Introduction
Indulge in the delightful combination of churros and cookies with these Churro Cookies (Hand Pies). These bite-sized treats are a perfect blend of creamy cheesecake filling enclosed in a flaky pie crust, coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Why Make This Recipe
If you enjoy the flavors of churros and cheesecake, this recipe is a must-try. The simplicity of creating these hand pies makes them a great choice for a quick and delicious dessert, snack, or even a sweet breakfast treat.
How to Make Churro Cookies (Hand Pies)
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar, divided
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 2 pie crusts from scratch or from a package of 2 refrigerated crusts
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
Directions:
- Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Beat cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Mix in ¼ cup sugar and vanilla.
- Unroll pie crusts and cut 2” circles of crust. Place half the circles on the prepared cookie sheets.
- Spoon cheesecake mixture into the center of each crust circle. Wet your finger and run it around the edge. Place the remaining pie crust rounds on top and seal with a fork.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Let cool.
- Melt butter and stir together remaining sugar and cinnamon. Brush pies with butter, coat in cinnamon-sugar, and let cool.
How to Serve Churro Cookies (Hand Pies)
Serve these delightful hand pies warm or at room temperature. They make a perfect sweet treat for parties, gatherings, or as a special snack any time of the day.
How to Store Churro Cookies (Hand Pies)
Store these hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the oven to enjoy them warm again.
Tips to Make Churro Cookies (Hand Pies)
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Seal the hand pies tightly with a fork to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Coat the pies with cinnamon-sugar while they are still warm for the best flavor and texture.
Variation
For a fruity twist, add a dollop of your favorite fruit jam or preserves inside the hand pies along with the cheesecake mixture before baking.
FAQs
- Can I use store-bought pie crusts for this recipe? Yes, you can use refrigerated pie crusts for convenience.
- Can I freeze these hand pies? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked hand pies and bake them directly from frozen, adjusting the baking time as needed.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter for the cinnamon-sugar coating? While butter provides the best flavor, you can substitute margarine if needed.
