Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. Set aside in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the cookie dough.
Make the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Assemble the Cookies:
- Use a cookie scoop to portion out the cookie dough (about 1.5 tablespoons each).
- Flatten each cookie dough portion slightly in your palm, add a teaspoon of the chilled cheesecake filling in the center, and then encase it by gently folding the dough around it. Roll it back into a ball.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- While the cookies are cooling, in a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon.
- Brush the warm cookies with melted butter and then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat them evenly.
Serve:
- Enjoy your delicious churro cheesecake cookies warm or at room temperature for the best combination of flavors and textures!