Irresistible Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

Irresistible Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies Recipe with Cinnamon

Sweet-toothed dessert enthusiasts will adore these irresistible churro cheesecake donut cookies with cinnamon sugar that blend multiple beloved treats into one epic bite.

Pastry magic happens when classic churro flavors merge with creamy cheesecake and soft cookie textures.

Crispy edges and tender centers create a delightful contrast that makes each morsel utterly addictive.

Warm cinnamon notes dance through each delectable round, promising comfort and indulgence in every single bite.

Surprising combinations elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary, challenging traditional dessert boundaries.

Forget complicated techniques, these cookies come together quickly with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

FAQs

  • What makes the cheesecake filling special?

The filling is made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, then frozen beforehand to create a perfect creamy center that stays intact during baking.

  • How do I prevent the cheesecake filling from leaking?

Freezing the filling dollops for 20-30 minutes helps them stay firm, and carefully sealing the cookie dough around the filling prevents leakage during baking.

  • Can I use different types of sugar?

While the recipe calls for granulated and brown sugar, you can experiment with light or dark brown sugar to slightly modify the cookie’s depth of flavor, but keep the proportions the same.

  • Why fold the dough around the cheesecake filling?

Folding and sealing the dough completely ensures the cheesecake filling remains inside the cookie, creating a delightful surprise when you bite into it.

Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies Swirled In Sweetness

  • Quick and Easy Baking Adventure: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dessert that's surprisingly straightforward to create.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend treat sessions where everyone craves something sweet and indulgent.
  • Double-Delight Surprise Factor: The hidden cheesecake center creates an unexpected burst of creamy goodness that elevates these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary.
  • Minimal Skill, Maximum Wow: Beginner bakers can nail this recipe with basic kitchen tools and simple techniques, ensuring delicious results every single time.

Ingredients Packed into Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies

Cookie Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Light and soft foundation for the cookie texture.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential for helping the cookies rise and create a soft structure.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Dairy and Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Rich, creamy base that provides soft and tender cookie texture.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens and creates a caramelized flavor profile.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture to the dough.
  • Milk: Helps create smooth and cohesive cookie dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, comforting flavor depth.
Cheesecake and Coating Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy, tangy filling that creates a luxurious center.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cheesecake filling.
  • Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon: Classic churro-style coating with warm, sweet spice.
  • Melted Butter: Helps cinnamon sugar adhere to the cookie surface.

Irresistible Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar – How to Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F.

Grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheesecake Centers

Grab a small bowl and blend:
  • Cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Whip these ingredients until they’re silky smooth.

Scoop tiny dollops onto a parchment-lined plate and pop them in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Mix Cookie Dough Base

In one bowl, whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
In another larger bowl, cream:
  • Butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
Beat in:
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Milk

Slowly blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 4: Craft the Cookie Pockets

Scoop out cookie dough (about 1 1/2 tablespoons).

Gently flatten the dough in your palm.

Place a frozen cheesecake dollop in the center.

Carefully fold the dough around the filling, sealing the edges completely.

Roll the ball between your hands to create a smooth, perfect shape.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown.

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few moments before moving them to a wire rack.

Step 6: Shower with Cinnamon Sugar

Mix together:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Brush each cookie with melted butter, then roll it generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture until completely coated.

Enjoy the magical transformation!

  • Ensure even coverage by gently rolling warm cookies in the sugar mixture while they're still slightly soft.
  • Freeze the cheesecake dollops completely to help them maintain shape and prevent spreading during baking.
  • Use lightly greased hands when shaping cookies to prevent sticky dough from clinging to your fingers.
  • For softer cookies, reduce baking time by 1-2 minutes; for crispier edges, extend baking time slightly and watch carefully.
  • Substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and use plant-based butter to make the recipe suitable for dairy-free diets.

Churro Cheesecake Cookies Stay Sweet When Stored

  • Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
  • Warm cookies directly from the refrigerator in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
  • Restore crispness by placing cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes before enjoying.

Best Bites With Churro Cheesecake Cookies

  • Pair Perfectly with Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
  • Brew Bold Mexican Hot Chocolate: Spicy, rich chocolate drink with cinnamon and chili powder perfectly complements the cookie's warm cinnamon sugar coating and creamy cheesecake center.
  • Sip Silky Caramel Latte: Smooth, sweet coffee drink with caramel notes enhances the cookie's buttery texture and balances the rich cheesecake filling.
  • Enjoy Vanilla Bean Horchata: Creamy Mexican rice drink with delicate vanilla undertones provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet, decadent cookie and cleanses the palate.
  • Indulge with Dulce de Leche Ice Cream: Creamy, caramel-infused ice cream creates a luxurious dessert experience that echoes the cookie's sweet and indulgent flavor profile.

Irresistible Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Wonder: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cookie's rich flavor and soft texture.
  • Vegan Delight: Swap cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream, use plant-based butter, and replace egg with a flax egg to create a completely plant-based cookie.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use a sugar-free cinnamon coating to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the classic churro taste.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut cream cheese, margarine instead of butter, and almond milk to create a lactose-free version that's just as creamy and indulgent.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Irresistible Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

Irresistible Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired “Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies” blend classic dessert elements into one spectacular treat. Crisp edges, creamy centers, and generous cinnamon sugar coating invite warm comfort with each delightful bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

  • 1 cup (236 ml) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

  • 1/2 cup (118 ml) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring even surface coverage.
  2. Whip cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until silky smooth, creating delicate filling dollops. Freeze these portions for 20-30 minutes to solidify.
  3. Combine dry ingredients in one bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt thoroughly. In a separate larger bowl, cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and airy.
  4. Incorporate egg, vanilla, and milk into the butter mixture, blending until uniform. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet components, mixing until just combined.
  5. Portion cookie dough into 1½ tablespoon sections, creating gentle indentations for frozen cheesecake centers. Carefully encase each filling dollop, sealing edges completely and rolling between palms to create smooth spheres.
  6. Arrange cookie balls on prepared sheet, maintaining 2-inch spacing. Bake 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden and centers appear set.
  7. Allow cookies brief cooling on baking sheet before transferring to wire rack for complete cooling.
  8. Prepare cinnamon sugar coating by mixing granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Lightly brush each cooled cookie with melted butter, then generously roll in cinnamon sugar mixture for complete coverage.

Notes

  • Freeze the cheesecake filling ahead of time to make it easier to handle and prevent leakage during baking.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smoother, lump-free mixing and better incorporation of ingredients.
  • Ensure the cookie dough completely seals the cheesecake filling to prevent unexpected leaks or splits during baking.
  • Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the cookies tender and prevent a tough texture.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
  • Create mini versions by using less dough and smaller cheesecake dollops for bite-sized treats perfect for parties.
  • Experiment with flavor variations by adding a drop of flavored extract or swirling different spices into the cinnamon sugar coating.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 238
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star