Churro Cheesecake Cookies 

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• Granulated sugar: For sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon: The key ingredient that gives the churro cookies their signature flavor.

How to Make Churro Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Start by preparing the cheesecake filling. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, and continue to mix until the filling is smooth and well-combined. The filling should have a soft, spreadable consistency.

Once the filling is ready, place it in the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the filling, making it easier to handle when assembling the cookies.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

While the cheesecake filling is chilling, prepare the cookie dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft, but not too sticky.

Step 3: Form the Cookie Dough Balls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Once the dough is ready, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the rest of the dough, placing the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Add the Cheesecake Filling

Once the cheesecake filling has chilled, take a small spoonful of the filling and gently press it into the center of each cookie dough ball. Be careful not to overfill the center—just a small amount of filling will do.

Gently press the edges of the dough around the cheesecake filling to seal it in. Roll the dough balls back into a smooth shape, ensuring the cheesecake filling is enclosed inside the dough.

Step 5: Coat the Cookies in Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Roll each cookie dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure they are fully coated on all sides.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Place the cinnamon-sugar-coated cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown, and the centers are set. The cookies will puff up slightly and become golden on the outside while the cheesecake filling stays creamy on the inside.

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Best Churro Cheesecake Cookies:

1. Chill the Dough: If you find that the dough is too soft to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling the dough balls. This makes the dough easier to work with.
2. Don’t Overfill the Cookies: When adding the cheesecake filling to the cookie dough, be careful not to overstuff them. Too much filling can cause the cookies to spread too much during baking.
3. Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it into the filling. This will help prevent lumps and create a smooth filling.
4. Customize the Cinnamon-Sugar: If you want to add a twist to the traditional churro flavor, you can experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar coating.
5. Serve Immediately or Store for Later: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.

Why You’ll Love Churro Cheesecake Cookies:

1. Decadent Fusion: The fusion of two beloved desserts—churros and cheesecake—creates a unique, indulgent treat that everyone will love.
2. Crispy and Creamy: The exterior is perfectly crisp from the cinnamon-sugar coating, while the center remains soft and creamy thanks to the cheesecake filling.
3. Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are ideal for parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet snack to share with friends.
4. Easy to Make: Despite their deliciously complex flavor, Churro Cheesecake Cookies are simple to prepare and require minimal effort for maximum flavor.
5. Customizable: You can add chocolate chips, drizzle with caramel sauce, or top with whipped cream for an extra special touch.

Final Thoughts:

Churro Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar combined with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake. They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations, and they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. So, why not treat yourself and your loved ones to these delicious cookies today? With their unique flavor and irresistible texture, Churro Cheesecake Cookies are bound to become your new favorite dessert!