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**For the Cookie Dough:**
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup whole milk
**For the Cheesecake Filling:**
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
**For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:**
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
### **Step-by-Step Instructions for Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies**
#### **Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough**
1. **Preheat your oven**: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. **Mix the dry ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. **Cream the butter and sugar**: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed (about 2-3 minutes).
4. **Add the egg and vanilla**: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. **Combine the wet and dry ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Add the milk in two parts, mixing until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
#### **Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling**
1. **Blend the ingredients**: In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. **Add sugar and vanilla**: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue to beat until the mixture is creamy and lump-free. Set aside.
#### **Step 3: Form the Cookies**
1. **Prepare your workspace**: Scoop out a small amount of cookie dough (about 1 tablespoon) and roll it into a ball in your hands. Then, gently flatten it into a disc shape.
2. **Add the cheesecake filling**: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake filling onto the center of each flattened dough disc.
3. **Seal the dough**: Gently fold the edges of the dough over the cheesecake filling, pinching the edges together to seal the filling inside. Roll the dough back into a ball, ensuring the cheesecake filling stays tucked inside.
4. **Place on the baking sheet**: Place the filled cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
#### **Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar**
1. **Mix the cinnamon-sugar**: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
2. **Coat the cookies**: Roll each cookie ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure it’s well-coated on all sides.
3. **Bake**: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The center should still feel soft but set.
4. **Cool**: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
### **Why You’ll Love Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies**
– **Decadent Yet Balanced**: These cookies are the perfect combination of rich cheesecake and sweet, cinnamon-sugar goodness. The cheesecake filling adds a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the crunchy cinnamon-sugar exterior.
– **Perfect for Sharing**: Whether you’re having friends over, hosting a party, or just enjoying a sweet treat with your family, these cookies are great for sharing. Their unique flavor and texture are sure to impress guests!
– **Versatile and Fun**: You can get creative with the filling! While the cheesecake filling is delicious as-is, you could try adding a little lemon zest, chocolate chips, or even fruit jam to switch things up and make them your own.
– **Bite-Sized Indulgence**: With their perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and creaminess, these cookies offer the ideal indulgence without being overwhelmingly heavy. They’re perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert.
### **Tips for Making the Best Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies**
– **Don’t Overfill the Cookies**: Be sure to use only about a teaspoon of cheesecake filling per cookie. Overfilling can cause the filling to leak out during baking, creating a mess.
– **Chill the Dough**: If you find the dough too soft to work with, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before shaping the cookies. This will help it firm up and be easier to handle.
– **Try Different Fillings**: Feel free to get creative with the filling! You could try flavored cream cheese, a dollop of fruit preserves, or even Nutella for a fun twist.
– **Serve Warm**: These cookies are best enjoyed while still a little warm, as the cheesecake filling is soft and creamy, adding to the indulgence. Just be sure to let them cool enough to avoid burning your tongue!
### **Conclusion**
**Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies** are the ultimate sweet treat that combines the best flavors and textures of churros, cheesecake, and donuts in one irresistible cookie. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a fun dessert, these cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who tastes them.
With their crispy cinnamon-sugar coating, creamy cheesecake filling, and soft, chewy texture, these cookies are a unique and indulgent way to satisfy your sweet cravings. So, grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy these mouthwatering treats!
