Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies

The scent of warm cinnamon sugar swirling through the kitchen always brings a sense of comfort, and when that aroma comes from something as irresistible as these Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies, it’s impossible to wait for them to cool before taking a bite.

The first time I made these, I was aiming for a mash-up of my favorite desserts—crisp churros, creamy cheesecake, and melt-in-your-mouth cookies. What I ended up with was pure magic.

Picture this: a soft, buttery cookie base filled with a rich, tangy cheesecake center, all coated in a crunchy cinnamon-sugar shell. They taste like churros but have the texture of a donut, and the creamy filling takes them over the top. They’re the kind of treat you make for a special occasion but secretly hope you have leftovers to enjoy with coffee the next morning.

These cookies are perfect for anyone who loves warm spices, creamy fillings, and desserts that make you want to lick your fingers clean. They’re easier to make than they look. With a simple dough, a quick cheesecake filling, and a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar, you’ll have bakery-worthy cookies straight from your own oven.

Let’s dive into the details and get baking!

Short Description

These Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies combine the best of three beloved treats—churros, donuts, and cheesecake. They feature a soft, buttery cookie filled with creamy cheesecake and coated in crunchy cinnamon sugar for the ultimate dessert experience.

Key Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For Assembly:

• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

Tools Needed

• Hand or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small cookie scoop
• Pastry brush
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Chill for 15 minutes to make handling easier.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop a tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly.

Place a small amount of chilled cheesecake filling in the center, then top with another piece of dough, sealing the edges to encase the filling completely. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool for 5 minutes. Brush each cookie with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Three Desserts in One – The crispiness of a churro, the richness of cheesecake, and the softness of a donut—all in a single bite.

Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe great for bakers of all levels.

Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a weekend treat, these cookies fit the bill.

Customizable – You can switch up flavors, fillings, and coatings to make them your own.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Overworking the Dough

Problem: Overmixing can make the cookies dense and tough.
Solution: Mix until just combined—stop once the ingredients come together.

2. Not Chilling the Filling

Problem: Warm cheesecake filling can leak out during baking.
Solution: Chill the filling for at least 30 minutes before using.

3. Underbaking the Cookies

Problem: If they’re too soft, they won’t hold the cheesecake filling well.
Solution: Bake until the edges are golden and firm to the touch.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

– Serve warm with hot chocolate or a cinnamon latte.
– Pair with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
– Drizzle with dulce de leche or melted chocolate for a fancier touch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.

Reheating:

Warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their softness.

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough and cheesecake filling overnight and assemble when ready to bake.

2. Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely. Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

3. Can I use store-bought cinnamon-sugar mix?
Yes, but homemade gives better flavor control. Adjust the cinnamon-to-sugar ratio to taste.

4. What if my dough is too sticky?
Chill it for 15-20 minutes, or add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s easier to handle.

5. Can I make mini versions of these cookies?
Yes! Use a smaller scoop and bake for 8-10 minutes instead.

Tips & Tricks

– For extra crispiness, bake an additional 2 minutes before coating with cinnamon sugar.
– Use a piping bag to fill the cookies for a cleaner, even distribution.
– Want a deeper caramelized flavor? Swap white sugar for brown sugar in the coating.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate-Stuffed Churro Cookies

Replace the cheesecake filling with a small piece of dark chocolate before sealing the dough.

Pumpkin Spice Version

Add ½ teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the cookie dough for a fall-inspired twist.

Lemon Cheesecake Churro Cookies

Mix 1 teaspoon lemon zest into the cheesecake filling for a tangy contrast.

Final Thoughts

Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are one of those treats that instantly brighten up the kitchen. The combination of crispy cinnamon sugar, rich cheesecake filling, and buttery cookie dough makes every bite feel indulgent yet comforting. They bring together the best parts of a churro and a cheesecake in such a fun, handheld form.

These cookies are perfect for sharing, but if you find yourself sneaking an extra one (or two) straight from the baking sheet, I won’t judge! If you’re looking for a dessert that’s simple to make but feels a little extra special, this recipe is definitely worth trying.