Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies Recipe

If you’re on a mission to find a dessert that’s part creamy cheesecake, part cinnamon-sugar churro, and all-out irresistible, then Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies are about to become your new obsession. With their golden exterior dusted in sweet cinnamon, soft buttery cookie base, and surprise tangy-smooth cheesecake center, these cookies pack the ultimate blend of nostalgia and decadence. They’re perfect for sharing at parties, gifting to friends, or treating yourself on a cozy night in—because sometimes, you just need a little magic tucked inside a cookie!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies is how simple pantry staples come together to create something truly special. Each ingredient plays a role in achieving that ideal texture: soft, chewy, and layered with flavor and creaminess.

• Unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich flavor and keeps the cookies soft and tender in every bite.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps the cookies spread just the right amount.
• Light brown sugar, packed: Gives the cookies moisture and a subtle molasses note for depth.
• Large eggs: Bind the dough and provide structure for a perfect cookie crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the cookie and cheesecake filling with comforting aromatic sweetness.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, creating the classic cookie texture.
• Baking soda: Ensures the cookies rise beautifully and stay light.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens the other flavors.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings the churro flavor to life and gives a signature cozy aroma.
• Extra granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates the classic crisp, sugary coating.
• Extra ground cinnamon (for rolling): Reinforces those irresistible churro vibes.
• Cream cheese, softened: The heart of the creamy cheesecake center.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling, giving it a silky texture.
• More vanilla extract: Rounds out the cheesecake filling, making it luscious and aromatic.

How to Make Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your cookies are ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat your softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step adds air to the dough, setting you up for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in your eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat everything together until you have a smooth, creamy base—this ensures there are no streaks of egg and every cookie has balanced sweetness and richness.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon together in a separate bowl. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps them distribute evenly and avoids any little pockets of baking soda or cinnamon in the dough.

Step 5: Create the Cookie Dough

Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough comes together. If your dough feels a little sticky, pop it in the fridge for 15–30 minutes for easier handling—it’ll make shaping the cookies a whole lot neater.

Step 6: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a fresh bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a touch of vanilla extract until silky smooth. This dreamy filling is what gives Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies their wow-worthy surprise center.

Step 7: Assemble the Cookies

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and gently flatten it in your palm. Place a small spoonful of the cheesecake filling in the center, then top with another slightly flattened tablespoon of dough. Carefully seal the edges so not a drop of filling escapes while baking!

Step 8: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar

Mix ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon in a bowl. Take each stuffed dough ball and roll it generously in the mixture, making sure every nook and cranny gets coated in that signature churro sparkle.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the stuffed dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have about two inches of space between each one. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden. Let them cool on the sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack—they’ll be a little delicate straight from the oven due to that luscious filling.

How to Serve Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies

Garnishes

A simple dusting of extra cinnamon sugar always looks lovely, but don’t be afraid to get creative. Try a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream for an over-the-top treat.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine with a steaming cup of coffee or spiced hot chocolate. For a real dessert moment, pair them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance their decadent flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies high on a rustic platter, package them in a cellophane bag with a ribbon for a sweet homemade gift, or tuck them into a lunchbox for a midday pick-me-up. For parties, try serving them mini-style for easy sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any uneaten Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. The cheesecake center will stay creamy, and the cinnamon sugar coating will still be irresistible!

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, freeze the unbaked stuffed cookie balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. You can bake them straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked magic, warm leftover cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes, or microwave them for 10–15 seconds. The filling will get perfectly soft and gooey again!

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter in Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies?

For the best flavor and texture, stick with real unsalted butter. Margarine can work in a pinch, but the result will be less rich and may spread more during baking.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for the filling?

The signature creamy center is all about the cream cheese, but in a pinch, you can try mascarpone or a thick Greek yogurt filling flavored with vanilla and powdered sugar.

Do I have to chill the dough before assembling?

If your cookie dough feels too soft or sticky, a quick chill in the fridge will make it much easier to handle and seal around the filling. This step prevents spreading and helps achieve that perfect thick, chewy bite.

Can I make Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies gluten free?

Absolutely! Simply swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and keep an eye on the texture, as some blends might need a teaspoon or two of extra moisture.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Look for lightly golden edges while the centers are still a touch soft. Remember, the cookies will continue to set as they cool, so don’t overbake if you want a gooey center!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, Cheesecake Stuffed Churro Cookies are a dream come true. Invite some friends to bake with you or surprise someone with a batch, and watch these cinnamon-swirled, creamy-centered cookies disappear in a flash!

Print