If you’re a fan of both churros and cheesecake, then you’re in for a treat! Churro cheesecake cookies, also known as churro cookies, combine the best of both worlds into one deliciously soft, sweet, and creamy dessert. The crispy cinnamon-sugar coating, paired with a luscious cheesecake filling, makes these cookies an irresistible indulgence.
But before we dive into the recipe and everything you need to know about churro cheesecake cookies, let’s explore why they’ve become such a popular dessert.
Why Are Churro Cheesecake Cookies So Popular?
There’s no denying that churro cookies have taken the baking world by storm. And for good reason! Here’s why:
- Perfect Balance of Textures – The outer layer of these cookies is crispy and golden, while the inside remains soft and gooey, thanks to the creamy cheesecake filling.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Bliss – The classic churro flavor comes from the cinnamon-sugar coating, which adds the perfect amount of warmth and sweetness.
- Easy to Make – Unlike traditional churros, which require deep frying, churro cheesecake cookies are baked, making them much simpler to prepare.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Whether you’re making them for a party, a holiday gathering, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these cookies are always a hit!
- A Unique Twist on a Classic Treat – Instead of choosing between churros and cheesecake, why not have both in one incredible bite?
Now that we’ve covered why these cookies are so beloved, let’s get into the exciting part: how to make them!
How to Make Churro Cheesecake Cookies
Making churro cookies is much easier than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you’ll have a batch of these delicious treats ready to enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Cookie dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cheesecake filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon-sugar coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions for a perfect Churro Cookies
1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Before you start working on the cookie dough, it’s important to prepare the cheesecake filling.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Cover and place the bowl in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This will make it easier to stuff inside the cookies later.
2: Make the Churro Cookie Dough
While the filling chills, it’s time to prepare the cookie dough.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3: Assemble the Cookies
Now comes the fun part—putting everything together!
- Take about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it into a disk.
- Place a small scoop of frozen cheesecake filling in the center.
- Take another 2 tablespoons of dough, flatten it, and place it over the filling.
- Seal the edges by gently pinching the dough together, then roll the cookie into a ball.
4: Roll in Cinnamon-Sugar
One of the best things about churro cheesecake cookies is their signature cinnamon-sugar coating.
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll each cookie dough ball in the mixture until it’s fully coated.
5: Bake to Perfection
Now it’s time to bring everything together!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the cookies at least 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Making the Best Churro Cheesecake Cookies
To ensure your churro cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
Use softened butter – This helps create a smoother dough that’s easier to work with.
Freeze the cheesecake filling – This prevents it from melting too quickly while the cookies bake.
Don’t overbake – The cookies should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center.
Re-roll in cinnamon sugar after baking – For an extra churro-like flavor, roll the cookies in a second coat of cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm!
How to Store and Serve Churro Cheesecake Cookies
Once you’ve baked a batch of these irresistible cookies, you’ll want to store them properly so they stay fresh.
- At Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the Refrigerator: Since they have a cheesecake filling, they can last up to a week in the fridge.
- In the Freezer: Freeze the dough balls (before baking) for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw them slightly and bake as usual.
These cookies taste amazing warm, so for the best experience, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving!
Churro Cheesecake Cookie Variations: Creative Twists on a Classic Treat
If you loved the original churro cheesecake cookies, you’ll be thrilled to know that there are countless ways to customize this delightful dessert. Whether you want to add chocolate, caramel, fruit, or even a bit of spice, these variations will help you take your churro cookies to the next level.
Without further ado, let’s explore some fun and delicious twists on this classic treat!
1. Chocolate-Stuffed Churro Cheesecake Cookies
Let’s be honest—chocolate makes everything better! And when combined with the warm cinnamon-sugar coating of churro cookies, it creates an irresistible combination.
How to Make It:
- Instead of just a cheesecake filling, add a small piece of chocolate (such as a chocolate truffle, Nutella, or chocolate chips) inside each cookie along with the cream cheese mixture.
- For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the baked cookies.
- You can also add cocoa powder to the dough to make chocolate-flavored churro cheesecake cookies!
Not only do these cookies taste amazing, but they also have a surprise molten chocolate center that makes every bite even more delicious.
2. Dulce de Leche Churro Cheesecake Cookies
If you love caramel flavors, then this version is a must-try! The combination of creamy cheesecake, cinnamon sugar, and rich dulce de leche is simply heavenly.
How to Make It:
- After assembling the cookies, spoon a bit of dulce de leche inside the cheesecake filling for a caramel-infused center.
