Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies offer the perfect blend of soft, creamy cheesecake filling wrapped in tender, cinnamon-sugar coated cookie dough. They’re a delightful treat that combines the best of donuts and cookies in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup caramel sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the dough by creaming together the softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Step 3: For the cheesecake filling, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Transfer this mixture into a piping bag for easy filling.
4. Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Step 5: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then flatten each one. Use a large cookie cutter to cut them into circles.
6. Step 6: Pipe the cheesecake filling around the edges of each dough circle. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to enclose it, pressing gently to seal. Cut out the center of each to create a donut shape.
7. Step 7: In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Roll each donut cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
8. Step 8: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Step 9: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and set.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar coating.
• Swap the vanilla extract in the filling for almond extract for a subtle twist.
• Use a cream cheese frosting drizzle instead of caramel sauce for a sweeter finish.
• If you prefer, freeze unbaked cookies for up to a month and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week; allow them to come to room temperature before serving. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese for the filling?

Yes, but the filling may be slightly less creamy and rich. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the dough from sticking when shaping the cookies?

Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin, and make sure your dough is chilled if it becomes too soft to handle easily.

Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 72 reviews

Delight in these Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies, a perfect blend of soft, buttery cookie dough enveloping a luscious cream cheese filling. Coated generously in a cinnamon-sugar mixture and baked until golden, these cookies offer a delightful twist on classic donuts with a rich, creamy center and a sweet, spicy crust.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Cheesecake Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Optional Serving

• 1 cup caramel sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to combine.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, gently mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Transfer this filling into a piping bag to make the assembly easier.
4. Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and flatten each one. Use a large cookie cutter to cut into perfect circles for a uniform shape.
5. Fill and Form Donut Shapes: Pipe the cheesecake filling around the edge of each circle, then fold the dough edges over to enclose the filling. Press gently to seal the dough and carefully cut out the center of each to create a donut shape, exposing the creamy filling inside.
6. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. Roll each formed cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure to coat all the exposed surfaces thoroughly for that signature cinnamon kiss.
7. Bake the Cookies: Place the coated cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden and set.
8. Serving Suggestion: Allow cookies to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with caramel sauce if desired for an extra layer of decadence.

Notes

• Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough and filling.
• Do not overmix the cookie dough once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender.
• Chilling the dough briefly before shaping can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Use parchment paper on your baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• For a different twist, try adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of chocolate instead of caramel sauce.

Keywords: Cinnamon, Cheesecake, Donut Cookies, Baked Cookies, Cream Cheese Filling, Dessert Cookies, Cinnamon Sugar Cookies, Sweet Treat