Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
