Cream Cheese Churro Cookies

These Cream Cheese Churro Cookies combine the richness of cream cheese with the warm, cinnamon-sugar flavor of churros. Soft, buttery, and just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion. With a simple preparation and a satisfying taste, they’ll be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and 1 cup of sugar until smooth and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt until the dough is fully incorporated.
5. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon to make the cinnamon-sugar coating.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
7. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and flatten them slightly using the bottom of a glass.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-27 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate-churro fusion.
• Nutmeg: Add a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor.
• Glaze: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweeter finish.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: To enjoy the cookies warm, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance, roll it into balls, and freeze them. Bake the frozen dough balls directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
2. Can I substitute cream cheese for something else? If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or sour cream for a similar texture.
3. How can I make these cookies crispier? Flatten the dough balls more before baking to get a thinner, crispier texture.
4. Can I make these cookies smaller? Yes, you can reduce the size of the dough balls, but remember that the baking time may decrease slightly.
5. Can I add other spices? Yes, adding a pinch of cardamom or allspice would enhance the flavor profile of these cookies.
6. What other toppings can I use? For an extra touch, try adding a sprinkle of coarse sea salt or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
7. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, but you may want to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
8. Are these cookies soft or crispy? These cookies are soft with a slight crispiness on the edges. If you prefer a firmer texture, bake a bit longer.
9. How can I tell when the cookies are done? The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges and set in the center. If they are still soft in the middle, they will firm up as they cool.
10. Can I freeze the baked cookies? Yes, you can freeze the cookies after baking. Just make sure they are completely cooled before storing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Churro Cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional churro, offering a soft and rich texture with the perfect blend of cinnamon-sugar flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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