Description
Churro Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate dessert mashup, combining the crunchy, cinnamon-sugar goodness of churros with the creamy, tangy delight of cheesecake. These cookies are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious, offering a unique flavor experience that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With a crispy churro coating on the outside and a smooth cheesecake filling on the inside, each bite delivers a delightful contrast of textures that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
Ingredients List
For the Churro Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for dough)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but firm enough to handle.
5. Roll in Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough into small balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
6. Bake the Cookies
Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press down each ball with the back of a spoon or your hand to flatten slightly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Notes
Tips and Notes
- Add a Flavor Twist: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a touch of orange zest or a splash of almond extract to the cookie dough. You can also experiment with the cheesecake filling by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or a swirl of caramel.
- Customizing the Coating: While cinnamon-sugar is the classic coating, you can mix things up by adding cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist or nutmeg for a spicier flavor. Adjust the ratio of cinnamon to sugar based on your preference.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these cookies warm with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert. Alternatively, you can dust them with powdered sugar for a simpler, yet elegant presentation.
- Make-Ahead Option: If you’re preparing these cookies for a party or event, you can make the dough ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before rolling, coating, and baking.