Churro Cheesecake Cookies

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Crispy cinnamon-sugar cookies with a surprise cream cheese filling—inspired by churros and cheesecake!

Introduction

These Churro Cheesecake Cookies combine the crispy, cinnamon-sugar coating of churros with the rich, creamy center of cheesecake—all in one irresistible bite. Perfect for dessert lovers who crave texture contrast and bold flavors, these cookies are soft-baked with a crackly exterior and a hidden pocket of tangy cream cheese.

Ideal for holiday baking, cookie swaps, or a sweet weekend project, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results with simple ingredients. The dough comes together quickly, and the sugar-cinnamon coating ensures every bite is packed with warmth and sweetness.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 oz (85g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg

For the Filling

  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

(Makes 12–14 cookies)

Instructions

1. Prep & Preheat

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, and ½ tsp cinnamon.

2. Make the Cookie Dough

  1. In a large bowl, beat butter, cream cheese, and sugar until fluffy.
  2. Add vanilla and egg, mixing until smooth.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.

3. Prepare the Filling

  1. In another bowl, mix cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth.
  2. Roll into 12 small balls (about 1 tsp each).

4. Assemble the Cookies

  1. Scoop 1 tbsp cookie dough, flatten slightly, and place a cream cheese ball in the center.
  2. Wrap the dough around the filling, sealing completely.
  3. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly.

5. Bake & Cool

  1. Place cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
  2. Bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are golden (centers will be soft).
  3. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Tips for Success

✔ Room-temperature ingredients ensure even mixing.
✔ Don’t overbake—the centers should stay slightly soft.
✔ For extra flavor, add ½ tsp nutmeg to the dough.
✔ Storage: Keep in an airtight container for 3 days or freeze unbaked dough for later.

Serving Suggestions

  • With a drizzle of dulce de leche or chocolate sauce.
  • Paired with café de olla or hot chocolate.
  • As part of a holiday cookie platter.

Conclusion

These Churro Cheesecake Cookies are a fun, flavorful twist on two beloved desserts. The crisp cinnamon-sugar shell gives way to a surprise creamy center, making them impossible to resist.

Perfect for gifting or enjoying fresh from the oven, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Variation: Add ½ tsp espresso powder to the dough for a mocha-churro version!

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