Churro Cookie Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for all things cozy and cinnamon-spiced, this Churro Cookie Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to treat. Imagine biting into a crisp, golden cookie with a soft, creamy cheesecake center, all rolled in warm cinnamon sugar that instantly transports you to a festive bakery. These delightful churro-inspired cookies offer a fun twist on traditional desserts, combining easy-to-find ingredients with a fuss-free technique. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a special snack, this recipe brings joyous flavors together in every bite.

Churro Cookie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Churro Cookie Recipe lies in its simple and accessible ingredients. Each element plays a key role—from the creamy cheesecake filling to the buttery, cinnamon sugar coating that adds that iconic churro flavor and crunch. Gathering these basics ensures your cookies capture that perfect balance of texture and taste.

  • Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Creates the luscious, smooth filling that melts in your mouth.
  • Granulated sugar (¾ cup, divided): Adds sweetness and is essential for the cinnamon sugar coating.
  • Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Enhances flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
  • Pie crusts (2 crusts, from scratch or refrigerated): Provides the flaky, buttery exterior wrapping the cheesecake center.
  • Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Gives you that classic churro spice that pairs perfectly with sugar.
  • Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Acts as the adhesive for the cinnamon sugar while adding richness.

How to Make Churro Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets and Oven

Start by lining two cookie sheets with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking and allow for even baking. Then, preheat your oven to 350°F. Proper preparation means your cookies will come out perfectly every time.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

Beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until it’s completely smooth without any lumps. Incorporate ¼ cup of the granulated sugar along with the vanilla extract, blending until creamy and luscious. This mixture forms the heart of your churro cookie, providing that delightful tangy sweetness.

Step 3: Cut the Pie Crust Circles

Unroll each pie crust carefully and use a 2-inch round cutter to create circles. Don’t worry about rerolling the scraps to cut more circles—the goal is perfectly sized dough rounds to hold your cheesecake filling snugly.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

Place half of the pie crust circles onto your prepared baking sheets. Spoon a small dollop of the cheesecake filling into the center of each circle. For cleaner, mess-free filling, transfer the cheesecake mixture into a zip-top bag, snip a corner off, and pipe the filling onto the dough. Lightly wet the edges of the bottom circles with water using your finger, then place the remaining pie crust circles on top. Press edges with a fork to seal the cookies securely and create a charming pattern.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your assembled cookies for 15 to 20 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden hue. Once baked, let them cool just enough so you can handle them without burning your fingers. This step is key to ensuring the next steps of cinnamon sugar coating go smoothly.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar and Butter Coating

While the cookies are baking, melt your unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. In a separate dish, combine the remaining ½ cup of granulated sugar with the teaspoon of cinnamon. This mixture will give your cookies their authentic churro flavor and a delightful crunch.

Step 7: Coat the Warm Cookies

Brush each warm cookie generously with melted butter, ensuring every surface gets a glossy sheen. Immediately roll or toss the buttered cookies in the cinnamon sugar, flipping them around until thoroughly coated. Place your coated churro cookies on another cookie sheet lined with wax paper to cool fully and set the coating.

How to Serve Churro Cookie Recipe

Churro Cookie Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

These churro cookies are a showstopper on their own, but if you want to elevate the presentation, try dusting a little powdered sugar on top for extra sweetness and a snowy effect. Alternatively, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce adds a decadent touch that complements the cinnamon perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair these churro cookies with a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced chai tea. The rich, creamy filling and crunchy cinnamon sugar coating make them excellent companions to your favorite cozy beverages. For a festive gathering, serve alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the spices.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a party, arrange these cookies on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks and small bowls of dipping sauces like dulce de leche or chocolate ganache. Wrapping each cookie with a ribbon and placing them in pretty cellophane bags makes a charming gift or party favor that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover churro cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This will maintain their crispness and keep the cheesecake filling fresh and creamy. Avoid refrigerating as it can make the crust soften and lose its delightful texture.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these treats later, freezing is a great option. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen churro cookies can be stored for up to two months without losing flavor or quality.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat cookies in an oven preheated to 325°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can cause sogginess. The oven method crisps the crust and revives the cinnamon sugar coating just perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie crusts for this Churro Cookie Recipe?

Yes! Store-bought pie crusts work wonderfully and save time, making this recipe even more approachable without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Is there a way to make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely. You can substitute the pie crusts with gluten-free versions available at many grocery stores. Just ensure they are rolled thin for similar results.

How long do the cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly at room temperature, these churro cookies stay fresh and delicious for about three days. Beyond that, texture and flavor may start to decline.

Can I change the filling to something other than cream cheese?

While the cream cheese creates the perfect balance of tang and richness, you could experiment with mascarpone or a sweetened ricotta for a different twist, but results may vary.

Why is it important to coat the cookies while they’re warm?

The warmth helps the melted butter and cinnamon sugar adhere seamlessly to the cookie surface, creating that signature sticky, crunchy churro coating.

Final Thoughts

Making this Churro Cookie Recipe is like bringing a little slice of festive joy right into your kitchen. It’s a recipe that balances ease and elegance, making it perfect for sweet cravings or sharing with loved ones. Once you bake your first batch, the cozy, cinnamon-kissed aroma and the creamy cheesecake surprise inside will keep you coming back for more. Give it a go—your taste buds will thank you!

Print

Churro Cookie Recipe

These Churro Cookies combine the creamy richness of a cheesecake filling with the warm, cinnamon-sugar coating of classic churros, all encased in flaky pie crust rounds. Perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, these delightful cookies bring the joy of churros to a simple and easy-to-make treat.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cheesecake Filling

  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Pie Crust & Topping

  • 2 pie crusts (from scratch or 2 refrigerated pie crusts)
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Sheets and Oven: Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the cookies.
  2. Make Cheesecake Filling: Using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps. Add ¼ cup of granulated sugar and vanilla extract, then mix until fully combined and creamy.
  3. Cut Pie Crust Circles: Unroll one pie crust at a time on a clean surface. Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out circles from the dough. Gather scraps, re-roll, and continue cutting circles until all dough is used.
  4. Assemble Cookies: Arrange half of the pie crust circles on the prepared cookie sheets. Spoon a small amount of the cheesecake filling onto the center of each circle. To make filling easier to control, transfer the cheesecake mixture to a zip-top bag, cut off a corner, and pipe onto the dough. Lightly wet your finger with water and run it around the edge of each circle to help seal. Place another pie crust circle on top to cover the filling, then press the edges together with the tines of a fork to seal firmly.
  5. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges and bottoms turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool until they can be handled safely without burning your fingers.
  6. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the cookies are baking, melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe dish. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon until combined.
  7. Coat Cookies: Brush each warm cookie generously with melted butter, then dip and roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture until thoroughly coated. Place the coated cookies on a separate cookie sheet lined with wax paper to cool completely.

Notes

  • You can use store-bought refrigerated pie crusts to save time or prepare your own pie crust from scratch for a more homemade flavor.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling.
  • For easier filling application, piping the cheesecake mixture with a ziplock bag works best to avoid spills.
  • Make sure to press the edges firmly with a fork to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
  • Let the cookies cool slightly before coating with butter and cinnamon sugar to ensure they hold their shape.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to keep the cream cheese filling fresh.
  • Reheat slightly before serving for a soft, warm treat.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 140
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 95mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: churro cookies, cheesecake cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, pie crust cookies, easy dessert, cinnamon cookies

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