Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies Recipe

Homemade Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies Recipe

Sweet aromas of cinnamon kissed cheesecake donut cookies waft through kitchens, promising pure indulgence.

Soft, pillowy dough meets creamy cheesecake in a delightful dance of flavors.

Bakers rejoice as these treats blend comfort and excitement effortlessly.

Delicate spices whisper warmth into each perfectly crafted morsel.

Crisp edges give way to tender centers that melt on your tongue.

Unexpected textures and rich notes make these cookies a true culinary adventure.

Prepare to transform an ordinary moment into something extraordinary with this irresistible recipe.

Why Cinnamon Cheesecake Donut Cookies Are a Triple Threat

  • Craft with Ease: Simple steps make these cookies achievable for bakers of all skill levels, from kitchen newbies to seasoned pros.
  • Delightful Flavor Fusion: Combines the comfort of cinnamon-sugar donuts with the rich creaminess of cheesecake, creating a unique treat that surprises and satisfies.
  • Perfect Party Pleaser: Impressive looking cookies that will wow guests at potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers without requiring professional baking skills.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for dessert tables, afternoon snacks, or sweet endings to meals – these cookies adapt to any occasion and please multiple taste preferences.

What’s Inside These Flavor-Packed Cookies

Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter, Softened: Adds richness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Contributes a warm, classic flavor to the cookies.
Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy filling with a creamy consistency.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the filling.
Coating:
  • Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon: Provides a sweet and spicy exterior that complements the cookie's flavor.

Step 1: Create Magical Cookie Dough

Mix softened butter and sugar until fluffy and cloud-like. Add eggs one at a time, blending smoothly.

Stir in vanilla extract for extra warmth. In another bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just incorporated.

Step 2: Craft Creamy Cheesecake Center

Blend cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until silky smooth. Transfer mixture into a piping bag for easy filling.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Donut Cookies

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll dough into small balls, then flatten each one. Use a cookie cutter to create perfect circles.

Pipe cheesecake filling around cookie edges. Fold sides over filling, press to seal.

Cut out center to form donut shape.

Step 4: Sprinkle Cinnamon Magic

Mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.

Gently roll each cookie in the sweet-spicy mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn light golden and cookies set. Let cool slightly before enjoying your delectable creation.

Tips for Fluffy, Filled, and Flavorful Donut Cookies

  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain cookie structure during baking.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, lump-free cheesecake filling that pipes easily and evenly.
  • Dust cookies with extra cinnamon sugar right after baking for a more intense flavor and glossy finish.
  • Ensure cookie edges are well-sealed to prevent cheesecake filling from leaking during baking.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers to maintain their delicate texture and prevent sticking.

Fun Twists on Cheesecake Donut Cookies

  • Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake Donut Cookies: Replace cinnamon coating with melted dark chocolate drizzle, adding cocoa powder to the dough for rich chocolate undertones.
  • Lemon Zest Cheesecake Donut Cookies: Incorporate fresh lemon zest into the dough and cheesecake filling, then dust with powdered sugar for a bright, citrusy version.
  • Berry Burst Cheesecake Donut Cookies: Mix fresh raspberries or blueberries into the cheesecake filling, creating vibrant pockets of fruity flavor throughout the cookie.
  • Maple Pecan Cheesecake Donut Cookies: Fold chopped pecans into the dough and replace sugar coating with a maple glaze, sprinkling additional chopped nuts on top for crunch.
  • Creamy Coffee Companion: Pair these cinnamon-kissed donut cookies with a smooth, medium-roast latte to complement the rich cheesecake filling and enhance the warm cinnamon notes.
  • Sweet Wine Delight: Serve alongside a chilled glass of Moscato d'Asti, whose light sweetness and delicate bubbles perfectly balance the cookie's creamy texture and spicy cinnamon coating.
  • Unexpected Tea Twist: Match with a chai tea that echoes the cinnamon undertones, creating a harmonious flavor profile that elevates the dessert's warmth and complexity.
  • Caramel Dipping Dream: Create a quick caramel sauce for drizzling or dipping, which adds depth and richness to the already decadent cheesecake donut cookies.

How to Keep Your Cookies Fresh and Tasty

  • Refrigerate: Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep chilled for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicate texture and flavor.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months, preserving their soft consistency and taste.
  • Thaw Gently: Remove frozen cookies from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent texture loss.
  • Reheat Carefully: Warm cookies briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes. This method restores their fresh-baked warmth and crisp edges without drying out the delicate cheesecake filling.
  • Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?

While you can use low-fat cream cheese, full-fat cream cheese provides better texture and richer flavor for the cheesecake filling.

  • How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?

Make sure to seal the edges of the cookie completely and avoid overfilling. Press the edges firmly with your fingers or a fork to create a tight seal.

  • Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before shaping and baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before working with it.

  • Can I freeze these cinnamon cheesecake donut cookies?

Absolutely! These cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.

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Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies Recipe

Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies blend classic comfort with innovative baking magic. Sweet cinnamon notes and creamy cheesecake embrace each delightful cookie, promising pure indulgence for dessert enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226 grams)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened

Sweeteners and Spices:

  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake filling)

Flavor Enhancers and Stabilizers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional:

  • 1 cup caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Whip softened butter and sugar until airy and pale, incorporating eggs individually and blending in vanilla extract for a rich, smooth base.
  2. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a separate bowl, then gently fold into the wet mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  3. Blend cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until silky and uniform, then transfer to a piping bag for precise filling distribution.
  4. Heat oven to 350°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper for even baking and easy cookie removal.
  5. Craft dough into uniform 1-inch spheres, gently flatten each, and use a cookie cutter to create perfect circular foundations.
  6. Pipe creamy cheesecake filling around cookie edges, carefully fold dough over to enclose filling, pressing seams firmly to seal.
  7. Carve out center of each filled cookie to mimic classic donut shape, creating a playful, eye-catching design.
  8. Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish, then delicately roll each cookie to achieve a fragrant, sweet coating.
  9. Arrange cookies on prepared baking sheet with ample spacing to prevent merging during baking.
  10. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden and centers appear set, indicating perfect doneness.

Notes

  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain crisp edges during baking.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling that pipes easily.
  • Use a sharp cookie cutter or knife to create clean donut shapes, wiping the edge between cuts for precise edges.
  • Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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