Get ready to experience a sweet treat that combines the warm, spicy goodness of cinnamon with the smooth, indulgent richness of cheesecake, all nestled inside a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. Meet the Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake Cookies—an unforgettable dessert that brings together the best of both worlds in one delightful bite. Whether it’s for a special occasion, a casual snack, or just a little indulgence, these cookies will quickly become a favorite. Let’s dive into this simple yet luxurious recipe!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups
- Baking powder: ½ tsp
- Salt: ¼ tsp
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup (softened)
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup
- Brown sugar: ¼ cup (packed)
- Large egg: 1
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream cheese: ½ cup (softened)
For the Churro Coating:
- Granulated sugar: ¼ cup
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tbsp
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough
- In a small mixing bowl, sift together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, and a pinch of sea salt. Set aside for later use.
- In a larger mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just blended. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow it to set.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a small bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Scoop the cream cheese into small ½ teaspoon-sized portions and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze until firm, about 15–20 minutes.
3. Shape the Cookies
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking tray.
- Take about 1 tablespoon of the chilled dough, roll it into a ball, then gently press it into a small patty.
- Place a frozen scoop of vanilla yogurt in the middle before shaping the dough around it.
- Gently wrap the dough around the cream cheese, sealing it completely, and roll it into a smooth ball. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
4. Roll in Churro Coating
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating.
- Roll each cookie dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring an even coating.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and set around the edges.
6. Cool and Enjoy
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for a luscious churro-cheesecake experience.
Conclusion
Churro-Cheesecake Bliss Bites bring together the best of two beloved desserts in one easy-to-make treat. With their crispy cinnamon-sugar coating, tender cookie shell, and creamy cheesecake center, these cookies are guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, this unique dessert is sure to become a new favorite. Give it a try and savor the sweet, spiced joy of every bite!