Description
Churro Cheesecake Dream Cookies—soft, cinnamon-sugar cookies filled with creamy cheesecake. A delightful sweet treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – This serves as the base of the cookie, adding richness and moisture.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar – Provides sweetness to balance the richness of the butter and cream cheese.
- 2 large eggs – Adds structure and moisture, helping the cookies rise and maintain a soft texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor with warm aromatic notes.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – The main dry ingredient that provides structure to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Works alongside baking powder to ensure the cookies are fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating) – Used for rolling the cookies before baking, adding a sugary crunch.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating) – Provides the classic churro flavor, making these cookies irresistible.
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened – Creamy filling that adds richness and is crucial for the cheesecake aspect of the cookie.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese filling without making it gritty.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the cream cheese filling) – Elevates the flavor of the filling.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted – For drizzling on top, adding both sweetness and a beautiful finish to the cookies.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in color.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate 2 large eggs, one at a time. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a cookie dough forms.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This mixture will be used to roll the assembled cookies.
- Make the cream cheese filling: In another bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the cookies: Take a tablespoon of the cookie dough and flatten it in your hand. Place a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center, then seal the dough around it and gently roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place the coated dough ball on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spacing: Repeat with the remaining dough, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow for expansion during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking!
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Drizzle with white chocolate: Finally, melt 1 cup of white chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies and allow it to set.