Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies combine two beloved desserts: the crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated churro and the rich, creamy cheesecake filling. The combination of these two desserts results in a sweet, indulgent treat that will leave anyone craving more. The churro cookies are perfectly golden brown on the outside, with a sweet, tangy, and smooth cheesecake center. This dessert can easily become a favorite in your kitchen and at your next gathering. Whether you’re preparing for a family dessert night, an office party, or just want to enjoy something sweet, these cheesecake stuffed churro cookies are sure to impress. In this article, we will walk you through each step to create these mouthwatering cookies. From preparing the dough to stuffing them with creamy cheesecake filling, we will cover everything you need to know to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation, and tips for making this delicious treat.
Ingredients:
For the churro cookie dough, you’ll need 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. The flour and baking soda help create the structure of the cookie, while the cinnamon adds the signature flavor of churros. Additionally, you’ll need 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (softened), 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of whole milk. These ingredients come together to form a soft dough that will hold the cheesecake filling perfectly. For the cheesecake filling, use 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1 large egg. These ingredients create a smooth, tangy filling that complements the sweetness of the churro cookie dough. Finally, for the churro coating, you’ll need 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon to coat the cookies after baking, giving them that delightful churro crust.
Preparation:
The first step in making cheesecake stuffed churro cookies is to prepare the cheesecake filling. Begin by softening the cream cheese and placing it in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or hand mixer to beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Once the cream cheese mixture is smooth, add the sour cream and egg. Beat again until everything is well combined. The filling should have a soft, light, and creamy texture. Once prepared, place the cheesecake filling in the fridge to chill while you prepare the cookie dough. Chilling the filling helps it firm up and makes it easier to handle when you stuff the cookies.
Next, prepare the churro cookie dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Use a whisk to evenly distribute the dry ingredients. This will ensure that the cinnamon is well incorporated throughout the dough. In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take around 3 minutes. Once creamed, add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat the mixture until everything is fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough begins to form. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cookies. Once the dough has come together, add 1/4 cup of whole milk and mix until the dough is smooth and pliable. At this point, your churro dough should be ready for shaping.
After you’ve prepared both the cheesecake filling and churro dough, it’s time to assemble the cookies. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out small portions of the churro dough using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop. Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 tablespoon each. Once you have the dough balls, use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each one. This will serve as the pocket for the cheesecake filling. Take the chilled cheesecake filling from the fridge and scoop about 1 teaspoon of the filling. Place the cheesecake filling into the indentation of the dough ball, then carefully fold the edges of the dough around the filling. Pinch the dough to seal the cheesecake inside, making sure there are no gaps. Roll the dough ball between your hands to smooth it out and ensure the cheesecake filling stays sealed inside. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and cheesecake filling. This method will give you perfectly stuffed churro cookies.
Now that your dough balls are stuffed with cheesecake, it’s time to coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. After sealing each dough ball, roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. This will create that signature churro exterior when the cookies bake. After coating each cookie, place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for even baking.
Once all the cookies are on the baking sheet, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the cookies are golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch. However, be careful not to overbake them. Overbaking could cause the cheesecake filling to leak out, so be vigilant about the baking time. After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This cooling period is essential to prevent the cookies from falling apart when you handle them. Once cooled, the cheesecake stuffed churro cookies are ready to enjoy.
Variation Ideas:
One of the best things about cheesecake stuffed churro cookies is how versatile they are. While the classic cinnamon-sugar churro flavor is delicious, there are plenty of variations you can try. For example, if you love chocolate, you can add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the churro cookie dough before rolling them into balls. This will add an extra layer of sweetness and richness. For a fall twist, consider making pumpkin cheesecake stuffed churro cookies by substituting the vanilla extract with pumpkin spice and adding canned pumpkin to the cheesecake filling. This variation is perfect for autumn or Thanksgiving celebrations. If you’re craving fruit, try incorporating fresh berries into the cheesecake filling. Mash up some strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries and fold them into the cream cheese mixture for a fruity surprise in the center of each cookie. Another fun variation could be adding Nutella or hazelnut spread into the filling for a rich, chocolatey filling that pairs beautifully with the churro cookie dough. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your cheesecake stuffed churro cookies!
COOKING NOTE:
When making cheesecake stuffed churro cookies, it’s crucial to ensure the dough is properly sealed around the filling. If there are gaps or tears, the cheesecake filling may leak out during baking. Be sure to pinch the dough tightly around the filling to avoid this. Chilling the cheesecake filling before stuffing the cookies is also essential. Cold filling is easier to work with and will prevent it from oozing out while baking. Keep an eye on the baking time, as cookies can go from perfectly baked to overdone quickly. If you notice the edges turning too brown, remove the cookies from the oven immediately. If you prefer, you can freeze the dough before baking. Freeze the stuffed dough balls for about 30 minutes before placing them in the oven. This will give you slightly firmer cookies, and it’s a great way to prepare the cookies in advance if you’re short on time.
Serving Suggestions:
These cheesecake stuffed churro cookies are delightful on their own, but there are plenty of ways you can elevate them. Consider serving them with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent touch. For an added contrast of textures, serve the cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The cold ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm, cinnamon-sugar coated cookies. For a fun and festive presentation, arrange the cookies on a platter with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar. This will create a beautiful dessert spread that is perfect for a party or gathering. If you want to add a touch of sophistication, serve the cookies with a hot cup of chocolate or a latte. These cozy beverages will complement the rich flavors of the cookies and create a dessert experience that’s both comforting and luxurious.
Tips:
To make sure your cookies are uniform in size, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough. This will ensure the cookies bake evenly. Don’t skip the cinnamon-sugar coating! It’s what gives these cookies their signature churro flavor and texture. If you want to make the cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the stuffed dough balls for later use. Just freeze them for 30 minutes before baking, and add a minute or two to the baking time. Be sure to let the cookies cool slightly before serving. They can be a little fragile when they’re hot, and cooling them slightly will make them easier to handle.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
Calories: 210
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 65mg
Total Carbohydrates: 26g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 40mg
FAQs:
- Can I make these cookies in advance? Yes, you can make the dough and the cheesecake filling ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake the cookies.
- Can I use a different filling instead of cheesecake? Yes, you can experiment with different fillings like Nutella, chocolate ganache, or fruit preserves. Just be mindful of the consistency of the filling, as it should be thick enough not to leak out during baking.
- Why did my cheesecake filling leak out? This may happen if the dough is not sealed tightly enough around the filling. Make sure the dough is securely pinched around the cheesecake filling before baking.
- How do I store leftover cookies? Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool them completely before freezing.
Conclusion:
Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth. Combining the crispy, cinnamon-sugar exterior of a churro with the creamy, rich cheesecake filling, these cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like something from a bakery. Whether you keep it classic or try one of the many variations, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who tries them. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy these delicious, homemade treats.