Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the best flavors of three beloved desserts: churros, cheesecake, and donuts.
• Perfectly crisp on the outside, creamy on the inside, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar.
• Easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Can be customized with toppings like whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, or caramel sauce.
• Great for parties, holidays, or even as an afternoon treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the donut holes:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Milk
• Egg
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract

For the cheesecake filling:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon

For the cinnamon sugar coating:

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Make the donut holes:
   • In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
   • In another bowl, mix milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just incorporated.
   • Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, turning as needed. Remove and drain on paper towels.
2. Prepare the cheesecake filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, salt, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag with a small tip or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off.
3. Fill the donut holes:
   • Once the donut holes have cooled slightly, use the piping bag to inject each donut with the cheesecake filling.
4. Roll in cinnamon sugar:
   • In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Roll each filled donut hole in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
5. Chill and serve:
   • Refrigerate the filled and coated donut holes for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to firm up. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 20-24 donut cookies, depending on the size of the donut holes.
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Toppings: Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, or sprinkle with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
• Flavor Twist: Substitute almond or coconut extract for vanilla in the cheesecake filling for a unique flavor.
• Baking Option: If you prefer not to fry, bake the donut batter in mini muffin tins at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes, then fill and coat as instructed.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: These treats are best served chilled, but you can warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired. Avoid reheating in the oven to prevent the cheesecake filling from melting.

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the donut holes and cheesecake filling a day in advance. Fill and coat the donuts the day you plan to serve them for the best texture.

2. Can I use pre-made donut holes?

Absolutely! Store-bought donut holes can be filled and coated with the cheesecake filling and cinnamon sugar for a quick version.

3. Can I bake instead of fry the donut holes?

Yes, bake the donut batter in mini muffin tins at 350°F for 12-15 minutes or until golden.

4. How do I prevent the donut holes from being oily?

Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F) and drain the fried donut holes on paper towels immediately after frying.

5. Can I freeze these?

While freezing is not recommended due to the creamy filling, you can freeze the unfilled donut holes for up to a month.

6. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream cheese and milk substitutes like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.

7. How can I tell if the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a deep-fry thermometer, or drop a small piece of batter into the oil—if it sizzles and floats, the oil is ready.

8. What’s the best way to pipe the filling into the donuts?

A piping bag with a long, narrow tip works best. If you don’t have one, use a plastic bag with a small hole cut in the corner.

9. Can I make these less sweet?

Reduce the sugar in the cheesecake filling and use less cinnamon sugar coating to make them less sweet.

10. Can I add spices to the batter?

Yes, a pinch of nutmeg or extra cinnamon in the batter can add depth to the flavor.

Conclusion

Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are a fun and indulgent dessert that brings together the best of churros, cheesecake, and donuts. Whether for a party, a holiday, or simply a sweet craving, these treats are sure to impress. With endless customization options and simple ingredients, they’re a must-try for any dessert lover. Enjoy every creamy, crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated bite!

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