Cream Cheese Churro Cookies Recipe

The Perfect Cream Cheese Churro Cookies Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Whipping up these delectable cream cheese churro cookies brings a delightful twist to your favorite dessert lineup.

Sweet cinnamon swirls dance through soft, pillowy dough that melts in your mouth.

Childhood memories of carnival treats blend perfectly with homemade comfort.

Mexican-inspired flavors shine through each buttery, crumbly bite.

Delicate textures combine rich cream cheese with traditional churro spices for an unexpected surprise.

Baking these cookies feels like creating magic in your kitchen.

Dive into this simple yet extraordinary recipe that promises to spark joy with every single crumb.

Why Cream Cheese Churro Cookies Are a Treat

  • Savor Churro Magic: Transform classic churro flavors into an irresistible cookie that brings the beloved Spanish treat right to your kitchen.
  • Simplify Baking Bliss: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: These cookies deliver a warm, nostalgic taste that appeals to both kids and adults, making them ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual dessert moments.
  • Customize with Ease: The cinnamon-sugar coating allows for personal flair, letting bakers adjust sweetness and spice to match individual preferences.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Churro Cookies

Main Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: A soft, tangy dairy product that adds richness and moisture to the cookie dough.
  • Butter: Provides a rich, creamy flavor and helps create a tender cookie texture.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create a crisp exterior.
  • Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the cookies their shape and texture.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet aromatic flavor to the cookie dough.
  • Cinnamon: Brings a warm, spicy note that complements the sweet cookie base.
Binding and Leavening Agents:
  • Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and provides structure to the cookies.
  • Baking Powder: Ensures the cookies rise and become light and soft.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

How to Make Cream Cheese Churro Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and cleanup.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend together softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until the mixture becomes incredibly smooth and light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results.

Step 3: Add Moisture Ingredients

Introduce an egg and vanilla extract into the creamy mixture. Beat thoroughly until all ingredients are fully blended and create a uniform consistency.

Step 4: Create Cookie Dough

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.

Step 5: Craft Cinnamon Coating

Combine sugar and ground cinnamon in a separate shallow bowl. This will be the delightful churro-style exterior for your cookies.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Roll the dough into small round balls using your palms. Carefully coat each ball completely in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring full coverage.

Step 7: Flatten Cookies

Place coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet. Gently press down with the bottom of a glass to create a slightly flattened shape.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookie edges turn a beautiful light golden color.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire cooling rack to complete cooling. Enjoy your churro-inspired cream cheese cookies with a glass of milk or coffee.

Pro Tips for Cream Cheese Churro Cookies

  • Soften cream cheese and butter at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother cookie texture.
  • Use fresh ground cinnamon for more intense, robust flavor that elevates the churro cookie experience.
  • Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough cookies; mix just until ingredients are combined.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to help cookies maintain shape and prevent spreading during baking.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their delightful crisp edges and soft center.

Variations to Refresh Cream Cheese Churro Cookies

  • Chocolate Chip Churro Cookies: Add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, decadent flavor that complements the cinnamon-sugar coating.
  • Nutty Churro Cookies: Mix in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or almonds to create a crunchy texture and add depth to the classic churro cookie.
  • Mexican Hot Chocolate Churro Cookies: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a spicy-sweet chocolate version that brings warmth and complexity.
  • Orange Zest Churro Cookies: Fold in 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest to brighten the cookie's flavor and add a subtle citrusy note to the traditional cinnamon-sugar profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Cream Cheese Churro Cookies

  • Pair with Mexican Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a spicy, rich hot chocolate that complements the cinnamon warmth of the churro cookies, creating a delightful flavor explosion that echoes the dessert's Latin roots.
  • Match with Dulce de Leche Latte: Enhance the creamy texture of the cookies with a sweet, caramel-infused latte that adds depth and richness to each delectable bite.
  • Serve alongside Horchata: Cool down the cinnamon spice with a traditional Mexican rice drink that provides a smooth, refreshing counterpoint to the sweet, crispy cookies.
  • Enjoy with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Elevate the dessert experience by pairing the cookies with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, creating a heavenly contrast of temperatures and textures.

Storage Tips for Cream Cheese Churro Cookies

  • Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
  • Wrap individual cookies or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Cookies will stay fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Warm cookies on a baking sheet at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore their original soft texture and revive the cinnamon-sugar coating.
  • Heat cookies for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Be careful not to overheat, which can make them tough or dry.

FAQs About Cream Cheese Churro Cookies

  • Are cream cheese churro cookies soft or crispy?

These cookies are soft and tender with a delicate texture, thanks to the cream cheese in the dough. They have a slight crispness on the edges but remain soft in the center.

  • Why do I need to roll the cookies in cinnamon sugar?

Rolling the cookies in cinnamon sugar creates a delicious, sweet coating that mimics traditional churro flavor. This extra step adds a wonderful crunch and intense cinnamon taste to the outside of each cookie.

  • Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze the rolled dough balls for up to 3 weeks, then bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

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Cream Cheese Churro Cookies Recipe

Cream Cheese Churro Cookies Recipe


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4.5 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 25-27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet cream cheese churro cookies blend Mexican-inspired flavors with classic American baking magic. Crispy cinnamon sugar edges and creamy centers make these irresistible treats perfect for sharing with friends who crave delightful dessert experiences.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating and Seasoning:

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking workspace by positioning the oven rack at 350F (175C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Create a creamy base by whipping butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until achieving a silky, aerated consistency.
  3. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to ensure a uniform blend.
  4. Gradually fold in flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring until the dough forms a cohesive texture without overmixing.
  5. Craft a coating mixture by combining sugar and cinnamon in a separate shallow dish.
  6. Shape the dough into compact spheres approximately one inch in diameter.
  7. Delicately roll each dough ball through the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  8. Arrange coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, gently pressing down with a glass bottom to slightly flatten.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges as an indicator of doneness.
  10. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize, then transfer to a wire cooling rack for complete cooling.

Notes

  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect round shape.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smoother, more even mixing and better cookie texture.
  • Customize the coating by mixing brown sugar with cinnamon for a deeper caramel-like flavor profile.
  • For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cookie’s soft, tender crumb.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 85 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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