Every time I make these Crispy Churro Donut Cookies Filled with Creamy Cheesecake, it reminds me of the sweet gatherings we used to have in our cozy kitchen, surrounded by the laughter and chatter of family. The smell of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the air brings back memories of my children running around, eager to taste the treats I had freshly baked. If there’s one thing I love more than baking, it’s sharing those delicious creations with loved ones. I know once you try these cookies, you’ll feel that same warmth and joy, and they might just become a cherished memory in your home, too!
How to make Crispy Churro Donut Cookies Filled with Creamy Cheesecake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base of our cookies, providing structure and that lovely chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness, of course! You can adjust it according to your taste, but trust me, these cookies need that little sparkle!
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: This warm spice is what brings the cozy flavor of churros to life.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: This helps our cookies rise beautifully and become fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness!
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: I always love using unsalted butter to have control over how much saltiness goes into my treats.
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened: This ingredient is the hero of our filling, adding that creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the churro flavor.
- 1 egg: This binds everything together and gives our cookies that wonderful moistness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For a lovely aroma and depth of flavor—don’t skip this!
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: This adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to your cookies.
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for coating): This will make the cookies resemble the classic churro we all adore.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): To give our cookies a sweet, glossy finish.
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze): This helps us create that creamy drizzle that takes these cookies over the top!
Now, let’s dive into how you can create these delightful cookies step by step!
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Preheat Your Oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this is key for that crispy exterior that we’re looking for!
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Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set this mixture aside, as we will bring it into play shortly.
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Cream the Butter and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1/4 cup softened butter and 1/4 cup softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. You should see the ingredients well blended; this is where the magic begins!
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Add the Egg and Sugars: Stir in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup brown sugar into the creamy mixture. Beat them together until everything is fully combined and smooth. This is the part I always look forward to because the mixture smells heavenly!
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients from your earlier bowl into the wet mixture, mixing just until a thick dough forms. Don’t overmix; we want our cookies to stay nice and soft!
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Form the Dough Balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the dough into small balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Place them on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake: Now, pop them into your preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden brown and puffy. Keep an eye on them; you don’t want to overbake!
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Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: While your cookies are baking, mix 1 tablespoon cinnamon with 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a small bowl. Once the cookies come out of the oven, you’ll want to roll them in this mixture to get that classic churro crust!
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Cool and Coat: Once the cookies have cooled slightly, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re fully coated. You can almost taste the excitement already!
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Make the Glaze: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth. Once your cookies are coated, drizzle this glaze on top. It’s the finishing touch that makes these cookies truly special!
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Serve and Enjoy!: Let the glaze set for a few minutes, and then you can either serve them warm or at room temperature. Either way, I promise you’re in for a treat!
Why I Love Making This Dish: These Crispy Churro Donut Cookies Filled with Creamy Cheesecake have become one of my favorite treats to whip up because they bring smiles to my family’s faces. Baking has always been my way of showing love, and these cookies are the perfect combination of nostalgia and newness. They remind me of the cinnamon-sugar churros I enjoyed at fairs but add a unique twist with the cheesecake filling—giving everyone that wonderful surprise they didn’t see coming!
What You’ll Need: Aside from the ingredients, you’ll just need a few simple tools: a mixing bowl, a whisk, a baking sheet, parchment paper, and maybe a cookie scoop for uniformity if you have one. I love using parchment paper because it makes sure the cookies don’t stick, and clean-up is easy-peasy!
Tips for Perfect Results:
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are both at room temperature before you start mixing; this creates a smoother, more homogenous batter.
- Don’t skip the rolling in cinnamon-sugar; it’s a key part of that churro experience!
- Taste the sugar before rolling in the cinnamon. Aromas can be deceiving; make sure it’s sweet enough for your liking!
- If you want to make these cookies extra special, feel free to add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for extra texture!
Serving Suggestions and Sides: These cookies are perfect on their own, but for a delightful afternoon treat, pair them with a warm cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You could even set up a mini dessert bar with toppings like caramel sauce or extra cream cheese frosting for a fun gathering with friends!
Leftovers: If by some miracle you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days—if they last that long! To revive them, pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds or enjoy them cold. They’re delicious however you choose to indulge!
FAQ Section: Can I use different fillings? Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cheesecake, you might try filling these with chocolate ganache or even a fruit jam for a tangy surprise.
What if I want to make them smaller? You can definitely make them smaller! Just adjust your baking time down a bit—start checking them at around 6-7 minutes.
Can I freeze these cookies? Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
These Crispy Churro Donut Cookies Filled with Creamy Cheesecake have become a favorite in my house, and I’m so excited for you to try them. I know you’ll love how easy they are to make and how delicious they taste! Baking is about more than just food; it’s about creating moments and memories in your kitchen. Please let me know how they turn out, and if your family keeps asking for more, just like mine does every time!