What Are Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies and Why You’ll Love Them?
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies bring together three classic desserts into one irresistible bite. These cookies have:
✔ A golden, crispy cinnamon-sugar coating, just like Mexican churros.
✔ A rich, creamy cheesecake center, adding a smooth, indulgent filling.
✔ A light, fluffy texture, inspired by baked donuts.
Unlike traditional churros, these cookies are baked instead of fried, making them an easier and less messy alternative to deep-fried treats. The result? A flaky, golden-brown cookie with a smooth, tangy cheesecake center and a sweet cinnamon crunch.
Food bloggers and bakers, including Chelsweets, have praised this dessert for its perfect balance of flavors and textures.
If you love sweet, buttery baked goods, try Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies—another rich, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that pairs well with churro cookies!
Table of Contents
What Makes Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies Unique?
1. The Perfect Blend of Three Desserts
✔ Crispy cinnamon-sugar coating → Inspired by classic Mexican churros.
✔ Flaky, buttery dough → Similar to fried donuts, but baked.
✔ Creamy cheesecake filling → Adds richness and smooth texture.
Pro Tip: If you love light, creamy cheesecakes, check out Japanese Cotton Cheesecake for a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth alternative!
Essential Ingredients for the Best Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
The key to perfect churro cookies is using high-quality ingredients to get that crispy yet soft texture and the perfectly spiced flavor.
Dough Ingredients:
✔ 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour → Provides structure.
✔ 1 tsp baking powder → Helps the cookies rise slightly.
✔ ½ tsp salt → Enhances flavor.
✔ ½ cup unsalted butter, softened → Creates a tender, flaky texture.
✔ ¾ cup granulated sugar → Adds sweetness.
✔ 1 large egg → Binds the dough together.
✔ 1 tsp vanilla extract → Enhances overall flavor.
Cheesecake Filling:
✔ 8 oz cream cheese, softened → The key to a creamy, rich filling.
✔ ¼ cup powdered sugar → Adds sweetness without graininess.
✔ ½ tsp vanilla extract → Brings out the tangy cheesecake flavor.
Churro Coating:
✔ ½ cup granulated sugar → Creates the signature churro crunch.
✔ 2 tsp ground cinnamon → Adds warm, spiced flavor.
✔ 3 tbsp melted butter → Helps the cinnamon sugar stick.
Pro Tip: For an extra caramelized coating, brush cookies with a light egg wash before baking, then roll in cinnamon sugar immediately after baking!
How to Make Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Transfer to a piping bag or spoon onto a lined baking sheet in small dollops.
- Freeze for 20-30 minutes—this helps the filling hold its shape inside the cookies.
*Pro Tip: If you love cheesecake desserts, check out Mississippi Mud Cake for another rich, chocolate-filled treat with a creamy texture!
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.
- In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, stirring just until a soft dough forms.
Pro Tip: Avoid overmixing! Too much stirring makes the cookies dense instead of light and flaky.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use a round cookie cutter to cut out even circles.
- Place a small dollop of frozen cheesecake filling in the center of half the dough rounds.
- Cover with another dough round, pressing the edges to seal.
- Use a fork to gently crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
*Pro Tip: If you enjoy making colorful, fun desserts, check out Confetti Celebration Cake for another vibrant, party-ready dessert idea!
What’s Next?
Now that your Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are baked to golden perfection, it’s time to explore:
✔ Fun variations (gluten-free, caramel-stuffed, or vegan versions!)
✔ Best ways to serve and store your cookies
✔ Troubleshooting common baking mistakes
✔ Expert answers to frequently asked questions
If you love buttery, spiced baked goods, check out Lemon Bread Recipe—a refreshing, citrus-based dessert that pairs well with churro flavors!
Creative Variations of Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
While the classic version is already irresistible, here are some exciting ways to customize your cookies:
1. Caramel-stuffed churro Cookies (Extra Gooey & Indulgent!)
✔ Add a layer of caramel, dulce de leche, or Nutella inside with the cheesecake filling.
✔ For extra richness, sprinkle in mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of honey.
Pro Tip: If using caramel or Nutella, freeze the filling dollops first so they don’t leak out while baking!
2. Mini Churro Cheesecake Bites (Perfect for Snacking!)
✔ Roll the dough into small bite-sized circles instead of full-sized cookies.
✔ Pipe a smaller amount of cheesecake filling inside.
✔ Bake for 10-12 minutes instead of the full 15 minutes.
✔ These are great for parties, brunch, or easy grab-and-go treats.
Pro Tip: If you love fun-sized desserts, check out Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies—another rich, bite-sized treat that pairs well with churro cookies!
3. Gluten-free churro Cheesecake Cookies
✔ Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
✔ Make sure your baking powder and vanilla extract are gluten-free certified.
✔ The texture stays light and crispy, just like the regular version.
