If you love the taste of churros and cheesecake, you’ll adore these Churro Cheesecake Cookies. They merge the crunchy, cinnamon-sugar exterior of churros with a luscious cheesecake center, creating a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Perfect for special events or a sweet treat anytime, these cookies are bound to wow your taste buds. For an extra touch of luxury, top them with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a truly indulgent dessert experience.
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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Caramel Sauce (optional):
- 1 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate the eggs individually, ensuring each one is thoroughly mixed in before adding the next.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until everything is just combined.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Assemble the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Take a small scoop of dough (about 1 1/2 tablespoons) and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand.
- Place about 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake filling in the center of the dough. Fold the edges of the dough around the filling, ensuring it is fully enclosed. Roll the dough into a ball.
- Coat the Cookies:
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating.
- Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and set.
- Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then move them to a wire rack to cool entirely.
- Optional Caramel Drizzle:
- If desired, drizzle the cooled cookies with warm caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.
Conclusion
These Churro Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect blend of two beloved desserts, bringing together the classic flavors of churros and cheesecake in a fun and unique cookie form. With their soft, creamy centers and crunchy cinnamon-sugar exteriors, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering. The optional caramel drizzle adds an extra touch of indulgence, making these cookies even more irresistible. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the ultimate sweet treat!