Cream Cheese Churro Cookies are the ultimate mash-up of two irresistible treats: the pillowy softness of a cream cheese sugar cookie and the sparkling cinnamon-sugar crunch of classic churros. Every bite delivers that nostalgic, cinnamon warmth you adore from churros, but with an unbelievably luscious, melt-in-your-mouth center thanks to the cream cheese. Whether you’re craving a pick-me-up on a rainy afternoon or something special to share with friends, these cookies always turn an ordinary moment into a delicious celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a short list of pantry staples transforms into these dreamy Cream Cheese Churro Cookies. Each ingredient brings something indispensable to the flavor, texture, or that signature churro sparkle—no fancy shopping trips required!
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Creates a rich, tender base and helps the cookies bake up soft and chewy.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Not just for tang—this is your secret weapon for creamy, melt-away texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup + 1/2 cup for rolling): Adds the perfect sweetness to the dough, and the cinnamon-sugar coating brings that iconic churro crunch.
- Large egg (1): Gives structure and that little bit of extra richness to hold everything together.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with warmth and balances the spices beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides the structure—measured just right for soft, thick cookies.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the cookies just the lift they need for a light bite.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Makes every sweet and spicy note pop.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons, for rolling): The undeniable churro flavor—don’t skimp!
How to Make Cream Cheese Churro Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station
Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C) while you line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Having a well-organized, ready-to-go workspace makes baking these Cream Cheese Churro Cookies a breeze and ensures even baking plus easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer (or stand mixer) to beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and 1 cup of granulated sugar until everything is light, fluffy, and cloud-like. This step is your foundation—take about 2-3 minutes and don’t rush, as this ensures the cookies stay super tender inside.
Step 3: Mix in the Egg and Vanilla
Once your mixture looks creamy, add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat again until fully blended. You’ll see the color brighten and the dough turn silkier—at this point, your kitchen will already start to smell amazing.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening and salt evenly, so your Cream Cheese Churro Cookies never have a dense bite or a salty pocket.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined and a soft, scoopable dough forms. You’re looking for a smooth dough that’s slightly sticky but easy to handle. If things get too sticky, pop the bowl in the fridge for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, blend the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar with the ground cinnamon. This simple combo is where the churro magic happens—don’t be shy with the cinnamon because this is the finishing touch every Cream Cheese Churro Cookie deserves.
Step 7: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll each into a ball with your palms, and give each a generous roll in the cinnamon-sugar mix. This not only adds flavor but assures that signature golden sparkle.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the cinnamon-sugar balls on your lined baking sheets, allowing about 2 inches between each. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the bottoms show a hint of golden color. Overbaking will rob you of that ultra-soft churro vibe, so keep an eye out!
Step 9: Cool and Finish
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move them carefully to a wire rack. As a bonus tip: while they’re warm, you can lightly brush with melted butter and roll again in cinnamon-sugar for extra indulgence—pure churro bliss.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Churro Cookies
Garnishes
These Cream Cheese Churro Cookies practically beg to be showered with more cinnamon-sugar once out of the oven. For an added flourish, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate will make them feel even more festive. You can even serve with a tiny side of warm dulce de leche or chocolate sauce for dipping to echo the churro experience.
Side Dishes
Pairing these cookies with a cup of café con leche, a creamy hot chocolate, or even spiced chai makes snack time feel like a special occasion. If you’re serving a crowd, setting out a platter alongside seasonal fresh fruit—think sliced strawberries or orange wedges—adds a bright, refreshing note that complements their cinnamony sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Cream Cheese Churro Cookies in a tall glass jar for a cozy gift, or arrange on a cake stand for a dessert table centerpiece. For a playful twist, sandwich two cookies together with dulce de leche or chocolate ganache, or crumble them over vanilla ice cream for an instant churro sundae. Presentation counts, but these cookies let you play with your food—in the very best way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Cream Cheese Churro Cookies at their soft, cinnamon-cloud best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to preserve maximum freshness, add a slice of sandwich bread to the container—the cookies soak up just enough moisture to stay dreamy.
Freezing
Both the unbaked cookie dough balls and the fully baked cookies freeze beautifully. Simply arrange dough balls on a lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag; store for up to 2 months. To freeze baked cookies, wait until fully cooled, then layer between parchment in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature when cravings strike.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked churro warmth, you can reheat Cream Cheese Churro Cookies for a few seconds in the microwave or a couple of minutes in a low oven (300°F). If you want an even more decadent treat, brush with a touch of melted butter and roll in fresh cinnamon-sugar again before serving.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
Full-fat cream cheese guarantees the richest texture, but you can substitute low-fat cream cheese in a pinch. Just know the cookies might be slightly less creamy and a bit more cake-like—but still delicious.
What’s the best way to ensure soft cookies?
Don’t overbake! Pull the cookies out as soon as the edges set and the bottoms show just a hint of golden color. Cooling them on the pan helps finish baking gently, so they stay soft inside.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Absolutely! Cream Cheese Churro Cookies are a crowd-pleaser and the recipe scales up perfectly—just be sure to mix the dough well and rotate the baking sheets to keep results even.
Is it possible to make them gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (such as Cup4Cup or King Arthur), and check that your baking powder is gluten-free. The cookies still turn out soft and cinnamon-kissed.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely—it actually improves the flavor! Prepare the dough, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Roll in cinnamon-sugar just before baking for the best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hankering for a bite of pure joy that marries the best parts of churros and cookies, you absolutely have to try these Cream Cheese Churro Cookies. They’re simple enough for a weekday bake but so special they shine on any dessert table. Gather your ingredients, turn on your oven, and prepare to fall in love with every gooey, cinnamon-dusted bite!
Print
Cream Cheese Churro Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible blend of churros and cookies with these Cream Cheese Churro Cookies. A soft, creamy cookie dough rolled in cinnamon-sugar for a delightful treat!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: Beat butter, cream cheese, and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Make dough: Gradually add dry mix to wet, stir until dough forms.
- Prepare coating: Combine sugar and cinnamon.
- Shape dough: Roll into balls, coat in cinnamon-sugar.
- Bake: Place on sheets, bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool: Cool on pan before transferring.
Notes
- For extra churro finish, brush warm cookies with melted butter before coating.
- Store in airtight container for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
