Welcome to our sweet treats section! Today, we’re sharing a delightful and decadent recipe for Churro Cheesecake Cookies. These cookies combine the flavors of churros and cheesecake in a delicious, bite-sized treat. They are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Caramel Sauce (optional):
- 1 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and shape.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tsp of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the Dough: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it into a disc. Place about 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake filling in the center of the disc. Take another tablespoon of dough, flatten it, and place it over the filling. Pinch the edges to seal and roll the dough into a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tbsp of ground cinnamon. Roll each cookie dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Bake: Place the coated cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve Warm: Serve the churro cheesecake cookies warm, with a drizzle of caramel sauce on top if desired. Enjoy!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Seal the Filling: Ensure the edges of the dough are well-sealed around the cheesecake filling to prevent it from leaking out during baking.
- Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Variations
Chocolate Churro Cheesecake Cookies
Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolaty twist.
Pumpkin Spice Churro Cheesecake Cookies
Add 1 tsp of pumpkin spice to the dough and replace the cinnamon in the coating with pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired treat.
Nutella-Filled Churro Cheesecake Cookies
Replace the cream cheese filling with Nutella for a rich and indulgent variation.
Gluten-Free Churro Cheesecake Cookies
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use pre-made dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought cookie dough to save time. Just make sure to follow the instructions for filling and coating with cinnamon sugar.
How do I make the caramel sauce?
You can use store-bought caramel sauce or make your own by melting sugar over medium heat, adding butter, and then heavy cream. Stir until smooth and let cool before drizzling over the cookies.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What if I don’t have a piping bag for the filling?
You can use a small spoon to place the cheesecake filling in the center of the dough discs.
These Churro Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful and decadent treat that combines the best of churros and cheesecake. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious cookies with your loved ones!
