Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies – Soft, Sweet, and Cinnamon-Spiced

Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are a delightful hybrid dessert that combines the crisp, cinnamon-sugar coating of a churro with the creamy, rich interior of cheesecake, all in a fun donut-shaped cookie. Each bite delivers a perfect contrast of textures: tender, soft cookie dough, a gooey cheesecake center, and a sugary cinnamon crust that crunches slightly as you bite into it. These cookies are perfect for brunch, dessert tables, or whenever you want a special treat that is as fun to eat as it is flavorful. With 12 servings and ready in under an hour, this recipe is sure to impress friends, family, and anyone craving a sweet indulgence.

Introduction

Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are the ultimate dessert mashup: soft, buttery cookies infused with cinnamon, wrapped around a creamy cheesecake center, and coated in a classic churro-style cinnamon sugar. The dough bakes to perfection while the frozen cheesecake filling remains soft and luscious inside, creating a sweet, melty surprise in every bite. Ideal for special occasions, dessert platters, or even as a weekend treat, these cookies are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Whether you’re a fan of churros, cheesecake, or cookies, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun & Unique: Combines churros, cheesecake, and donuts into one cookie.
• Textural Delight: Soft cookie, creamy cheesecake, and crisp cinnamon-sugar exterior.
• Family-Friendly: Kid-approved and perfect for sharing.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Freeze the cheesecake filling for easy assembly.
• Cinnamon-Lovers Dream: Perfectly spiced with warm cinnamon flavors.
• Impressive Presentation: Donut shape makes them visually stunning on a dessert platter.

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 12

Cheesecake Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened – creamy, rich center
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar – sweetens and stabilizes filling
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – adds warm flavor

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – tender, rich cookie base
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – sweetness for dough
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed – adds depth and moisture
• 1 large egg – binds dough
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances flavor
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – structure for cookies
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon – warm spice for churro flavor
• 1/2 tsp baking soda – leavening
• 1/4 tsp salt – balances sweetness

Coating

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar – churro-like coating
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon – cinnamon sugar for exterior

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (small and large)
• Whisk and spatula
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Parchment paper
• 1-inch circular cutter
• Baking sheet
• Cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine 8 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract in a small bowl; whisk until smooth.
2. Deposit 12 uniform dollops of the cream cheese mixture onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 20 minutes until firm.
3. Preheat a convection oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup light brown sugar until light and aerated.
5. Incorporate 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until fully emulsified.
6. Sift together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt; gradually mix into wet ingredients at low speed.
7. Divide cookie dough into 12 equal portions; flatten each portion and encapsulate one frozen cream cheese dollop.
8. Shape each stuffed dough into a sphere, then use a 1-inch circular cutter to remove the center, creating a donut-shaped ring.
9. Whisk 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1 tbsp ground cinnamon together in a small vessel.
10. Dredge each donut cookie in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
11. Place cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes or until the structure is set and the base is golden.
12. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to stabilize the cheesecake core before transferring to a cooling rack.

Tips & Variations

• Cheesecake Alternatives: Use flavored cream cheese, like vanilla bean or pumpkin spice, for a seasonal twist.
• Chocolate-Coated: Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
• Mini Cookies: Reduce dough and filling to make bite-sized versions.
• Extra Cinnamon: Roll cookies in a second layer of cinnamon sugar after baking for a stronger churro flavor.
• Make-Ahead: Freeze cheesecake filling and assemble cookies later to save time.

Flavor Profile

Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies feature a rich contrast of textures and flavors. The exterior is crisp from the cinnamon-sugar coating, the cookie dough is soft and tender, and the frozen cheesecake center becomes creamy and luscious as the cookie cools. The cinnamon adds warmth and depth, balancing the sweet cream cheese filling and buttery dough. Each bite offers a delightful mixture of gooey, soft, and slightly crisp sensations, reminiscent of churros and classic cheesecake in one bite.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbs: 32 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g

Dietary Considerations: Vegetarian; contains dairy; contains gluten.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Freeze Filling: Prepare cream cheese dollops in advance and freeze for 20 minutes to facilitate assembly.
• Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Warm slightly in the oven for 2–3 minutes to refresh cookie texture.

FAQs

Q: Can I bake these in a standard oven if I don’t have convection?
A: Yes, bake at 350°F and monitor carefully; cookies may take 1–2 minutes longer.

Q: Can I make them dairy-free?
A: Substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives.

Q: How do I prevent cheesecake from leaking?
A: Freeze the cream cheese dollops before encapsulating; this helps maintain the core during baking.

Q: Can I use light cream cheese?
A: Yes, though texture may be slightly less rich and creamy.

Q: Are these cookies suitable for gift-giving?
A: Absolutely! Pack in a decorative box for a homemade dessert gift.

Cooking Timeline

Step	Time
Prep Time	40 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	55 minutes
Servings	12

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm for gooey cheesecake filling.
• Dust with extra cinnamon sugar for visual appeal.
• Perfect for brunch, dessert platters, or gift boxes.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough.
2. Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake: Fold pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the cream cheese filling.
3. Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle cooled cookies with caramel sauce before serving.
4. Mini Cookie Bites: Use smaller portions of dough and filling for bite-sized treats.

Ingredient Spotlight

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, rich filling that remains creamy when baked inside the cookie.
• Cinnamon: Key spice for churro flavor and warmth.
• Butter: Adds tender texture and richness to the cookie dough.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Freeze the cream cheese dollops to ensure the filling stays intact during baking.
• Coat cookies generously with cinnamon sugar for authentic churro flavor.
• Let cookies rest 10 minutes after baking; this stabilizes the cheesecake center.
• Use a circular cutter for precise donut shapes and uniform baking.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Room Temperature: Store in airtight container for 2–3 days.
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days; helps keep cheesecake center firm.
• Freezer: Not recommended; texture of cheesecake may change.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	310 kcal
Protein	4 g
Carbs	32 g
Fat	18 g
Fiber	1 g

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian; contains dairy and gluten; sweet dessert treat.

Expanded Conclusion

Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are a fun and indulgent treat that combines the flavors of churros, cheesecake, and cookies into one irresistible dessert. The soft cookie dough, creamy cheesecake center, and cinnamon-sugar coating make every bite a perfectly balanced combination of textures and flavors. These cookies are ideal for parties, dessert platters, or a sweet weekend treat. Assemble, bake, and enjoy a dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is to serve—guaranteed to impress friends and family alike.

Print