Description
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
Golden, crispy, and filled with creamy cheesecake – these Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies will satisfy all your dessert cravings!
Ingredients:
1 can crescent dough
8 oz cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup cinnamon sugar
Instructions:
Roll out dough and cut into circles. Fill with cream cheese mixture and seal edges.
Brush with melted butter, coat with cinnamon sugar, and bake at 350°F for 12 minutes.
Enjoy warm or add a drizzle of caramel for extra flavor.
#GoldenChurroBites
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Let the crescent dough can sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for easier handling.
2. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Carefully unroll the crescent dough sheet onto a lightly floured surface. If your dough has perforations, press them together to seal. Using a 2.5 to 3-inch round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out circles of dough.
4. Place half of the dough circles on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each circle, leaving a small border.
5. Top each filled circle with a second dough circle. Use a fork to firmly press and crimp the edges all the way around to seal the filling inside.
6. Brush the top and sides of each sealed cookie generously with the melted butter. Immediately dip and coat the buttered cookie in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring full coverage.
7. Place cookies back on the baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are incredibly versatile. For the ultimate experience, serve them warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, or dulce de leche. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream turns them into a decadent dessert. For a brunch treat, pair them with a cup of strong coffee or Mexican hot chocolate.
How-to Summary
In short, you create these treats by cutting crescent dough into circles, sandwiching a sweet cream cheese filling between them, sealing the edges, coating in butter and cinnamon sugar, and baking until golden. The result is a hybrid cookie with the texture of a churro and the creamy heart of a cheesecake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the cookies, coat them in cinnamon sugar, and refrigerate on the baking sheet for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 1-2 minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.
My filling leaked out. What happened? This is usually due to overfilling or not sealing the edges tightly enough. Ensure you leave a border and crimp firmly with a fork. Also, avoid over-softening the cream cheese.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough? Absolutely. Thawed puff pastry sheets will work well and yield a slightly flakier texture. The baking time may need a slight adjustment.
How should I store leftovers? Store cooled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
Is there a way to make these without canned dough? For a from-scratch option, use a simple biscuit or scone dough rolled out thinly. The convenience of crescent dough is key for the quick, flaky layers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using cold cream cheese, as it will be lumpy and difficult to spread. Ensure your dough isn’t overworked when rolling and cutting, or it can become tough. Do not skip the step of sealing the edges thoroughly—this is critical to contain the filling. Finally, do not overbake; remove them as soon as they turn a light golden brown to maintain a soft interior.
Conclusion
These Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are a spectacular fusion of three beloved desserts. They are surprisingly simple to make with minimal ingredients, yet deliver maximum flavor and a stunning presentation. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a special family treat, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Give them a try and enjoy the delicious, crispy, and creamy results!
