Churro Cheesecake Cookies – Sweet, Creamy & Coated in Cinnamon Sugar Bliss!

If you’ve ever found yourself torn between the fluffy warmth of a churro and the rich, creamy tang of cheesecake, you’re not alone. Enter the viral sensation that’s blowing up Pinterest boards and baking blogs alike: Churro Cheesecake Cookies. They’re exactly what they sound like—pillowy cookies stuffed with velvety cream cheese, rolled in a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar. It’s the kind of dessert that’s almost too good to be true… almost.

These cookies are more than just a pretty Instagram reel. They’re a textural masterpiece—crispy edges, gooey center, and a crunch from that cinnamon coating that makes every bite magical. And if you’re curious about how churros made their way into modern dessert culture, check out this fascinating history of churros. It’s a sweet journey through Spain, Mexico, and the streets of America.

Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, it’s worth understanding the role of cream cheese in baking. Not all kinds are created equal, and how you prep it can make or break the cookie. For expert advice on baking with cream cheese, don’t miss these pro tips from King Arthur Baking. Now, let’s get baking!

What Are Churro Cheesecake Cookies?

These hybrid treats combine:

• A soft sugar cookie base
• A tangy cream cheese filling
• A coating of classic churro cinnamon sugar

Think of them as a mash-up between a New York cheesecake and a county fair churro—only easier to make at home and way more fun to share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make around 12 medium-sized cookies:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp cream of tartar
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, room temperature
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon

Step-by-Step: How to Make Them

1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

• In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
• Scoop into small balls (about 1 tsp each), place on parchment, and freeze for 30–45 minutes.

2. Make the Cookie Dough

• Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
• Whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt in a separate bowl.
• Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Don’t overmix!

3. Assemble the Cookies

• Scoop a heaping tablespoon of dough.
• Flatten, place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center, and wrap the dough around it.
• Roll into a ball and coat generously in cinnamon sugar.

4. Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies 2 inches apart on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 10–13 minutes or until edges are golden.
• Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Freeze the filling! It makes stuffing so much easier.
• Use a cookie scoop for even portions.
• Don’t overbake—slightly underbaked centers give you that perfect creamy texture.

Flavor Variations to Try

Feeling creative? Try these twists:

• Add mini chocolate chips to the dough
• Use pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for fall flair
• Swirl in Nutella or dulce de leche with the cream cheese
• Shape into bars for easier slicing

How to Serve Them

These cookies deserve more than a napkin. Serve them:

• Warm with a mug of café de olla or spiced chai
• On a holiday dessert board with fruit and truffles
• Dusted with extra powdered sugar for visual flair

Storage and Reheating Tips

Keep that cheesecake core creamy and safe to eat with proper storage:

• Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days
• Freeze unbaked cookie balls for up to 2 months
• Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that gooey magic

If you’re unsure about best practices, check out these food safety guidelines for baked goods.

Nutrition Snapshot

These are indulgent, so moderation is key!

• ~230–280 calories per cookie
• Rich in sugars and fats
• Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten

Social Media Buzz

Thanks to TikTok and Instagram, these cookies have exploded in popularity. Food bloggers, home bakers, and influencers have shared their own spins—from heart-shaped Valentine versions to s’mores-filled variations. They’ve become the new must-make bake.

FAQs

What are churro cheesecake cookies made of?
A soft cookie dough wrapped around sweetened cream cheese, rolled in cinnamon sugar.

Can I make these without cream cheese?
You can substitute with ricotta, but the flavor and texture will change.

How do I make the cinnamon sugar stick?
Roll while the dough is still slightly warm or brush with a little melted butter before rolling.

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Freeze the filled cookie balls before baking and store in a zip-top bag.

Are these cookies Mexican?
They’re a fusion dessert—inspired by Mexican churros, but the cheesecake twist is all-American.

Final Thoughts

Churro Cheesecake Cookies are everything you didn’t know you needed in your dessert life. They’re crisp yet creamy, sweet yet tangy, nostalgic yet trendy. Perfect for parties, holiday trays, or just a Tuesday night. And best of all? They’re fun to make and even more fun to share.

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