Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love churros and cheesecake, you’re in for a treat! These Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies are a heavenly blend of two delicious desserts, making them an irresistible bite-sized indulgence. The crispy cinnamon sugar coating pairs perfectly with the smooth, creamy cheesecake filling, and the slightly chewy dough offers the ideal texture to complete the flavor experience. Whether for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Dough: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Optional:
1 cup caramel sauce
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Dough: In a large 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 mixture until just combined.
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Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Transfer the filling to a piping bag.
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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 a circle. Pipe a small amount of cheesecake filling around the edges of each cookie, fold the dough over the filling, and seal. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out the center, shaping the cookie like a donut.
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Coat the Cookies: In a shallow dish, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Roll each cookie in the mixture until coated evenly.
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Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
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Optional: Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 20 cookies
Variations
- Add-ins: You can experiment with other fillings, such as Nutella or fruit preserves, to make these cookies even more decadent.
- Chocolate Coating: For a chocolatey twist, dip the baked cookies in melted chocolate before rolling them in the cinnamon sugar.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free alternative.
- Mini Cheesecake Stuffed Churros: Make mini versions of these cookies by rolling the dough into smaller balls and adjusting the baking time accordingly.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
- Reheating: To bring back their fresh-baked taste, pop the cookies in a warm oven for a few minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
How do I prevent the cheesecake filling from leaking out of the cookies while baking?
Ensure the dough is sealed well around the cheesecake filling before baking. If the dough is properly sealed, the filling should stay inside as the cookies bake.
Can I use a different type of cheese for the cheesecake filling?
Cream cheese is the best option for the classic cheesecake flavor, but you can experiment with mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a slightly different taste.
Can I freeze these cheesecake stuffed churro cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the dough or the baked cookies. Freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet and transfer them to an airtight container once frozen. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with these cookies?
These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with a side of whipped cream, ice cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra indulgence.
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time. Prepare the dough, shape the cookies, and freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, simply bake them straight from the freezer.
How can I make the dough softer if it's too stiff?
If the dough is too stiff, you can add a small amount of softened butter or a tablespoon of milk to achieve the desired consistency.
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for the dough?
Yes, you can use brown sugar for a richer flavor, but keep in mind that it may slightly change the texture and color of the cookies.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Ensure that the dough is well chilled before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent excessive spreading.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges. If you gently press the tops of the cookies, they should spring back, indicating they’re fully baked.
Can I skip the cinnamon sugar coating?
While the cinnamon sugar coating gives the cookies a signature churro flavor, you can skip it if you prefer a less sweet or different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies are an indulgent treat that combines the crispy, warm exterior of churros with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you're serving them at a party or enjoying them as a dessert after dinner. With their irresistible flavor and fun twist on classic desserts, these cookies are bound to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire!
Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies
These Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies are a delightful fusion of crispy, cinnamon-sugar churros and rich, creamy cheesecake filling. Perfect for any occasion, these bite-sized indulgences offer the best of both worlds. With a cinnamon-sugar exterior and a smooth, tangy cheesecake center, these cookies are sure to impress. Serve them at your next gathering or enjoy them as a sweet treat after dinner!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- ½ tsp salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Optional:
- 1 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together 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 flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
-
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a small bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. 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 dough into 1-inch balls, then flatten each ball into a circle. Pipe a small amount of cheesecake filling around the edges of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling, sealing it tightly. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out the center, creating a "donut" shape.
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Coat the Cookies: In a shallow dish, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
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Bake the Cookies: Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden. Optional: Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving
Notes
- Freezing Option: Freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container once frozen. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
- Texture Adjustment: If the dough feels too stiff, add a small amount of softened butter or a tablespoon of milk to soften it.
- Alternative Fillings: You can substitute the cheesecake filling with other options like Nutella or fruit preserves.
