If you have a sweet tooth that loves a little twist, then you are absolutely going to adore this Churro Cheesecake Cookies Recipe! Imagine biting into a perfectly soft and buttery cookie, dusted generously with cinnamon sugar, and then discovering a creamy, luscious cheesecake center that just melts in your mouth. This recipe is truly the ultimate mash-up, combining the warm, nostalgic flavors of churros with the indulgent richness of cheesecake. Whether you are planning a holiday gathering, a party, or simply craving a special treat, these cookies are your new go-to dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the center is a gray carton holding six brown eggs. To the left, there is a small brown bowl with several large pieces of yellow butter and two wooden spoons, one with a white powder and the other with a different white powder beside it. Below them is a short clear glass bowl with white granulated sugar and a metal measuring cup with a wooden handle set inside. Above the eggs are two small metal measuring spoons with wooden handles, one holding salt and the other empty. To the right of the eggs is a round glass jar filled with white flour and its lid resting open at an angle. Near the jar is another small brown bowl with creamy white cheese chunks. Far right at the edge is a small white bowl edged with brown, filled with brown cinnamon powder. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Churro Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is simple but mighty in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the creamy cheesecake filling to the cinnamon-spiced cookie dough and the sweet coating, every component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect bite.

8 ounces cream cheese, softened: The star of the cheesecake filling, it adds that creamy and tangy goodness.
¼ cup granulated sugar (for filling): Sweetens the cheesecake just enough to balance its tang.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling): Enhances the cheesecake’s flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Creates the sturdy but tender base for the churro cookie dough.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise perfectly for a soft texture.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds just the right lift for a light cookie.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that unmistakable churro flavor to the dough.
½ teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and tenderness to the cookie dough.
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar (for dough): Sweetens the dough and helps with that beautiful golden color when baked.
2 large eggs, room temperature: Binds the dough ingredients and adds moisture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for dough): Infuses the dough with warm, enticing notes.
¼ cup granulated sugar (for coating): Used to coat the cookies for that classic sweet crust.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating): Essential to roll the cookies in for authentic churro taste.

How to Make Churro Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Begin by softening the cream cheese to ensure a smooth filling. Beat it together with sugar and vanilla extract until beautifully creamy and combined. Portion this mixture into 12 equal dollops on a parchment-lined tray, then freeze them until completely solid. This crucial step keeps the cheesecake center intact in the baking process and guarantees a creamy surprise inside every cookie.

Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk all the dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This mixture will form the flavor-packed, soft churro cookie dough base. Mixing these ingredients well now ensures even distribution of rising agents and that perfect cinnamon flavor throughout every bite.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process not only incorporates air but also ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture for the cookies. The buttery sweetness in this step is what sets these cookies apart from your regular chewy treats.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar. Be sure everything is well combined here, scraping down the bowl if necessary, since this mixture binds the dough and contributes to its moistness.

Step 5: Form the Dough

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until you see the dough come together. Don’t overmix—thick dough is key! This tactile process results in a dough that’s sturdy enough to hold the cheesecake inside but tender when baked.

Step 6: Stuff the Cookies

Divide the dough into 12 parts and roll each into a ball. Press a well into each dough ball to make space for the frozen cheesecake portions. Nestle a frozen cheesecake ball inside and carefully pinch and roll the edges back around to enclose the filling completely. This wrapping technique creates that delightful surprise when you bite in.

Step 7: Coat the Cookies

Mix the sugar and cinnamon for the coating in a shallow bowl. Roll each stuffed dough ball generously in this cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure every inch is covered for that signature churro flavor and delightful crunch.

Step 8: Chill Before Baking

Place the coated cookies on a parchment-lined sheet and chill in the fridge for at least one hour. This resting time firms up the dough, helping the cookies keep their shape and allowing flavors to meld beautifully as they bake.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the chilled cookies on a lined tray, spaced generously apart, for 14 to 17 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden and set. Let cookies cool on the pan before transferring to a wire rack—this lets the cheesecake center firm perfectly without losing its luscious creaminess.

How to Serve Churro Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

A baking tray is filled with a pile of golden brown cookies with a slightly cracked, soft texture. The cookies are stacked mostly in two layers, overlapping each other, showing their round shape and warm color with hints of cinnamon specks on the surface. On the top right corner of the tray, there is a small wooden bowl filled with a light tan powder, likely cinnamon sugar. The tray sits on a white marbled table, and nearby there are small round bowls with spices and salt, adding warm tones of brown and white to the scene. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these cookies are already sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, you can add a fun twist by dusting with a bit of powdered sugar or drizzling with melted chocolate for an extra indulgence. A light sprinkling of ground cinnamon right before serving can also elevate the aroma and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

These Churro Cheesecake Cookies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of rich hot chocolate. The warm spices and creamy center complement creamy, cold, or warm beverages and desserts, making them perfect companions for your dessert spread or afternoon snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving these cookies in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin for a festive touch. You can also stack them creatively on a tiered cake stand or box them in pretty tins as delightful homemade gifts. For parties, serve alongside mini churro bites or cheesecake shots for a full themed dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cookies maintain their soft, chewy texture best when stored away from heat and humidity, which also preserves the creamy cheesecake center perfectly.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months by layering them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. Alternatively, freeze the individual cheesecake filling balls before assembly to make future batches faster and just as delicious.

Reheating

To enjoy these cookies warm, reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes or until just heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the cheesecake center to become too soft and the cookie texture to suffer. The gentle oven warmth will bring back that freshly baked feel every time.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?

While low-fat cream cheese will reduce the richness, it may affect the creamy texture of the filling. For best results, use full-fat cream cheese to get the luscious, smooth cheesecake center that makes this recipe so special.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky to handle?

If your dough feels sticky, chill it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to firm up. You can also lightly flour your hands and surface while shaping the cookies to make the process easier without adding too much extra flour.

Can these cookies be made dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives, such as vegan cream cheese and dairy-free margarine. The flavor and texture might differ slightly, but they should still come out delicious with the cinnamon-sugar coating.

Is the cheesecake filling safe to eat if slightly underbaked?

The cheesecake filling is baked fully inside the dough and should firm up after cooling. If underbaked, the center might be too soft or runny. Following the baking and cooling instructions closely will ensure safe and perfect creamy centers every time.

Can I use store-bought cinnamon sugar for the coating?

Absolutely! Pre-mixed cinnamon sugar works perfectly and can save time. Just make sure it has a good balance of cinnamon and sugar to keep the classic churro flavor bright and sweet.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Churro Cheesecake Cookies Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. The delightful combination of soft cinnamon cookie and creamy cheesecake is an irresistible treat everyone will rave about. Whether you bake them for special occasions or just to brighten an ordinary day, these cookies never fail to bring smiles and a little sweet magic to any table. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the delicious journey of creating these scrumptious churro cheesecake delights!