Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are a sweet and indulgent treat that combines the warm, spiced flavors of churros with the creamy richness of cheesecake and the comforting texture of donuts. These cookies are soft, pillowy, and baked to perfection, then rolled in a cinnamon-sugar coating for an irresistible finish. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying a treat on a cozy day at home, these cookies will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are a perfect fusion of flavors that brings together the best parts of churros, cheesecake, and donuts. The cookies are soft and rich, with a slightly tangy flavor from the cream cheese that contrasts beautifully with the warm cinnamon-sugar coating. They are easy to make and bake quickly, making them an excellent choice when you want a homemade sweet treat without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup brown sugar, packed
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ cup cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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In another bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
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Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, then blend in the cream cheese until smooth.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
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Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool the cookies on a wire rack.
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While the cookies are still warm, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
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Roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Servings: 24 cookies
Variations
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Add-ins: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar coating for an added flavor boost.
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Glaze: For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle the cookies with a cream cheese glaze after coating them in cinnamon sugar.
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Chilled dough: If you prefer a firmer texture, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Storage/Reheating
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Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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For a warm treat, reheat the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
It’s best to use butter for the richest flavor and texture, but margarine can be used as a substitute if necessary.
2. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and transfer to a freezer bag. When you're ready to bake, no need to thaw—just bake for an extra minute or two.
3. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
While low-fat cream cheese can be used, it may affect the richness and texture of the cookies. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best results.
4. Can I make these cookies without the cinnamon-sugar coating?
If you prefer a less sweet coating, you can skip the cinnamon-sugar roll and enjoy them as they are, or try a powdered sugar dusting instead.
5. What is the best way to store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for longer storage and thaw them as needed.
6. Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?
Yes! If you love chocolate, adding a handful of chocolate chips to the dough will create a wonderful contrast to the cinnamon-sugar coating.
7. Can I make these gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1.
8. Can I use brown sugar for the coating?
Yes, you can mix brown sugar with cinnamon for a richer, caramel-like flavor.
9. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading too much, make sure the dough isn’t too soft. Chill the dough for 30 minutes to help prevent excessive spreading during baking.
10. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Conclusion
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are the ultimate treat, offering a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spiced flavors. These cookies are easy to prepare, versatile, and absolutely delicious. Whether you're making them for a party or a simple afternoon snack, they are sure to impress everyone who tries them!
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are the ultimate indulgent treat that blends the best of churros, creamy cheesecake, and fluffy donuts. These soft, cinnamon-sugar coated cookies are easy to bake and perfect for parties, holidays, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
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In a separate bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
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Mix in egg and vanilla extract, then blend in cream cheese until smooth.
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Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
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Scoop dough onto the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
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Cool cookies on a wire rack.
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While warm, roll cookies in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon.
Notes
- For a firmer cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Add nutmeg or cardamom to the coating for extra flavor.
- Drizzle with a cream cheese glaze for added indulgence.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze the dough for future use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
