Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious cheesecake filling inside each cookie.
2. Chill the Filling: Place the bowl of cheesecake filling in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. Chilling the filling makes it easier to handle and helps it hold its shape when you’re assembling the cookies.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step creates a soft, tender cookie texture.
2. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.
4. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking and makes it easier to shape.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Portion the Dough: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough for each cookie. Roll the dough into balls and use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to create an indentation in the center of each ball.
3. Add the Cheesecake Filling: Remove the cheesecake filling from the refrigerator. Using a small spoon or piping bag, add about 1/2 teaspoon of the cheesecake filling into the center of each dough ball. Gently fold the dough over the filling to enclose it, rolling it back into a smooth ball to seal the filling inside.
4. Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating. Roll each filled dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated, then place it on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the tops are set. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the cookies to stay soft and tender.
2. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cheesecake filling will firm up slightly as the cookies cool, creating a deliciously creamy center.

Step 5: Add the Optional Drizzle (if desired)

1. Melt the Chocolate or Caramel: If you want to add a decorative drizzle, melt chocolate or caramel in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second increments until smooth.
2. Drizzle the Cookies: Using a spoon or piping bag, drizzle the melted chocolate or caramel over each cookie for an extra layer of indulgence. Allow the drizzle to set before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your Irresistible Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are now ready to be enjoyed! These cookies are best served fresh, but they’re also delicious at room temperature. They make an impressive dessert for parties, holiday gatherings, or as a cozy treat to enjoy with coffee or hot chocolate.