Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies Recipe

Soft Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies Recipe That Wows

Sweet dreams come alive with these churro cheesecake donut cookies that blend cinnamon-sugar magic into every decadent bite.

The unexpected fusion of classic dessert flavors creates an irresistible treat that dances between familiar comfort and culinary innovation.

Crisp edges give way to a tender, rich center bursting with creamy cheesecake essence.

Warm cinnamon notes weave through each morsel, inviting memories of cozy bakery moments.

The delicate balance of textures promises a dessert that feels both nostalgic and excitingly new.

Sprinkled with a generous coating of cinnamon sugar, these cookies transform ordinary snacking into a celebration of indulgence.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that defies traditional boundaries and delights every sweet tooth.

Why Churro Cheesecake Cookies Are Irresistible

  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Combines the beloved flavors of churros, cheesecake, and donuts into one irresistible cookie that appeals to all ages and taste preferences.
  • Quick Comfort Treat: Prepare these cookies in under an hour, making them ideal for spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute gatherings with friends and family.
  • Customizable Delight: Easily adapt the recipe by experimenting with different fillings or creating fun shapes to match any celebration or mood.

What You Need for Churro Donut Cookies

Baking Ingredients:
  • Butter: Soft and creamy base for rich flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweet and classic baking staple.
  • Eggs: Binding agent for perfect texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Warm and aromatic flavor enhancer.
  • Flour: Soft and smooth foundation for cookies.
  • Baking Powder: Light and fluffy rising agent.
  • Salt: Subtle flavor balancer.
Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth and tangy creamy ingredient.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweet component for filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Gentle flavor booster.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Sweet and warm coating mixture for classic churro taste.

How to Bake Churro Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Whip Up the Dough

Grab a large mixing bowl and blend softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture looks fluffy and light.

Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until everything just comes together.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a small bowl, whip cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until silky smooth.

Transfer the filling into a piping bag for easy application.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll dough into small balls, then flatten into circular shapes.

Use a cookie cutter for consistent sizing if desired.

Step 5: Fill and Form Donuts

Pipe cheesecake filling around cookie edges.

Fold dough over to enclose the filling, pressing firmly to seal.

Cut out the center using a small cookie cutter to create a donut shape.

Step 6: Add Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.

Roll each cookie in the sweet, spicy mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn light golden and cookies look set.

Tips for Sweet and Fluffy Donut Cookies

  • Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and create a more compact texture.
  • Use a piping bag with a small round tip for precise and even cheesecake filling distribution around the cookie edges.
  • Gently press the edges with a fork to ensure the cheesecake filling stays securely inside the cookie during baking.
  • Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to maintain their shape and prevent breaking.
  • Experiment with different sugar coatings like flavored sugars or adding a light drizzle of melted chocolate for extra indulgence.

How to Keep Churro Cheesecake Cookies Fresh

  • Store cooled churro cheesecake donut cookies in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and texture.
  • Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain their crisp edges.
  • Warm cookies briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their original texture and revive the cinnamon sugar coating.

What to Serve With These Churro Cookies

Pair Sweet Sips with Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies:
  • Mexican Hot Chocolate Companion: Rich, spicy chocolate beverage perfectly complements the cinnamon warmth of the cookies, creating a decadent flavor explosion that highlights the dessert's churro-inspired profile.
  • Caramel Latte Delight: Smooth, creamy coffee drink with sweet caramel notes enhances the cheesecake filling's richness while echoing the cookie's buttery texture and cinnamon coating.
  • Dulce de Leche Milkshake Match: Creamy, indulgent milkshake with deep caramel undertones harmonizes beautifully with the cookie's sweet profile, offering a luxurious dessert pairing that celebrates Latin-inspired flavors.
  • Cinnamon Horchata Fusion: Traditional Mexican rice drink with delicate cinnamon hints provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, decadent cookie, creating a balanced and authentic taste experience.

Sweet Styles for Churro Cheesecake Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for celiac or wheat-sensitive individuals, maintaining the same delicious texture and flavor profile.
  • Vegan Churro Cheesecake Alternative: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and cream cheese with cashew-based vegan cream cheese to create a dairy-free, plant-based version of the original recipe.
  • Low-Sugar Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of granulated sugar, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the classic churro-inspired taste and cinnamon coating.
  • Keto-Friendly Churro Cheesecake Cookies: Swap regular flour with almond or coconut flour, use sugar-free sweetener, and incorporate cream cheese for a low-carb, high-fat version that fits ketogenic dietary requirements.

FAQs

  • Are churro cheesecake donut cookies difficult to make?

No, these cookies are beginner-friendly. The recipe requires basic baking skills and simple ingredients. Follow the steps carefully, and you’ll create delicious treats with ease.

  • Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps save time during the cookie-making process.

  • What if I don't have a piping bag for the filling?

You can use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off as an alternative. Or simply spoon the filling carefully around the cookie edges using a small spoon.

  • How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the prepared cookie dough for 15-20 minutes before baking. This helps maintain the shape and prevents excessive spreading in the oven.

Print
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Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies Recipe

Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies Recipe


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4.9 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet Spanish-inspired churro cheesecake donut cookies bring bakery magic right to kitchen counters. Crisp cinnamon-sugar edges and creamy cheesecake filling make these cookies an irresistible dessert you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly blend softened butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until achieving a light, airy consistency. Incorporate eggs individually, then mix in vanilla extract.
  2. Separately whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in another container. Gently fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, ensuring minimal overmixing.
  3. Whip cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until achieving a silky, uniform texture. Transfer the smooth filling into a piping tool.
  4. Heat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Craft dough into uniform spheres, then delicately flatten into circular shapes using gentle palm pressure or a cookie cutter.
  6. Carefully pipe cheesecake mixture around cookie edges, then tenderly fold dough over to encase the filling. Press firmly to create a secure seal.
  7. Strategically remove cookie centers using a small cutter to create a distinctive donut-like appearance.
  8. Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. Elegantly coat each cookie by rolling through the fragrant mixture.
  9. Position cookies on prepared baking sheet, maintaining generous spacing between each piece.
  10. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges transform into a delicate golden hue and cookies reach a perfect set consistency.

Notes

  • Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth, creamy mixing without lumps.
  • Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with corner snipped for precise cheesecake filling placement.
  • Chill dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain cookie structure during baking.
  • Experiment with alternative coatings like powdered sugar, chocolate drizzle, or flavored glazes for unique variations.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 205
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 45 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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