If ever there was a cookie that could totally sweep you off your feet, Cream Cheese Churro Cookies are it. Imagine the pillowy softness of a classic cream cheese cookie, all wrapped up in that cinnamony-sweet churro vibe you can’t resist at the fair. These cookies bring a fusion of textures and nostalgic flavors to your kitchen with every single batch — they bake up perfectly golden, hit every note from tender to slightly chewy, and let the luscious cream cheese work its magic behind the scenes. Is your mouth watering yet?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of these Cream Cheese Churro Cookies is their everyday ingredient list—but don’t be fooled! Every single one brings something special, from the tangy richness of cream cheese to the irresistible sparkle of cinnamon sugar. Here’s what you’ll need to make them just right:
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds moisture and buttery flavor, while helping the cookies bake up tender and rich.
- Cream cheese: The secret to that dreamy, soft texture and just a touch of tang—don’t skip it!
- Granulated sugar: Split between the dough and the coating, this keeps the cookies sweet with that classic churro crunch.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel warmth and keeps the centers irresistibly soft.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and gives structure to the dough—room temperature is best for even mixing.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and complements both the cinnamon and cream cheese beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: The perfect base for a sturdy, chewy cookie that stays soft day after day.
- Baking soda: Just the right amount of lift so your cookies puff beautifully without spreading too thin.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes every other flavor pop.
- Ground cinnamon: That classic churro kick! Used in both the dough and that irresistible sugar coating.
How to Make Cream Cheese Churro Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This temperature lets the cookies bake up perfectly soft in the middle while getting just the right bit of color on the outside. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only makes cleanup a breeze, but also helps the cookies bake evenly and release without any fuss.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, cream cheese, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and all the light brown sugar. You’re aiming for a light and fluffy texture here; that extra air ensures cookies that are soft and almost melt-in-your-mouth. Every time you cream these together, your kitchen will get that cozy, bakery-like smell.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until your batter is smooth and everything is evenly combined. This helps emulsify the mixture—meaning every cookie will have a bite of that delicious flavor throughout.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of the ground cinnamon. This cinnamon quietly seasons the dough itself, giving a warm base that lifts up every other flavor. Gently fold the dry ingredients into your creamed mixture in batches—this keeps your cookies tender and helps you avoid over-mixing.
Step 5: Scoop, Roll, and Coat
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and coat generously in your cinnamon sugar mix. This is the step that turns them into real Cream Cheese Churro Cookies—every bite delivers that classic churro crunch on the outside!
Step 6: Flatten and Bake
Place the coated balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread. Gently flatten each one just a little using your fingers or the bottom of a glass, so they bake evenly and come out with the perfect texture. Bake for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges are set and slightly golden. Don’t overbake—you want these to stay super soft!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes (they’ll keep finishing up as they rest). Then move them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, they’re ready for devouring, gifting, or making someone’s day extra sweet.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Churro Cookies
Garnishes
For a next-level treat, try drizzling these cookies with a classic cream cheese glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. You could even add extra cinnamon sugar while they’re still slightly warm for maximum churro effect. Don’t be shy with the sparkle!
Side Dishes
Cream Cheese Churro Cookies are show-stoppers all on their own, but they pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a rich hot chocolate, or a creamy café au lait. For a fancy twist, set out a platter next to fruit slices or pile them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cool-and-warm combo you’ll crave again and again.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn the cookie experience into a party! Stack Cream Cheese Churro Cookies in a pretty jar, arrange them in cupcake wrappers for easy grab-and-go treats, or serve them as the “churro” stars on a cinnamon-themed dessert board. Any way you serve them, those golden swirls and cinnamon sparkles deserve to be shown off.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cream Cheese Churro Cookies soft and scrumptious by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They stay moist thanks to the cream cheese, and that cinnamon sugar coating keeps the flavor fresh and the texture just right.
Freezing
You can easily freeze these cookies for those times when you just need a little churro pick-me-up! Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container, using parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay perfect in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving and they’ll taste like they’re fresh from the oven.
Reheating
If you like your cookies slightly warm, just pop them in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes or give them a quick zap in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds). This brings back the bakery-fresh aroma and soft, tender bite without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese in Cream Cheese Churro Cookies?
Full-fat cream cheese yields the softest, richest texture, but you can certainly use low-fat if you like. Just know the cookies may be a tiny bit less tender and creamy—it’s still a delicious swap in a pinch!
Why do I need to flatten the cookie dough balls?
Giving each dough ball a gentle flatten not only ensures they bake evenly, but it also helps get that classic churro-style look and a slightly crispier edge. If you skip this, the cookies might be more dome-shaped but still delicious.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Cream Cheese Churro Cookies are perfect for feeding a crowd, and the recipe scales up beautifully. Make sure to mix the dough in batches if your mixer or bowl is on the small side, and bake in multiple rounds if needed.
How do I keep the cinnamon sugar from falling off after baking?
The cinnamon sugar sticks best if you roll the cookies right before baking. If you want to reinforce the coating, you can very lightly brush cooled cookies with melted butter, then roll again in cinnamon sugar for extra churro shine and flavor.
Is it okay to freeze the dough before baking?
Yes, you can scoop and roll the dough balls in cinnamon sugar, then freeze them on a tray until firm. Move to a freezer bag or container, and just bake from frozen—add 2-3 minutes to the bake time. Fresh-baked Cream Cheese Churro Cookies on demand!
Final Thoughts
Baking up a batch of Cream Cheese Churro Cookies is like giving your kitchen a warm hug and your taste buds a cinnamon-spiced party. With their velvety softness, nostalgic flavors, and melt-in-your-mouth bite, these cookies are way too easy to fall in love with. Grab your mixing bowl and share the magic—your crew will be begging for more!
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: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of cream cheese and churro flavors with these soft and delicious Cream Cheese Churro Cookies. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to impress!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (divided)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat softened butter, cream cheese, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mix until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Gradually add to wet ingredients, mix into a soft dough.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop dough, roll into balls, coat in cinnamon sugar mixture. Place on baking sheets, flatten slightly. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on sheet, then transfer to wire rack.
Notes
- These cookies stay soft thanks to the cream cheese.
- Add a cream cheese glaze for extra indulgence.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
