These Cream Cheese Churro Cookies combine the soft and chewy texture of classic cookies with the irresistible flavor of churros. The cream cheese adds a rich, tangy twist, while the cinnamon sugar coating brings that signature churro sweetness. Perfect for a snack, dessert, or any occasion, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Scoop dough using a cookie scoop or spoon, roll into balls, then roll in cinnamon sugar to coat.
- Place cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing:
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Variations:
- Add Nuts: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for added crunch.
- Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the dough for extra sweetness.
- Frosting: Drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled cookies for extra sweetness.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute.
- Extra Cinnamon: Increase the cinnamon in the dough for a more pronounced cinnamon flavor.
Storage/Reheating:
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, and then transferring to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen for an extra 2-3 minutes.
- Reheating: To refresh cookies, microwave them for 10-15 seconds or place them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes.
10 FAQs:
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
- It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt to a pinch.
- Can I substitute the cream cheese?
- Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt, but the texture may slightly change.
- Do I need to chill the dough?
- No, the dough does not require chilling. You can scoop and bake immediately.
- Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
- Yes, you can use brown sugar for a deeper, molasses flavor, though it will slightly change the texture of the cookies.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- How can I tell when the cookies are done?
- The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown. The centers will firm up as they cool.
- Can I freeze the baked cookies?
- Yes, once cooled, store the cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
- Yes, a hand mixer works just as well for creaming the butter and cream cheese mixture.
- Why are my cookies spreading too much?
- This could be due to the dough being too warm or not enough flour. Chill the dough for 10-15 minutes before baking if needed.
- Can I make the cinnamon sugar coating less sweet?
- Yes, adjust the ratio of cinnamon to sugar for a less sweet but still flavorful coating.
Conclusion:
Cream Cheese Churro Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the warmth of cinnamon sugar. With a soft, chewy texture and a slightly tangy flavor from the cream cheese, these cookies are perfect for any time of year. Easy to make and customizable to suit your tastes, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends.