Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies blend three beloved desserts into one irresistible treat. The crispy exterior coated in cinnamon sugar brings the churro element, while the creamy cheesecake filling and donut-inspired shape create a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. They’re impressive enough for special occasions but simple enough for a weekend baking project.
Pure Comfort
There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm, spiced aroma of cinnamon sugar that fills your kitchen as these cookies bake. Each bite offers that nostalgic carnival treat feeling of biting into a freshly made churro, combined with the rich indulgence of cheesecake and the familiar joy of a donut. It’s comfort food in cookie form.
Ingredients
What You Need
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
For the coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Time to Cook
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Chill time: 1 hour
- Bake time: 12-14 minutes per batch
- Total time: About 2 hours
Steps to Make It
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually blend the flour mixture into the butter mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, prepare the cheesecake filling by beating cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth. Chill until ready to use.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar for the coating.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten in your palm. Place ½ teaspoon of cheesecake filling in the center.
- Fold the edges of the dough around the filling and roll into a ball, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed.
- Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat completely.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Use the back of a wooden spoon to create a hole in the center of each cookie (like a donut).
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make It Perfect
For the ideal churro texture, make sure your cookies aren’t overbaked. They should remain slightly soft in the center while having that signature crisp exterior. When rolling the dough balls in cinnamon sugar, press gently to help the coating adhere better. The indentation in the center should be made carefully—press down but don’t go all the way through the dough.
Mix It Up
Try adding a drizzle of dulce de leche or melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness. For a spicier variation, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a Mexican chocolate-inspired flavor. You could also incorporate mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling for a chocolate churro twist.
Perfect Partners
Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a warm cup of Mexican hot chocolate. For an elegant dessert platter, pair them with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey. They also make a wonderful companion to coffee with a splash of cinnamon cream liqueur for an adult treat.
Busy Day Hero
When time is short, prepare the dough and filling a day ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the shaped (but unbaked) cookies for up to a month, then bake them straight from the freezer, adding just 2-3 minutes to the baking time. Perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute dessert cravings!
Work Ahead
These cookies are ideal for preparing in stages. Make the dough up to 3 days before baking and keep it refrigerated. The cheesecake filling can also be made 2 days ahead. For a party, prepare everything the day before, and bake the cookies fresh on the day of your event for that warm, just-baked appeal.
Save Some For Later
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week due to the cheesecake filling. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore that fresh-baked texture.
Everyone’s Happy
These versatile cookies please both churro lovers and cheesecake enthusiasts alike. They’re fancy enough for adults but fun enough for kids, making them perfect for family gatherings. For gluten-sensitive guests, you can adapt this recipe using a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend with excellent results.
Good For You Too
While these are definitely treats, you can make simple swaps for a slightly healthier version. Try using reduced-fat cream cheese in the filling or replacing half the butter with unsweetened applesauce. You can also reduce the sugar in both the dough and coating by about 25% without significantly affecting the taste or texture.
Easy Clean Up
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for hassle-free cleanup. When rolling the cookies in cinnamon sugar, use one hand for the wet dough and the other for the dry mixture to prevent sticky fingers and countertops. Having a designated “assembly line” area keeps the mess contained and makes the process more efficient.
Switch It Up
Turn this recipe into churro cheesecake bars by pressing half the dough into a 9×13 pan, spreading the cheesecake filling over it, then crumbling the remaining dough on top. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. For bite-sized treats, make mini versions using a tablespoon of dough and just a small dot of filling.
Simply Perfect
What makes these cookies truly special is how they capture the essence of three beloved desserts in one bite. The warm cinnamon, creamy filling, and soft-yet-crisp texture create a harmonious blend that feels both innovative and familiar. They’re a testament to how creative baking can transform traditional favorites into something new and exciting.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies without the cheesecake filling?
Yes! You can make traditional churro cookies by omitting the filling and simply rolling the dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking.
Why did my filling leak out during baking?
Make sure the filling is completely enclosed in the dough. Chill both the dough and filling adequately before assembly, and ensure the seams are well-sealed.
Can I use pre-made cheesecake filling?
Absolutely. Store-bought cheesecake filling works as a time-saving alternative, though homemade provides the best flavor and texture.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be set and slightly golden, while the centers remain soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, substitute plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Why didn’t my cookies flatten during baking?
This is actually by design! These cookies should maintain their shape to hold the filling. If they’re too puffy, gently press down with the back of a spoon immediately after removing from the oven.
How do I get the perfect donut hole shape?
Use the handle end of a wooden spoon or your thumb to create the hole. Press down about halfway through the dough but not all the way to the filling.
Conclusion
These Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies represent the best of fusion desserts—combining beloved flavors and textures into something greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cookies deliver a unique experience that will have everyone asking for the recipe. The contrast between the cinnamon-sugar coating and the creamy filling creates a perfect balance that keeps you coming back for just one more. Happy baking!
Related Recipes to Try Next
If you enjoyed making these Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies, you’ll love exploring other sweet treats! Try these Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies for a soft, nutty delight, or indulge in the creamy goodness of No-Bake Banana Split Cake. If you’re in the mood for a cheesecake-inspired dessert, these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cupcakes are a must-try. For a fruity twist, the Mini Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries make for a refreshing and elegant treat. And if you love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, don’t miss these Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes. Happy baking!