Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Take about a tablespoon of the dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a small dollop of the cheesecake filling in the center, then fold the dough around the filling, rolling it into a ball. Press your thumb gently in the center to create a donut-like shape.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the shaped cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Churro Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Once the cookies have cooled slightly, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well-coated.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of hot chocolate for a perfect sweet treat.
Tips for the Best Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
- Use Softened Butter and Cream Cheese: This ensures a smooth dough and creamy filling.
- Don’t Overstuff the Filling: To avoid the cheesecake filling leaking out during baking, keep the filling portion small.
- Serve Warm or at Room Temperature: These cookies taste fantastic warm, but they’re also delicious at room temperature.
Variations and Customizations
- Chocolate-Dipped: After coating with cinnamon sugar, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
- Add a Caramel Drizzle: For a churro-dipped-in-caramel effect, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the cookies.
- Stuff with Nutella: Swap the cheesecake filling with Nutella for a different twist on these delicious cookies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies offer a unique combination of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. They’re rich, sweet, and just a little bit indulgent, with the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy. These cookies are versatile enough to be served as a party treat, a festive dessert, or just an everyday sweet snack.
Storing and Reheating
- Storage: Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
- Freezing: These cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Conclusion
These Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser with their delightful combination of flavors and textures. The cinnamon sugar coating gives them that familiar churro taste, while the creamy cheesecake center adds a touch of decadence. Shaped like little donuts, these cookies are not just tasty but also a fun and playful treat. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a new favorite dessert in no time!
