There’s something truly magical about the combination of crispy churros, creamy cheesecake, and melt-in-your-mouth donuts. If you’ve ever found yourself craving all three at once, this recipe is your dream come true. These Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies bring the best of each dessert together in one irresistible bite.
Imagine biting into a warm, golden-brown cookie with a cinnamon-sugar coating, revealing a rich and creamy cheesecake center. It’s the kind of treat that feels nostalgic—like a county fair, a cozy bakery, and a homemade hug all in one.
This recipe is perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or just when you want to indulge in something extra special. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies are surprisingly simple to make and guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A dessert mash-up like no other: It combines the crispy sweetness of churros, the creaminess of cheesecake, and the softness of a donut into one perfect cookie.
- Easier than it sounds: You don’t need any fancy equipment or expert skills—just a love for baking and a sweet tooth.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday treat, a weekend baking project, or a gift for someone special, these cookies will bring joy to anyone who tries them.
- Cinnamon-sugar heaven: If you love that warm, spiced flavor of churros, this dessert delivers in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
How to Make Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth. This will be the surprise center of your cookies, adding that creamy, cheesecake-like bite.
Using a teaspoon, scoop small dollops of the filling onto a lined baking sheet. Pop it in the freezer for at least 20–30 minutes. Freezing the filling helps keep it intact when you wrap it with the cookie dough later.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. These dry ingredients will give your cookies the perfect soft yet slightly crisp texture.
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for a tender cookie—it creates air pockets that make the dough soft.
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing until everything is well combined. The sour cream adds extra moisture, making these cookies melt in your mouth.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a thick cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until no flour streaks remain.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
Once your cheesecake filling is firm, it’s time to assemble the cookies!
- Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand.
- Place a frozen dollop of cheesecake filling in the center.
- Gently wrap the dough around the filling, rolling it into a smooth ball. Be sure the filling is completely enclosed.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
Step 4: Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are well coated. This is what gives them that classic churro flavor!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the cookies about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Once they’ve cooled slightly, take a bite and experience the magic—crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and that dreamy cheesecake surprise inside.
Helpful Tips for the Best Cookies
- Freeze the filling long enough: If it’s too soft, it will melt into the dough instead of staying creamy inside.
- Use room-temperature ingredients: This helps everything mix evenly, especially the butter and cream cheese.
- Don’t skip the cinnamon-sugar coating: It’s what gives these cookies their churro flavor!
- Bake until just golden: Overbaking will make them too crispy, and you want a slightly soft, donut-like texture.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: About 16 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- Chilling is key – Freezing the cheesecake filling before assembling the cookies helps it stay creamy and prevents it from melting into the dough while baking.
- Make them extra gooey – If you love an extra soft center, slightly underbake the cookies by a minute or two. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Use a cookie scoop – This ensures evenly sized cookies, which means they will bake evenly.
- Re-roll for extra cinnamon flavor – If you love that classic churro taste, you can roll the cookies in the cinnamon-sugar mixture again right after baking while they’re still warm.
- Experiment with fillings – Try adding a touch of caramel or Nutella inside along with the cheesecake filling for an extra indulgent surprise.
- Serving tip – These cookies taste incredible warm, especially with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Storage Instructions
Storing Leftovers
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing Instructions
You can also freeze these cookies! Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for that fresh-baked taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt or even buttermilk for a similar effect.
Can I make these without the cheesecake filling?
Definitely! They’ll still be deliciously soft churro cookies, just without the surprise center.
Related Recipes
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Final Thoughts
These Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are proof that the best desserts come from combining all your favorites into one! Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your cinnamon, whip up some dough, and treat yourself to the magic of churro-inspired cookies.
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Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
Description
There’s something truly magical about the combination of crispy churros, creamy cheesecake, and melt-in-your-mouth donuts. If you’ve ever found yourself craving all three at once, this recipe is your dream come true. These Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies bring the best of each dessert together in one irresistible bite.
Imagine biting into a warm, golden-brown cookie with a cinnamon-sugar coating, revealing a rich and creamy cheesecake center. It’s the kind of treat that feels nostalgic—like a county fair, a cozy bakery, and a homemade hug all in one.
This recipe is perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or just when you want to indulge in something extra special. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies are surprisingly simple to make and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth. This will be the surprise center of your cookies, adding that creamy, cheesecake-like bite.
Using a teaspoon, scoop small dollops of the filling onto a lined baking sheet. Pop it in the freezer for at least 20–30 minutes. Freezing the filling helps keep it intact when you wrap it with the cookie dough later.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. These dry ingredients will give your cookies the perfect soft yet slightly crisp texture.
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for a tender cookie—it creates air pockets that make the dough soft.
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing until everything is well combined. The sour cream adds extra moisture, making these cookies melt in your mouth.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a thick cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until no flour streaks remain.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
Once your cheesecake filling is firm, it’s time to assemble the cookies!
- Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand.
- Place a frozen dollop of cheesecake filling in the center.
- Gently wrap the dough around the filling, rolling it into a smooth ball. Be sure the filling is completely enclosed.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
Step 4: Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are well coated. This is what gives them that classic churro flavor!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the cookies about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Once they’ve cooled slightly, take a bite and experience the magic—crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and that dreamy cheesecake surprise inside.
Notes
- Chilling is key – Freezing the cheesecake filling before assembling the cookies helps it stay creamy and prevents it from melting into the dough while baking.
- Make them extra gooey – If you love an extra soft center, slightly underbake the cookies by a minute or two. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Use a cookie scoop – This ensures evenly sized cookies, which means they will bake evenly.
- Re-roll for extra cinnamon flavor – If you love that classic churro taste, you can roll the cookies in the cinnamon-sugar mixture again right after baking while they’re still warm.
- Experiment with fillings – Try adding a touch of caramel or Nutella inside along with the cheesecake filling for an extra indulgent surprise.
- Serving tip – These cookies taste incredible warm, especially with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!