Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies – Page 2

For the Cookie Dough:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (adds a hint of spice)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for richness)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for sweetness)
1/4 cup brown sugar (adds moisture and a deeper flavor)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk (for a soft, chewy texture)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened (the star of the filling)
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for sweetness)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons sour cream (adds tang and creaminess)
1 tablespoon heavy cream (to make the filling extra smooth)

For the Churro Coating:

1/4 cup granulated sugar (for sweetness)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (for that classic churro flavor)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies

1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

Start by making the cheesecake filling so it has time to firm up while you prepare the cookie dough. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
Once smooth, cover the filling with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to chill while you make the cookie dough. Chilling the filling will make it easier to pipe into the cookies later.

2. Make the Cookie Dough:

In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir them together to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
In another bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Finally, mix in the milk until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not sticky.

3. Form the Cookies:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, take about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and roll it into a ball. Place it on the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
With your finger, gently make an indentation in the center of each cookie ball. This will create a pocket to fill with the creamy cheesecake filling later.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden but the center is still soft.

4. Prepare the Churro Coating:

While the cookies are baking, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This will be the coating for the churro flavor.

5. Fill the Cookies:

Once the cookies have baked and cooled slightly (about 5 minutes), use a spoon or piping bag to fill the center of each cookie with the chilled cheesecake filling. Be generous with the filling, as it adds the creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet cookie and cinnamon-sugar coating.

6. Coat the Cookies:

After filling each cookie with the cheesecake mixture, gently roll the edges of the cookies in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to give them that signature churro coating.
For extra stickiness, you can brush the cookies with a tiny bit of melted butter before rolling them in the cinnamon-sugar.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Allow the cookies to set for a few minutes to let the filling firm up. Serve them immediately and enjoy the perfect combination of crispy, chewy, and creamy in every bite.

Tips for Perfect Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies

Chill the Filling: Don’t skip the chilling step for the cheesecake filling. It helps the filling set and makes it easier to pipe into the cookies without making a mess.
Don’t Overbake: For a soft, chewy cookie with a slightly crisp edge, be careful not to overbake. The cookies should look soft in the center when you remove them from the oven and firm up as they cool.
Use a Piping Bag: For a neater presentation, use a piping bag to fill the cookies with cheesecake filling. This will give you more control over the amount of filling you add.
Try Different Flavors: If you want to mix things up, consider adding a bit of lemon zest or vanilla bean to the cheesecake filling for extra flavor.
Make Ahead: These cookies can be made ahead of time! You can bake and fill them, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The cinnamon-sugar coating might lose some of its crunch over time, but the flavors will still be amazing.

Conclusion: A Sweet Treat Worth Every Bite

These Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are the perfect dessert to impress your family and friends or to indulge in when you’re craving something sweet. The crispy cinnamon-sugar exterior, soft chewy donut-like texture, and creamy cheesecake filling come together in a cookie that’s truly irresistible.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a holiday, or just because, these cookies are sure to steal the spotlight. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful dessert—it’s the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and spice, and it’s a treat you won’t soon forget!

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