Cream Cheese Churro Cookies: A Sweet and Creamy Fusion
Some of the best desserts are those that take two beloved classics and combine them into something new and exciting. These Cream Cheese Churro Cookies are a perfect example. They bring together the crispy, sugary magic of a classic churro with the soft, rich, and creamy decadence of a filled cookie. With a crackly cinnamon-sugar coating and a gooey cream cheese center, each bite is a delightful surprise. These cookies are absolutely divine, offering a unique and irresistible treat that is perfect for any occasion, from a family gathering to a quiet moment with a cup of coffee.
Why I love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of desserts that offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and this recipe delivers on every front. What I love most about these cookies is the way they capture the essence of a churro—the warm, sweet, and spiced cinnamon-sugar coating—but with a unique twist. The cream cheese filling adds a richness and tanginess that cuts through the sweetness, creating a truly sophisticated flavor profile. The cookies are soft and tender on the inside, with a slight chewiness from the dough, making them an absolute pleasure to eat. They’re a fun and creative baking project that yields spectacular results with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Swaps and Notes
- Cream Cheese: It’s crucial to use full-fat cream cheese for the filling, as it will be much creamier and more stable when baked. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Dough: The dough for these cookies is wonderfully simple. You can add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for an extra layer of warm spice that complements the cinnamon-sugar coating beautifully.
- Coating: While a classic cinnamon-sugar coating is perfect, you can get creative. A pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder in the mix would add a surprising kick, or you could add a little brown sugar for a richer, more caramel-like flavor.
- Filling Alternatives: While the cream cheese filling is what makes these cookies unique, you could easily swap it out for other fillings. A small spoonful of Nutella, a dollop of your favorite jam, or even a mini caramel would all be delicious.
- Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
List of Steps for the Recipe
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate, large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30minutes. This will make it much easier to handle.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and the ground cinnamon for the coating.
- Fill and Roll: Take a small amount of dough, about 1 tablespoon, and flatten it into a disc in the palm of your hand. Place a small spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of the dough. Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching them together to completely seal the cream cheese inside. Roll the filled dough into a ball.
- Coat the Cookies: Roll the filled dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it is fully coated. Place the cookie on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling, leaving a little space between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12−15 minutes, or until the edges are a light golden brown. The cookies may puff up and then deflate slightly as they cool, which is normal.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cream cheese filling will be very hot right out of the oven, so be patient!
Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is a crucial step. It makes the dough less sticky and much easier to work with, especially when you’re trying to wrap it around the cream cheese filling.
- Seal the Cookies Tightly: Be sure to pinch the dough together firmly around the cream cheese filling. This will prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Don’t Overfill: Use a small spoonful of the cream cheese filling. Too much will make it difficult to seal the cookie and more likely to leak.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies are meant to be soft and tender on the inside. Baking them for the recommended time will ensure they are perfectly cooked without becoming dry.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Cream Cheese Churro Cookies are a complete dessert in themselves. However, they are absolutely fantastic when served with a warm cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate. For a simple and classic pairing, a glass of cold milk is the perfect accompaniment.
Nutritional Information
(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)
These cookies are a decadent, sweet treat. The calories and carbohydrates come from the flour, sugar, and cream cheese. While they are a delicious indulgence, they are best enjoyed in moderation.
Storage and Leftover Tips
These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For a fresher taste, you can also store them in the refrigerator, but they are best eaten within 1-2 days. You can reheat them for a few seconds in the microwave to get that warm, gooey center back.
Final Thoughts
These Cream Cheese Churro Cookies are a recipe that I’m confident you’ll fall in love with. They’re a creative, delicious, and deeply satisfying dessert that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. I hope you enjoy the incredible combination of crispy churro-inspired coating and creamy, rich filling. Give them a try and let me know in the comments how they turned out!
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