Homemade Churro Cheesecake Cookies

Homemade Churro Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts. These cookies feature a soft and buttery dough filled with a creamy cheesecake center, all rolled in cinnamon sugar for that classic churro flavor. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 egg
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for the cheesecake filling)
1/4 cup cinnamon sugar (for rolling)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
4. In another bowl, prepare the cheesecake filling by mixing the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Scoop the cookie dough into small balls, about 1 tablespoon each, and flatten them slightly. Place 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake mixture in the center, fold the dough around the filling, and roll it into a ball.
6. Roll each cookie ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
7. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow to cool before serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Total Time: 27-29 minutes
Servings: Approximately 24 cookies

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the dough for a crunchy texture.
• Different Fillings: Experiment with flavored cream cheese, such as strawberry or lemon, for a unique twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Yes, you can use margarine, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
2. How can I make these cookies softer?
   Do not overbake the cookies; they should be slightly underbaked in the center for a softer texture.
3. Can I add more cinnamon?
   Absolutely! You can increase the amount of cinnamon in both the cookie dough and the sugar mixture.
4. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
   You could try using mascarpone cheese for a different flavor, though the texture will vary.
5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
6. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   They should be lightly golden around the edges and set in the center.
7. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
   Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used, but it may affect the richness of the filling.
8. What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
   If the dough is too sticky, you can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
9. Can I freeze the cheesecake filling?
   Yes, the cheesecake filling can be made ahead and frozen, but it’s best used fresh.
10. What can I serve with these cookies?
    These cookies are great on their own, but they can be paired with milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

Homemade Churro Cheesecake Cookies are a delicious and fun dessert that combines the flavors of churros and cheesecake into one irresistible cookie. With their soft texture and creamy filling, they are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a special treat. Easy to make and customizable, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the delightful experience of biting into these tasty treats!

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