Churro Cheesecake Dream Cookies offer a fun and delicious combination of soft sugar cookies, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a delightful churro-like cinnamon sugar coating. These cookies start with refrigerated sugar cookie dough, which is filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture and baked until golden brown. Once out of the oven, the warm cookies are brushed with melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar, creating a sweet, crunchy exterior that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheesecake center. They’re an ideal treat for parties, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and indulgent.
Churro Cheesecake Dream Cookies are a delightful combination of soft sugar cookies, creamy cheesecake filling, and a crunchy cinnamon sugar coating. These cookies are easy to make, starting with store-bought sugar cookie dough, and the rich cream cheese center adds a surprise of tangy sweetness to every bite. After baking, the cookies are brushed with melted butter and rolled in a cinnamon sugar mixture, giving them that signature churro flavor and texture. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert for a party or a fun treat to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
INGREDIENTS
- Refrigerated sugar cookie dough: 1 package, forms the base of the cookies
- Cream cheese (softened): 4 oz, for the creamy filling
- Granulated sugar: ¼ cup, sweetens the cheesecake filling
- Vanilla extract: ½ tsp, adds flavor to the cheesecake filling
- Unsalted butter (melted): ¼ cup, for brushing the cookies after baking
- Cinnamon sugar mixture: ¼ cup sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon, for rolling the cookies after baking
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Roll the sugar cookie dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Press each one down slightly to flatten.
- Step 3:
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each cookie dough ball.
- Step 4:
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Step 5:
- While the cookies are still warm, brush them with melted butter to add flavor and help the cinnamon sugar stick.
- Step 6:
- Roll the cookies in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating them completely.
- Step 7:
- Let the cookies cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the warm, gooey centers and sweet churro-like coating!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave to enjoy warm, gooey centers.
- For a fun variation, add a pinch of nutmeg or cocoa powder to the cinnamon sugar mixture for extra flavor.
Helpful Notes
- To make the cookies even more indulgent, drizzle them with caramel sauce after rolling them in the cinnamon sugar.
- If you prefer a firmer center, chill the cookies in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Suggestion: For an extra crunchy coating, use turbinado sugar in place of granulated sugar for the cinnamon sugar mixture.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough and cheesecake filling ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the cookies when ready to bake.
What can I substitute for the sugar cookie dough?
If you prefer homemade dough, you can use your favorite sugar cookie recipe. Just make sure the dough is firm enough to hold the cream cheese filling.
Summary
Churro Cheesecake Dream Cookies are the ultimate indulgence, combining the best of two classic desserts—churros and cheesecake. These soft sugar cookies are filled with a creamy cheesecake center, creating a rich and delicious bite in every cookie. After baking, the cookies are brushed with melted butter and rolled in a generous coating of cinnamon sugar, giving them a churro-like texture and flavor. Perfect for special occasions or a simple sweet treat, these cookies are quick to make and even quicker to enjoy. They’re best served warm, when the creamy center is still soft and gooey.