in a soft, donut-shaped cookie. Perfect for dessert lovers, these cookies are fun to make and even better to eat—especially when drizzled with caramel!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Caramel Sauce (Optional):
- 1 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until combined.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Transfer the filling to a piping bag.
3. Shape the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, flatten them into circles.
- Pipe a ring of cheesecake filling around the edge of each circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges.
- Cut out the center of each cookie to create a donut shape.
4. Coat the Cookies
- In a shallow dish, mix sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll each cookie in the mixture until fully coated.
5. Bake the Cookies
- Place cookies on the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden and set.
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Let cookies cool slightly, then drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.
Notes
- Shortcut: Use store-bought sugar cookie dough for a quicker version.
- Variation: Swap caramel drizzle for melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg