Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
Indulge in the perfect blend of two irresistible treats—churros and cheesecake—wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie. Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies combine the sweet, cinnamon-coated charm of churros with the creamy richness of a cheesecake filling, all within the cozy form of a cookie. Whether you’re baking for a special gathering or just treating yourself, these cookies offer a delightful experience with every bite. The warm aroma of cinnamon sugar and the creamy surprise at the center will make these cookies a favorite in your home.
Ingredients Overview
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and gives the cookies their tender, buttery texture. Softened butter ensures smooth incorporation with sugar.
- Granulated Sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetens the dough and helps create that soft, chewy consistency. A portion of this sugar will be used in the churro-inspired coating.
- Large Eggs (2): Bind the dough and add moisture for that perfect chewy bite.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances the sweetness and adds warmth to both the cookie dough and the cheesecake filling.
- All-Purpose Flour (3 cups): Forms the structure of the cookies. Be sure to measure flour correctly to avoid tough cookies!
- Baking Powder (1 tsp): Gives a slight rise and helps create the soft, light texture of the cookies.
- Salt (½ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): This is the star of the cheesecake filling—creamy, rich, and decadent. Softening it makes it easier to blend.
- Powdered Sugar (¼ cup for filling + ½ cup for glaze): Used in the filling and the optional glaze, it adds sweetness without the graininess of granulated sugar.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tbsp): Blended with sugar for that classic churro flavor, providing warmth and a delightful spice to the cookie’s coating.
- Milk (1-2 tbsp): Helps create a smooth glaze. You can adjust the amount for your desired consistency.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or plastic bag, then refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up. This will make it easier to pipe or spoon into the cookies later.
2. Make the Cookie Dough
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving a soft cookie texture. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until smooth.
Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
3. Assemble the Cookies
Portion the Dough: Scoop out about 1 ½ tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Pipe or spoon a small amount of the cheesecake filling into the center of the dough.
Seal the Filling: Take another portion of dough (about ½ tablespoon), flatten it, and place it on top of the cheesecake filling. Gently press the edges together to seal, ensuring the filling stays inside. Roll into a round cookie shape.
Chill the Dough: Place the assembled cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
4. Bake the Cookies
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are just lightly golden. Be sure not to overbake—keeping the centers soft will create that ideal churro-like chewiness.
5. Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar
Prepare the Coating: While the cookies are baking, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
Coat the Cookies: Once the cookies are out of the oven and still warm, roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. This step gives them that classic churro flavor and texture.
6. Optional Glaze
Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of sweetness if desired.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy your Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies warm or at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer a longer storage period, refrigerate them, but note that they may lose some of their softness.
- Reheating: To refresh these cookies and bring back their warm, fresh-baked flavor, microwave them for 10-15 seconds. This will also help revive the soft cheesecake filling inside.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat as desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q2: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? You can, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty dough.
Q3: Can I freeze the dough? Absolutely. Form the cookies and freeze them before baking. When ready to bake, thaw and proceed with the recipe.
Q4: Can I substitute the cream cheese filling with something else? You can try Nutella or peanut butter for a delicious twist!
Q5: How can I make the cookies gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
Q6: Can I skip the cinnamon-sugar coating? The coating adds a churro-like quality, but you can skip it if you prefer.
Q7: Can I add chocolate chips to the dough? Yes! Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for extra decadence.
Q8: How can I make the cookies dairy-free? Use dairy-free butter, cream cheese, and milk substitutes.
Q9: Can I add a different spice to the coating? You can try adding nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor variation.
Q10: What’s the best way to soften butter quickly? Cut it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
20 Secrets for Culinary Perfection
- Use softened cream cheese for a smoother filling.
- Chill the dough before baking for perfectly shaped cookies.
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding flour; this keeps the cookies tender.
- Sift your flour to avoid dense cookies.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Underbake slightly for softer, chewier centers.
- Roll the cookies in warm cinnamon sugar for better adhesion.
- Use fresh cinnamon for a more vibrant flavor.
- Measure flour accurately to prevent dry cookies.
- Allow cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes to finish setting.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies.
- Use room temperature eggs for easier incorporation.
- Add a pinch of salt to the cinnamon-sugar for enhanced flavor contrast.
- Keep the glaze light to avoid overpowering the cookies.
- Try brown butter in the dough for a richer flavor.
- Double the cheesecake filling for extra indulgence.
- Use a mixer for the filling to ensure it’s perfectly smooth.
- Add a dash of cinnamon to the dough for extra warmth.
- Let the cookies cool completely before glazing to prevent melting.
- Bake on the middle rack for even heat distribution.
