Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies Recipe

Introduction

When I made these Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies for the first time, they were an instant hit! Imagine the perfect blend of crispy churro-inspired cinnamon-sugar-coated dough, with a creamy cheesecake filling inside. My family couldn’t get enough of them, and they were gone within minutes. These cookies bring the best of both worlds—a churro and cheesecake—all in one delectable treat. Whether it’s for a family gathering or a special treat at home, these cookies are bound to please any crowd.

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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

Optional:

• 1 cup caramel sauce

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Transfer the filling to a piping bag for easy handling.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and flatten each into a circle.
3. Pipe a small amount of cheesecake filling around the edges of each cookie, fold the dough over the filling, and seal. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out the center, shaping the cookie like a donut.

Step 4: Coat the Cookies

1. In a shallow dish, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
2. Roll each cookie in the mixture until evenly coated.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

1. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
2. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Optional: Add Caramel Drizzle

• Drizzle the cookies with caramel sauce before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

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Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 20 cookies
• Calories per serving: 250 kcal

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

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How to Serve Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies

These cookies are versatile and pair well with many treats. Here are some serving suggestions:

• With coffee or tea: Perfect for a morning or afternoon treat.
• On a dessert platter: Arrange with other cookies, brownies, or pastries.
• With ice cream: Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a churro-inspired ice cream sandwich.
• With hot chocolate: Dip them in hot chocolate for a warm, sweet pairing.
• For a party or gathering: Stack them on a tiered tray to make them the center of attention on the dessert table.

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Additional Tips

1. Soften the cream cheese completely: This makes it easier to pipe and prevents lumps in the filling.
2. Chill the dough if too sticky: If the dough is difficult to handle, chill it for about 15-20 minutes.
3. Don’t overbake: Bake until lightly golden to avoid drying out the cheesecake filling.
4. Use a piping bag for easy filling: This helps create an even cheesecake ring and simplifies the process.
5. Serve with caramel drizzle: The caramel sauce adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the cinnamon sugar.

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Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of caramel, drizzle with melted chocolate for a decadent touch.
• Nutella Filling: Swap the cheesecake filling with Nutella for a chocolate-hazelnut twist.
• Add spices to the dough: Try adding a hint of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for a unique flavor.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Instead of piping a ring, mix the cheesecake filling lightly into the dough for a marbled effect.
• Filled with Jam: Substitute the cheesecake filling with a spoonful of strawberry or raspberry jam for a fruity variation.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies with:

• Hot Coffee: Their warm, cinnamon flavor pairs well with coffee.
• Hot Cocoa: Dip the cookie for an extra-sweet treat.
• Milk: A classic pairing, especially for kids.
• Caramel Latte: Enhances the caramel topping.
• Ice Cream: Make an ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop between two cookies.

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Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: After baking, let the cookies cool completely. Store in an airtight container, with parchment paper between layers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days due to the cream cheese filling.
• Reheating: To enjoy warm, reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

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FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the dough to avoid an overly salty flavor.

Q2: How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Ensure you seal the dough around the filling well and don’t overfill to prevent leakage.

Q3: Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Q4: Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Brown sugar will change the texture slightly but can be used for a richer, caramel-like flavor.

Q5: How long do they stay fresh?
Stored properly, they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Q6: Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze the dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a container for up to 3 months.

Q7: Do I need to refrigerate them because of the cream cheese?
Yes, due to the cream cheese filling, store them in the fridge to keep them fresh.

Q8: Can I skip the cinnamon-sugar coating?
Yes, but the coating adds a churro-like flavor that enhances the cookies.

Q9: How can I make them gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

Q10: Can I use a different filling?
Certainly! Nutella, jam, or chocolate ganache would all work well as fillings.

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Conclusion

These Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies are a delightful blend of flavors and textures that bring together the best of cheesecake and churros. The creamy, tangy filling is perfectly complemented by the crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated dough, making these cookies an instant favorite. With simple ingredients and an easy process, they’re ideal for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or as a cozy treat at home, these cookies are sure to impress!

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