Irresistible Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar

If you’re a fan of churros, cheesecake, and donut cookies, then you’re in for a treat with these irresistible Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies. These cookies combine the rich, creamy taste of cheesecake with the sweet, spiced crunch of churros, all wrapped in a blanket of cinnamon sugar. Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or to impress guests at your next gathering, these cookies have a delightful balance of textures, from soft and chewy centers to crispy edges.

What makes these cookies truly special is the addition of cream cheese in the dough. The cream cheese gives the cookies an ultra-soft and rich texture that pairs perfectly with the warm cinnamon sugar coating. They’re simple to make, but their flavor profile is anything but ordinary. Whether you’re looking to indulge your sweet tooth or share a homemade treat with friends, these cookies will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Cheesecake Meets Cookie

The combination of creamy cheesecake and soft cookie dough creates a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s irresistible.

2. Cinnamon Sugar Coating

These cookies are coated in a generous layer of cinnamon sugar, offering the classic churro flavor that’s loved by many.

3. Perfect Balance of Soft and Crispy

With a tender center and slightly crispy edges, these cookies strike the ideal balance of textures.

4. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these cookies are easy to prepare—no special skills needed!

5. Customizable

You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your tastes, from adding extra spices to drizzling with a cream cheese glaze for an added layer of sweetness.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar (packed)
• Large egg
• Vanilla extract
• Cream cheese (softened)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Variations

• Add Nutmeg or Cardamom: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar coating.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: Drizzle a creamy glaze made from cream cheese and powdered sugar for an extra decadent touch.
• Stuffed Cookies: Add chocolate chips or a dollop of dulce de leche inside the dough before baking for a fun surprise.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a larger bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and creamy.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until well combined. Blend in the softened cream cheese until smooth.

Step 5: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before rolling them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Step 9: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

While the cookies are still warm, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating them evenly.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chill the Dough for Firmer Cookies: If you prefer firmer cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Be sure to mix the dough just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Roll Quickly: For an even coating, roll the cookies in the cinnamon sugar while they are still warm.

How to Serve

These Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they’re still warm and gooey. Serve them with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk for the perfect treat. They also make a great addition to dessert tables at parties or as a sweet afternoon snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and delicious, though the cinnamon sugar may lose its crispness over time.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies before or after baking. To freeze the dough, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for a few minutes to get them soft and fresh again.

FAQs

1. Can I use light cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese?

Yes, light cream cheese will work, but the texture may be slightly different—light cream cheese can sometimes be a bit softer.

2. Can I use salted butter?

If you use salted butter, reduce or eliminate the added salt in the dough.

3. Can I freeze the dough for later?

Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough and bake it later for fresh cookies anytime.

4. What should I do if the dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to work with, you can chill it for 30 minutes or add a little more flour to help with handling.

5. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

Yes, feel free to add chocolate chips to the dough for a fun twist on the flavor.

6. How do I make the cinnamon sugar coating stick better?

Make sure to roll the cookies in cinnamon sugar while they are still warm so the sugar adheres better.

7. How do I make the cookies softer?

For a softer cookie, bake them a little less or chill the dough slightly before baking.

8. Can I add other spices to the dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom to the dough for added flavor complexity.

9. How long should I bake the cookies?

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. They’ll firm up as they cool.

10. How can I make these cookies more decadent?

Drizzle a cream cheese glaze over the cookies for extra sweetness and creaminess.

Conclusion

These Irresistible Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves soft, chewy cookies with a hint of spice. The cream cheese in the dough creates a wonderfully smooth texture, while the cinnamon sugar coating adds that perfect churro-like crunch. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or storing them for later, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or as a special dessert, and don’t forget to share them with friends—they’re that good!

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