Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies

Introduction:

These Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are a delightful fusion of classic churros, creamy cheesecake, and the fun shape of donuts! Each bite offers a perfect balance of cinnamon-sugar-coated cookie dough with a rich cheesecake filling, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

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

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large mixing 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 ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

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

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. Alternatively, use a large cookie cutter to shape the dough.
3. Pipe a small amount of cheesecake filling around the sides of each cookie, then fold the edges over to enclose the filling.
4. Press down to seal the dough and use a small cookie cutter to cut out the center, giving the cookie a donut shape.

Coat the Cookies:

1. In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
2. Roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.

Bake the Cookies:

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

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields about 24 cookies.
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

• Stuffed Version: Add a dollop of Nutella or fruit preserves along with the cheesecake filling for an extra surprise.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the baked cookies for a richer flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a spicy kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
• Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
• Freezing: These cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
2. Can I use a store-bought cheesecake filling? Yes, store-bought cheesecake filling can be used as a quick alternative.
3. What if I don’t have a piping bag? You can use a plastic sandwich bag with a small corner cut off as a makeshift piping bag.
4. Can I make these cookies without the donut shape? Absolutely! You can shape them into regular cookies and they’ll still be delicious.
5. How can I make the cookies softer? Reduce the baking time slightly for softer cookies.
6. Is the caramel sauce necessary? No, the caramel sauce is optional, but it adds a lovely sweetness to the cookies.
7. Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.
8. Can I use margarine instead of butter? Butter is recommended for the best flavor, but margarine can be used in a pinch.
9. What type of sugar is best for the coating? Granulated sugar works best for the cinnamon-sugar coating.
10. Can I add other spices to the dough? Yes, feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor.

Conclusion

These Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of churros, cheesecake, and donuts into one irresistible cookie. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a cup of coffee, these cookies are sure to impress with their rich flavor and fun shape. Enjoy the sweet, cinnamon-sugar goodness with every bite!

Print