Irresistible Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar
Irresistible Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar combine the crunchy, cinnamon-coated exterior of a churro with the creamy richness of cheesecake and the light, airy texture of a donut cookie. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, these unique cookies deliver a delectable fusion of flavors and textures that delight in every bite.
- Author: James
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitute)
Cheesecake Base
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (or dairy-free butter for vegan version)
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan version)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: Beat softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, creating a rich base with the signature cheesecake flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spice, vital for the cookie’s donut texture and churro flavor.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the cream cheese mixture along with softened butter and egg, stirring until a soft, manageable dough forms.
- Shape and Chill the Dough: Form the dough into small donut shapes or rounds, optionally creating a small hole in the center for classic donut style. Chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help maintain shape while baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the shaped cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and set.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While still warm, promptly roll the cookies generously in a mixture of powdered sugar and ground cinnamon to achieve the classic churro sugar finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smoother mixing and ideal dough texture.
- Do not overmix the dough; mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Use freshly ground cinnamon for a more aromatic and flavorful cinnamon sugar coating.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Space cookies adequately on the baking sheet for even baking and crispy edges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: churro cheesecake cookies, donut cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, cheesecake treat, gluten-free cookies, cinnamon cookies