Churro Cheesecake Cookies

by

These Churro Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect blend of crispy churros and creamy cheesecake filling. Indulge in these delightful cookies that are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Caramel Sauce (optional):

  • 1 cup caramel sauce

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

In a small mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Transfer the cheesecake filling to a piping bag.

Shape the Cookies:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and flatten each ball into a disk. Pipe a small amount of the cheesecake filling into the center of each disk, then fold the edges over the filling to enclose it. Roll each filled dough ball in your hands to smooth out the surface.

Coat the Cookies:

In a shallow dish, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating it evenly.

Bake the Cookies:

Place the coated cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve:

If desired, drizzle the cookies with caramel sauce before serving. Enjoy these delicious Churro Cheesecake Cookies with a cup of coffee or as a delightful dessert treat!

Serving and Storage Tips :

Serving Tips:

  1. Warm and Fresh: These cookies are best enjoyed warm. For a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience, heat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.
  2. Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the cookies just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
  3. Coffee or Tea Pairing: Serve these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The flavors complement each other perfectly.
  4. Ice Cream Sandwich: For an indulgent treat, sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two churro cheesecake cookies.

Storage Tips:

  1. Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep them fresh and chewy.
  2. Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture, store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The cheesecake filling will firm up, giving the cookies a different but equally delicious texture.
  3. Freezing: For longer storage, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cookies to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw the cookies at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
  4. Preventing Sogginess: To maintain the cookies’ texture, ensure they are completely cool before storing. Use parchment paper to separate layers of cookies in the storage container to prevent them from sticking together.

Extra Tip:

  • Re-crisping: If the cookies lose their crispy exterior, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Let them cool slightly before serving to regain their delightful crunch.

Variations:

  1. Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the cookies for a decadent touch.
  2. Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar coating for a spicy kick.
  3. Nutty Delight: Mix finely chopped nuts into the cheesecake filling for added texture and flavor.
  4. Citrus Zest: Incorporate some lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.
  5. Stuffed Surprise: Place a small piece of chocolate or a caramel candy in the center of the dough along with the cheesecake filling.
  6. Pumpkin Spice: Add pumpkin spice to the cinnamon sugar coating for a seasonal twist.
  7. Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel drizzle for a sweet and salty combination.
  8. Cookie Sandwiches: Use two cookies to make a sandwich with cream cheese frosting in the middle.
  9. Matcha Flavor: Add matcha powder to the cheesecake filling for a unique and vibrant flavor.
  10. Berry Bliss: Incorporate some berry jam or preserves into the cheesecake filling for a fruity surprise.
  11. Espresso Infusion: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dough for a coffee-flavored twist.
  12. Mint Chocolate: Incorporate mint extract into the cheesecake filling and add mini chocolate chips for a refreshing mint chocolate version.
  13. S’mores Delight: Add crushed graham crackers to the dough and a piece of marshmallow in the center along with the cheesecake filling.
  14. Peanut Butter: Mix some peanut butter into the cheesecake filling for a rich, nutty flavor.
  15. Coconut Craze: Add shredded coconut to the dough or cheesecake filling for a tropical touch.
  16. Red Velvet: Add a few drops of red food coloring and a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough for a red velvet version.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/4 tsp to balance the flavors.
  2. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. Let it come to room temperature before shaping the cookies.
  3. Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
  4. Can I use a different type of sugar for coating? You can use brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
  5. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much? Ensure the dough is well-chilled before baking, and avoid overmixing the dough.
  6. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
  7. How can I make these cookies dairy-free? Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese substitutes. Ensure all other ingredients are dairy-free.
  8. Can I add flavoring to the cheesecake filling? Yes, you can add extracts like almond, coconut, or even a splash of liqueur to the cheesecake filling for extra flavor.
  9. What if I don’t have a piping bag for the filling? You can use a zip-top bag with a corner cut off or simply spoon the filling onto the dough disks.
  10. Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe. Ensure you have enough baking sheets and space to accommodate the increased quantity of cookies.

Churro Cheesecake Cookies offer a delightful fusion of crispy churros and creamy cheesecake filling, making them an irresistible treat. With various ways to customize and serve them, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Follow the storage tips to keep them fresh and enjoy experimenting with different flavors. Whether enjoyed with a drizzle of caramel or a cup of coffee, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Happy baking!