Decadent Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
• 1/4 cup melted butter (for coating)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of the sugar mixture until smooth.
6. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly. Place a small amount of the cream cheese mixture in the center, then top with another tablespoon of cookie dough, sealing the edges to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
7. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. While the cookies are baking, mix the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
10. When the cookies are done, brush them with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Let cool on a wire rack.
11. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
12. Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies

FAQs:

• What ingredients are needed for Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies?
  • Key ingredients typically include all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cream cheese, ground cinnamon, powdered sugar, and vegetable oil for frying. You might also need milk or heavy cream for the cream cheese filling and additional cinnamon-sugar mixture for coating.
• How do I make the dough for the cookies?
  • In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
• How do I prepare the cream cheese filling?
  • In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. For a richer filling, you can add a bit of heavy cream or milk to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
• How do I assemble and cook the Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies?
  • Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and cut out donut shapes using a donut cutter or two different-sized round cutters. Place a small amount of the cream cheese filling in the center of half of the donut shapes, then cover with the remaining dough shapes and press the edges to seal. Fry the filled donuts in hot oil until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and immediately roll in a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Can I bake these cookies instead of frying them?
  • Yes, you can bake these cookies for a slightly healthier version. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the assembled donut cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. After baking, brush the cookies with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for that churro flavor.