- Once baked, drizzle extra dulce de leche over the top for added sweetness.
- If you want to enhance the flavor even more, sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-and-salty twist.
This variation is perfect for those who enjoy sweet, creamy, and slightly gooey cookies with a rich caramelized flavor.
3. Cinnamon Roll Churro Cheesecake Cookies
Now, if you love cinnamon rolls, this variation is right up your alley! It adds a sweet, buttery cinnamon swirl to your churro cheesecake cookies, making them even more flavorful.
How to Make It:
- Before rolling the cookie dough into balls, spread a cinnamon-butter mixture (butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon) onto the flattened dough.
- Roll up the dough like a cinnamon roll, then flatten it again to form a cookie shape.
- After baking, drizzle the cookies with cream cheese icing for the ultimate cinnamon roll flavor.
These cookies are soft, rich, and absolutely irresistible, making them a fantastic breakfast treat or dessert.
4. Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate Churro Cookies
For those who enjoy a little heat with their sweets, this variation brings in the flavors of Mexican hot chocolate by adding a touch of spice to the classic recipe.
How to Make It:
- Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and ½ teaspoon of chili powder to the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Mix a bit of cocoa powder into the dough for a deep, chocolatey flavor.
- Pair these cookies with a cup of hot chocolate for a warm and cozy treat.
The subtle spice enhances the chocolate and cinnamon flavors, creating a unique, slightly fiery cookie that’s both unexpected and delightful.
5. Fruity Churro Cheesecake Cookies
If you’re looking for a lighter, fruitier version, adding berries or citrus zest is a fantastic way to brighten up the cookies while keeping them just as indulgent.
How to Make It:
- Lemon or Orange Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of citrus zest to the cheesecake filling for a tangy kick.
- Berry Filling: Add a spoonful of strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry jam inside the cookies along with the cheesecake filling.
- Apple Pie-Inspired: Mix finely chopped cooked apples with cinnamon and brown sugar, then stuff the mixture inside the cookies for an apple pie-inspired twist.
These variations add a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy cheesecake filling, making them perfect for warmer months or special occasions.
6. Peanut Butter Churro Cheesecake Cookies
For all the peanut butter lovers out there, this variation combines the nutty richness of peanut butter with the classic churro cookie flavor.
How to Make It:
- Swirl 2 tablespoons of peanut butter into the cheesecake filling before freezing it.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts into the cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra crunch.
- After baking, drizzle the cookies with melted peanut butter or even a chocolate-peanut butter glaze.
The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and peanut butter creates a flavor-packed treat that’s impossible to resist!
7. S’mores Churro Cheesecake Cookies
If you love s’mores, why not combine them with churro cheesecake cookies? This version takes the flavors of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallow and infuses them into the cookie.
How to Make It:
- Replace part of the flour with ½ cup of crushed graham crackers for a slightly different texture.
- Add a mini marshmallow inside the cheesecake filling for a gooey, melty center.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with more graham cracker crumbs for the perfect finishing touch.
This variation brings out the nostalgic flavors of campfire s’mores, making it an instant hit at gatherings and parties.
Final Thoughts: Endless Possibilities with Churro Cheesecake Cookies
Clearly, churro cheesecake cookies are incredibly versatile, and the possibilities for flavor combinations are truly endless. Whether you’re in the mood for chocolate, caramel, spice, fruit, peanut butter, or even s’mores, there’s a variation that’s perfect for you.
So, the next time you whip up a batch of churro cookies, why not experiment with one of these delicious twists? Not only will you keep things exciting, but you’ll also discover new favorite flavors along the way!
More FAQs About Churro Cheesecake Cookies
1. Can I use premade cookie dough?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought sugar cookie dough and just add the cheesecake filling.
2. Can I make these without the cheesecake filling?
Absolutely! They’ll still taste amazing—just like classic churro cookies.
3. Can I air-fry these instead of baking?
Yes, you can! Air-fry at 325°F for 8-10 minutes, but be sure to check them frequently.
4. What can I serve with these cookies?
They pair perfectly with hot chocolate, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
5. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend.
6. Can I add chocolate?
For a twist, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies or mix chocolate chips into the dough.
7. Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?
Yes, since they contain cheesecake filling, they should be stored in the refrigerator if not eaten within a day.
8. How can I make them extra crispy?
Bake them a few minutes longer and re-roll them in cinnamon sugar for that classic churro crunch!
9. Can I make mini versions?
Definitely! Just use smaller dough portions and adjust the baking time to 8-10 minutes.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! These cookies disappear fast, so making extra is always a good idea.