Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies

There are cookies, and then there are Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies—a treat so indulgent, so melt-in-your-mouth delicious, that one bite will have you hooked. Imagine the crispy, cinnamon-sugar goodness of a churro, the creamy richness of cheesecake, and the soft, pillowy texture of a donut—all in one heavenly cookie. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, today, I’m making that dream a reality.

These cookies are the perfect combination of flavors and textures, making them an absolute must-try. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself (because you deserve it!), this recipe will not disappoint. Let’s dive into all the delicious details.

Why You’ll Love These Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies

• Triple Delight: A fusion of three iconic desserts—churros, cheesecake, and donuts.
• Soft & Fluffy: Light and airy like a donut, yet rich and creamy in the center.
• Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: That classic churro crunch with every bite.
• Easy to Make: No frying required—just bake and enjoy.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them at parties, as a holiday treat, or alongside your coffee.

What Do These Cookies Taste Like?

These cookies are buttery and tender, with a slight crispiness from the cinnamon-sugar coating. The cheesecake filling adds a smooth, tangy sweetness, balancing the richness of the dough. Every bite is like a warm hug, reminding you of freshly fried churros dipped in cream cheese frosting, with a hint of fluffy donut magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

the cookies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

the cheesecake filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the churro topping:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop
• Small spoon (for filling)

Can I Make Ingredient Substitutions?

Absolutely! Here are some easy swaps:

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Dairy-Free: Replace butter with vegan butter and cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese.
• Less Sugar: Cut back on the sugar in the dough if you prefer a less sweet cookie.

How to Make Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Cover and chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the dough.

Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
3. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.

Shape and Fill the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough, rolling it into a ball.
3. Flatten the dough slightly, creating a small indent in the center.
4. Spoon ½ teaspoon of cheesecake filling into the indent, then gently cover with a small piece of dough, sealing the edges.
5. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Bake the Cookies

1. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
3. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes.

Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar

1. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon.
2. Brush the tops of the cookies with melted butter.
3. Roll each cookie in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

What to Serve with These Cookies

• Hot Chocolate: The cinnamon-sugar coating pairs perfectly with rich hot chocolate.
• Coffee or Espresso: The richness of the cheesecake balances beautifully with a strong coffee.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Dulce de Leche Drizzle: A little caramel magic never hurt anyone.

Pro Tips for the Best Cookies

• Chill the Filling: This keeps it from melting too quickly in the oven.
• Don’t Overbake: The cookies should be soft and slightly underbaked in the center.
• Seal the Edges: Prevent the filling from leaking by pinching the dough well.
• Use Fresh Cinnamon: It makes a difference in the flavor of the churro coating.

Storing & Freezing Instructions

To store: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To freeze: Place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once solid, transfer them to a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Store the dough in the fridge for up to 48 hours before baking.

Can I air-fry these cookies?

Absolutely! Air-fry at 325°F (163°C) for 8-10 minutes for a crispy outer layer.

Can I make mini versions of these cookies?

Yes! Use ½ tablespoon of dough for bite-sized churro cheesecake cookies.

Final Thoughts

These Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are truly something special—crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, and packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness. Whether you’re baking them for a party, a family treat, or just because (my personal favorite excuse!), they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

If you try this recipe, leave a comment and share your photos on Pinterest! I’d love to see your creations. Happy baking!

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you love these Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies, here are a few more sweet and savory treats to check out:

• Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip – A warm, creamy dip with tangy cranberries and a golden crust, perfect for sharing.
• Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies – Crispy, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips, these cookies are a fun twist on a classic.
• Roasted Beet and Feta Stack – A fresh and vibrant dish that’s both beautiful and flavorful.

Save this recipe and let me know how your cookies turn out!

Print