Churro Cheesecake (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened.
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar.
03 - 2 large eggs.
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
05 - 3 cups all-purpose flour.
06 - 1 teaspoon baking powder.
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt.
08 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened.
09 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling).
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling).
11 - 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating).
12 - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon.
13 - 1 cup caramel sauce (optional for drizzle).

Instructions:

01 - In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag and refrigerate.
02 - Cream together softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture.
03 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll dough into 1 1/2-inch balls, place on sheets, and create an indentation in the center. Pipe cheesecake filling into the indentation.
04 - In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Roll filled cookies in the mixture to coat well.
05 - Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
06 - Drizzle cooled cookies with caramel sauce if desired.
07 - Enjoy the cookies with or without the caramel drizzle. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes:

01 - Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
02 - If cheesecake filling is too runny, refrigerate it longer.
03 - You can melt caramel candies with cream for a homemade caramel drizzle.