Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies: 5 Sweet Indulgences Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth that craves something both familiar and exciting, these Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies: 5 Sweet Indulgences are going to sweep you off your feet. Imagine soft cookies with a buttery cinnamon sugar crust hugging a luscious, creamy cheesecake center—the perfect marriage of churro-inspired flavors and indulgent dessert vibes. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of texture and flavor that will have you reaching for seconds and thirds without a hint of guilt.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet play essential roles in creating the perfect balance of texture, sweetness, and that irresistible cinnamon aroma that defines churro-inspired desserts.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to every cookie bite.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and tender crumb to the dough.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Provides the necessary sweetness and helps with cookie texture.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder and adds a subtle richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cookies a light lift and softness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: The star of the filling, providing that creamy cheesecake goodness.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths out the cheesecake filling perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: The spice that brings in that signature churro flavor.
- 1/4 cup sugar for coating: Combined with cinnamon, it creates the iconic churro crisp finish.
How to Make Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies: 5 Sweet Indulgences
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready when your delicious dough balls are stuffed and coated, baking to golden perfection without delay.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter with granulated and brown sugars. Beat until smooth and creamy, creating the sweet and buttery base that will melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Egg and Flavor
Next, crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, mixing well to bind and infuse your dough with warmth and depth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix will provide structure and balance the sweetness.
Step 5: Mix Dry with Wet
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, ensuring a soft, pliable dough that’s easy to shape but still holds its form beautifully.
Step 6: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Whip the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This luscious blend will become the irresistible center of each cookie.
Step 7: Shape and Stuff
Pinch off small dough balls, then flatten each gently in your palm. Spoon a dollop of the cheesecake filling in the center, then wrap the dough around it, sealing the edges and rolling into a smooth ball.
Step 8: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Mix the cinnamon with the 1/4 cup sugar, then roll each stuffed dough ball in this mixture. This coating will create the signature churro crunch once baked.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re beautifully golden and fragrant.
How to Serve Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies: 5 Sweet Indulgences
Garnishes
Sprinkling a little extra cinnamon sugar or even a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving can make these cookies feel extra special. You could even drizzle a thin line of melted chocolate or caramel to add that wow factor and a new flavor twist.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of rich Mexican hot chocolate. Both enhance the cinnamon and cream cheese flavors, creating a dreamy dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these delightful treats on a vibrant platter with colorful napkins and perhaps a small bowl of dulce de leche for dipping. You might even layer them with fresh berries or edible flowers to brighten up your dessert table and make every bite feel like a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft yet crisp on the outside, preserving that signature churro cookie texture.
Freezing
If you want to save these Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies: 5 Sweet Indulgences for later, freeze them before baking by placing the rolled dough balls on a tray, freezing until solid, and then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few additional minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will refresh the crunchy cinnamon sugar exterior and warm the cheesecake center without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else in the filling?
While cream cheese is key for that authentic cheesecake texture and tang, you can experiment with mascarpone for a milder flavor or ricotta for a lighter filling, though the texture will be less creamy.
Are these cookies gluten-free friendly?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but the delicious cinnamon and cheesecake flavors remain.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping and filling to make the process smoother.
What’s the best way to avoid the cookies leaking the filling during baking?
Make sure to seal the edges of the dough very tightly around the cheesecake filling. Chilling the filled dough balls briefly before baking can also help them hold their shape better.
How do I keep the cinnamon sugar coating from falling off?
Rolling the dough balls immediately after sealing in the filling, while the dough is slightly tacky, helps the cinnamon sugar stick well. Lightly pressing the coating onto the surface ensures better adherence during baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like biting into these Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies: 5 Sweet Indulgences, where the creamy, dreamy cheesecake filling meets the crispy, cinnamon-kissed cookie exterior. Whether you’re making them for a cozy night in or to impress friends and family, these cookies are certain to become a beloved staple. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this sweet indulgence that turns every bite into a joyful celebration!
Print
Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies: 5 Sweet Indulgences Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies combine the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the crispy cinnamon-sugar coated exterior of churros. These delicious cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet indulgence and soft texture, making them an irresistible treat for dessert lovers and snack enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cheesecake Filling
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Coating
- 1/4 cup sugar for coating
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (to mix with sugar)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies evenly.
- Mix Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and cinnamon until the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Form Dough Balls and Fill: Divide the dough into small balls. Flatten each ball, place a spoonful of the cheesecake filling in the center, then wrap the dough around the filling and roll it back into a ball shape.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Mix the 1/4 cup sugar with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, then roll each filled dough ball in this cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Bake Cookies: Place the coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly, and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden and the cookies are set.
Notes
- For best results, chill the dough for 30 minutes before forming the cookies to prevent excessive spreading.
- You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- To intensify the cinnamon flavor, sprinkle some extra cinnamon sugar on top immediately after baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: cheesecake stuffed cookies, churro cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, cream cheese cookies, baked churro snacks