4. Vegan Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
✔ Swap cream cheese for a vegan alternative like cashew cream or coconut cream cheese.
✔ Use dairy-free butter and almond milk.
✔ Replace egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
Pro Tip: Coconut sugar works great instead of regular sugar for a less refined, caramel-like sweetness!
5. Keto-Friendly Churro Cheesecake Cookies
✔ Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a low-carb version.
✔ Swap sugar for monk fruit sweetener or erythritol.
✔ For the filling, use full-fat cream cheese and sugar-free vanilla extract.
Pro Tip: Bake these cookies 5 minutes longer than usual to make them extra crispy!
Best Ways to Serve Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right sauces and drinks can take them to the next level!
Serving Ideas:
✔ Drizzle with caramel sauce or melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
✔ Pair with hot chocolate or coffee—the cinnamon-sugar coating complements bold, rich flavors.
✔ Dip in dulce de leche for a true Mexican-inspired treat.
✔ Sprinkle with crushed pecans or coconut flakes for a crunchy twist.
Pro Tip: If you love chocolatey, rich desserts, try Mississippi Mud Cake—a decadent, chocolate-filled treat that pairs perfectly with these churro cookies!
How to Store Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
Keeping your cookies fresh is key to preserving their crispy exterior and creamy filling.
✔ At Room Temperature:
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
✔ In the Refrigerator:
- Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
✔ In the Freezer:
- Unbaked cookies: Freeze assembled cookies on a baking sheet for 30 minutes, then transfer to a sealed container. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Baked cookies: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Pro Tip: To reheat frozen cookies, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness!
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
Even with the best recipes, small mistakes can affect texture and flavor. Here’s how to avoid common baking problems:
1. Why Are My Cookies Too Soft?
✔ Fix: Increase oven temperature to 375°F for the first 5 minutes to crisp up the exterior.
✔ Fix: Avoid overloading with filling—too much cheesecake can make them too soft.
✔ Fix: Let cookies cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
2. Why Did My Filling Leak Out?
✔ Fix: Make sure the edges are sealed properly before baking.
✔ Fix: Freeze the cheesecake filling before assembling to prevent melting too fast.
✔ Fix: Don’t overbake—too much heat can cause the filling to liquefy.
3. Why Didn’t the Cinnamon Sugar Stick?
✔ Fix: Coat the cookies while they are still warm so the sugar adheres better.
✔ Fix: Brush cookies lightly with melted butter before rolling in sugar.
4. Why Are My Cookies Dry?
✔ Fix: Reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes—overbaking is the #1 cause of dryness.
✔ Fix: Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer—some ovens run hotter than expected.
✔ Fix: Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for extra moisture.
Pro Tip: If you love moist, tender cakes, check out Confetti Celebration Cake—a fun, colorful dessert that pairs well with these cookies!
Final Thoughts: Why Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies Are the Ultimate Dessert
✔ The perfect mix of churros, cheesecake, and donuts—crispy, creamy, and buttery.
✔ Baked instead of fried—less messy and easy to make at home.
✔ Customizable with different fillings, coatings, and gluten-free options.
✔ Great for any occasion—holidays, parties, or as a gourmet treat.
✔ Freezer-friendly and easy to reheat—perfect for make-ahead baking.
If you’re looking for another decadent dessert, try Lemon Bread—a bright, citrusy treat that’s a refreshing contrast to these churro cookies!
How Will You Customize Your Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies?
✔ Stick to the classic cinnamon-sugar version.
✔ Try a caramel or Nutella-stuffed variation.
✔ Experiment with vegan or keto-friendly alternatives.
No matter how you make them, these cookies are guaranteed to be a new favorite!
Print
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies: 7 Easy Steps for Perfection
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 cookies 1x
Description
These Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies combine the warm cinnamon-sugar crunch of churros, the creamy richness of cheesecake, and the soft, donut-like texture of cookies for an irresistible dessert! Each bite is sweet, buttery, and packed with cinnamon flavor, making them perfect for holidays, parties, or just a special treat!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup milk
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Scoop small ½ teaspoon-sized dollops onto a parchment-lined plate.
- Freeze for at least 20 minutes (this helps keep the filling firm).
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2 minutes).
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly.
- Place a frozen cheesecake filling dollop in the center and cover it with another small piece of dough, sealing the edges.
- Place on the baking sheet, spacing cookies 2 inches apart.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
- Brush the warm cookies with melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve warm for a gooey cheesecake center or at room temperature for a chewy texture!
Notes
- Want Extra Crunch? Sprinkle turbinado sugar on top before baking.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Make-Ahead: Freeze unbaked dough balls with cheesecake filling and bake fresh when needed!
- Best Pairing: Serve with Mexican hot chocolate, coffee, or dulce de leche drizzle!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Snack
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies