Name: Churro Cheesecake Cookie Butter Bites Pan Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup cookie butter; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Sweet-toothed dessert enthusiasts, these churro cheesecake cookie butter bites promise a magical flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds dance.

Layers of creamy goodness merge with cinnamon-sugared crunch in each delectable morsel.

Crispy edges and soft centers create an irresistible textural symphony you’ll absolutely adore.

Inspired by classic churros and decadent cheesecake, this recipe combines beloved flavors into bite-sized perfection.

Warm spices and rich cookie butter transform an ordinary treat into something extraordinary.

Unexpected combinations make these little delights stand out from standard dessert offerings.

Prepare to experience a revolutionary snack that blends comfort and innovation in one delightful package.

Craving Conquering Treat: Indulge in a decadent dessert that combines the irresistible flavors of churros, cheesecake, and cookie butter in one delightful bite.
Super Simple Preparation: Requires minimal baking skills with easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward assembly using ready-made crescent roll dough.
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers, these bites will impress guests with their rich, sweet flavor profile.
Versatile Serving Option: Easily cut into small squares or bite-sized pieces, making them convenient for sharing and portion control.

Dough Base:

Crescent Roll Dough: Convenient pre-made pastry that provides a soft and flaky foundation for the dessert.
Melted Butter: Helps create a golden and crispy exterior of the pastry.

Cheesecake Filling:

Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredient that forms the rich and smooth base of the filling.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cheesecake mixture.
Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm and aromatic flavor to the filling.
Cookie Butter: Unique spread that adds a distinctive spiced and cookie-like taste to the cheesecake layer.

Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

Sugar, Cinnamon: Classic sweet and spicy mixture that gives the dessert a traditional churro-like flavor and enhances the overall taste profile.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C) and grab an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan. Give the pan a quick spray of cooking oil or a light butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Cinnamon-Sugar Magic

Grab a small bowl and mix together:

Sugar
Ground cinnamon

Set this delightful coating aside for later sprinkling.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend until silky smooth:

Cream cheese
Sugar
Vanilla extract
Cookie butter

Step 4: Build the First Dough Layer

Unroll a can of crescent roll dough and press it gently into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Carefully seal any visible seams to create a solid base.

Step 5: Spread the Decadent Filling

Using a spatula, evenly distribute the cookie butter cheesecake mixture across the first dough layer.

Step 6: Crown with Second Dough Layer

Carefully unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it delicately over the filling. Press down gently around the edges to seal.

Step 7: Add Golden Finishing Touches

Brush the top layer with melted butter, then generously shower the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the entire surface.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Look for a gorgeous golden-brown color and slightly puffed appearance.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Allow the pan to rest and cool for at least 15 minutes.

Cut into bite-sized squares or rectangles for easy serving.

Press the crescent roll dough edges firmly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to achieve a silky, lump-free filling.
Adjust sugar levels in the cinnamon-sugar coating based on personal preference or dietary needs.
Refrigerate the baked pan for 30 minutes before slicing to create neat, precise bites without crumbling.
Look for golden-brown edges and a slightly puffy top to ensure the perfect baking time.

Gluten-Free Churro Cheesecake Bites: Replace crescent roll dough with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based dough for a celiac-friendly version.
Dairy-Free Deconstructed Version: Swap cream cheese with coconut cream cheese and use almond butter instead of cookie butter for a plant-based alternative.
Keto-Friendly Mini Bites: Substitute crescent roll dough with fathead dough made from mozzarella and almond flour, using a low-carb sweetener and sugar-free cookie butter.
Vegan Cinnamon Cheesecake Squares: Create a tofu-based cheesecake filling with cashew cream, use vegan puff pastry, and replace butter with coconut oil for a completely plant-based treat.

What Goes Well with Churro Cheesecake Bites

Rich espresso or cappuccino perfectly complements the sweet, spicy cinnamon notes, cutting through the dessert's richness while enhancing its warm flavors.
Serve alongside cold horchata or Mexican-style iced cinnamon tea, which mirror the churro's cultural roots and provide refreshing contrast to the dense, creamy bites.
Drizzle amaretto or Bailey's Irish Cream around the plate, offering sophisticated adult undertones that blend seamlessly with the cookie butter's nutty, caramel-like essence.

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep the cheesecake bites chilled to maintain their creamy texture and prevent spoilage.
Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month without losing quality.
Remove frozen bites from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid microwaving to prevent texture changes.
Warm briefly in the oven at 150C (300F) for 5-7 minutes to restore the crispy top and maintain the soft cheesecake center.

FAQs

Are churro bites different from regular churros?

These bites combine cheesecake and churro flavors in a convenient, bite-sized form, unlike traditional long, fried churros. They’re baked, not deep-fried, and include a creamy cheesecake filling.

Can I use homemade crescent roll dough?

Premade crescent roll dough works best for this recipe. Homemade dough might change texture and consistency, potentially affecting the final result. Stick to refrigerated crescent roll dough for best outcomes.

Is cookie butter necessary for the recipe?

Cookie butter adds a unique, rich flavor that complements the cinnamon-sugar coating. If unavailable, you can substitute with speculoos spread or a similar spiced cookie spread to maintain the recipe’s distinctive taste.

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.

Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.