Who can resist the irresistible allure of churros, cheesecake, and donuts? When these three fan favorites unite in one cookie, magic happens. Imagine a light, fluffy donut cookie packed with creamy cheesecake, dusted with cinnamon-sugar, and baked to perfection. Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies offer a fusion of flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing dessert to a family gathering, or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to become your new go-to. Let’s dive into the recipe and all the tips and tricks to make these sweet bites at home.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
To make these cookies, you’ll need a few key ingredients that work together to create that signature flavor and texture.
For the Cookie Base:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream cheese
- Sugar
- Egg yolk
- Vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- Ground cinnamon
- Sugar
How to Make Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
- Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until they become light and airy. Incorporate the eggs and vanilla, mixing thoroughly. Slowly add the dry ingredients in batches, alternating with milk, until a smooth dough forms. - Make the Cheesecake Filling
Blend the cream cheese and sugar until the mixture is smooth and velvety. Add in the egg yolk and vanilla, continuing to beat until fully combined. - Assemble the Cookies
Preheat your oven and prepare a baking sheet. Scoop small portions of cookie dough, then press a small amount of cheesecake filling into the center of each dough ball. Carefully seal the dough around the filling and place on the baking sheet. - Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for about 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack. - Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the cookies are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
Why These Cookies Are So Special
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies combine multiple dessert favorites into one irresistible treat. The soft, fluffy texture of the donut base pairs perfectly with the creamy cheesecake center. Plus, the cinnamon-sugar coating gives them that extra crunch and sweetness, taking your taste buds on an adventure with every bite. These cookies offer the best of both worlds—comforting like a homemade donut and indulgent like a cheesecake.
Related Recipes
- If you love these, you’ll adore our Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe!
- Check out our Churro Stuffed Cheesecake Bites for another fun churro-inspired dessert.
Tips for Perfecting Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened for a smooth cheesecake filling.
- Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes prior to baking to help maintain its shape.
- Experiment with flavor variations by adding lemon zest to the filling or swapping the cinnamon-sugar for other flavor combos like cocoa powder or matcha.
FAQs
What are Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies?
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are a sweet dessert that combines a donut-style cookie base with a creamy cheesecake filling, all coated in cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.
How do I prevent the cheesecake filling from leaking out?
Ensure that the cookie dough is tightly sealed around the cheesecake filling before baking. Refrigerating the dough before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much.
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and cheesecake filling ahead of time. Once you’re ready to bake, assemble the cookies and place them in the oven to bake until golden brown.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! After baking, you can freeze Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies for up to three months. Make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag to keep them fresh.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to five days.
Can I use a different filling for these cookies?
You can experiment with different fillings, such as chocolate ganache, fruit preserves, or a nut butter mixture, though cheesecake offers the perfect balance of tangy and sweet.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
What other desserts can I make with churros and cheesecake?
Explore other churro-inspired recipes, such as Churro Stuffed Cheesecake Bites or Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe, for more sweet treats that combine your favorite flavors.
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar in a separate bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with milk, and mix until smooth.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth, then add egg yolk and vanilla.
- Scoop cookie dough, add a small spoonful of cheesecake filling, and seal the dough around the filling.
- Place dough balls on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
- While warm, coat cookies in cinnamon sugar.
- Let the cookies cool slightly before serving.