Imagine the warmth of cinnamon-sugar-coated churros, the creaminess of cheesecake, and the joy of a donut—all in one bite! These Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies combine the best of all three worlds, making them a show-stopping treat for any occasion. Perfectly soft, with a rich cheesecake filling, and rolled in cinnamon sugar, these cookies are a dessert lover’s dream.
Jump to RecipeIngredients and Preparation
This delightful recipe involves three main components: the dough, the cheesecake filling, and the cinnamon sugar coating. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Dough: The base of these cookies is a soft, buttery dough made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract. The dough is rolled out and shaped into donut-like cookies, which are then filled with cheesecake.
- Cheesecake Filling: The rich, creamy cheesecake filling is made with softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. This filling is piped into the center of each cookie, adding a decadent surprise with every bite.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: What would churros be without their signature cinnamon sugar coating? After the cookies are shaped, they are rolled in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, giving them that irresistible churro flavor.
- Optional Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over these cookies takes them to the next level of indulgence, adding a sweet and gooey finish.
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a small bowl, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Transfer the filling to a piping bag for easy handling.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and flatten each into a circle. Pipe a small amount of cheesecake filling onto the center of each circle, then fold the edges over to enclose the filling. Press down gently to seal the dough. If desired, use a small cookie cutter to cut out the center, giving the cookie a donut-like shape.
- Coat the Cookies: In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Bake the Cookies: Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Add the Finishing Touch (Optional): For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle the cookies with 1 cup of warmed caramel sauce before serving.
Why You’ll Love These Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
These cookies bring together the best elements of your favorite desserts. The dough is soft and buttery, with just the right amount of chew. The cheesecake filling adds a creamy surprise in the center, while the cinnamon sugar coating provides that classic churro flavor. Shaping the cookies into donuts not only makes them look adorable but also makes them fun to eat!
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
These crispy and flavorful cookies are filled with a creamy cheesecake filling. The perfect combination of flavors and textures will leave you craving more. Enjoy these sweet treats for a special occasion or a casual snack.
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
Directions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the filling to a piping bag.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and flatten each into the shape of a circle. Or use a large cookie cutter to shape the cookie.
- Pipe a small amount of cheesecake filling around the sides the of each cookie then fold the edges over to enclose the filling.
- Press down to seal the dough. Use a small cookie cutter to cut the center out so the cookie will be in the shape of a donut.
- Coat the Cookies:
- In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and set.
Tips for Success
- Softened Ingredients: Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened before you start mixing. This helps create a smooth, even dough and filling.
- Sealing the Cookies: Be sure to seal the dough well around the cheesecake filling to prevent it from leaking out during baking.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. You want them to be lightly golden, but not too brown, to maintain that soft churro-like texture.
- Caramel Drizzle: While optional, a drizzle of caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and decadence that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon sugar coating.
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Swap the caramel sauce for a rich chocolate drizzle to add a different layer of flavor.
- Nut Toppings: Add some crunch by sprinkling chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, over the caramel or chocolate drizzle.
- Spiced Sugar: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a seasonal twist.
Final Thoughts
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are the ultimate fusion of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making them for a party, a holiday gathering, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to impress. Their unique donut shape, combined with the creamy cheesecake filling and sweet cinnamon sugar coating, makes them a standout treat that’s impossible to resist. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk, and enjoy every decadent bite!