Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies

Introduction

Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies are the perfect fusion of a soft, pillowy donut and a rich, creamy cheesecake. These cookies are lightly spiced with cinnamon, offering a warm, comforting flavor, while the tangy cheesecake filling in the center adds a delicious surprise in every bite. The combination of textures—from the slightly crispy edges to the creamy center—makes these cookies a unique and irresistible treat.

I first made these when I was looking for something different to serve at a family gathering, and they were an instant hit. The cinnamon sugar coating on the outside gives them that familiar, cozy donut flavor, while the cheesecake filling adds a decadent twist. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself to something sweet.

What’s great about these Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies is how easy they are to make. With just a few ingredients and a simple filling, you can create a dessert that feels special and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for family and friends or just craving something delicious, these cookies are sure to impress!

Perfect for:

• Cookie lovers
• Dessert lovers with a sweet tooth
• Afternoon snacks
• Holiday baking
• Gift-giving

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies will become your new favorite:

• Creamy Cheesecake Center: The creamy cheesecake filling brings a delightful surprise and a touch of indulgence to every bite.
• Cinnamon Spice: The warm cinnamon flavor throughout the cookies gives them a comforting, aromatic quality.
• Soft and Pillowy Texture: These cookies are soft and slightly chewy on the outside, with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth filling.
• Unique Flavor Combination: The fusion of cheesecake and donut flavors creates a unique dessert that is sure to impress.
• Simple to Make: With a few simple ingredients, you can make these delicious cookies in just over an hour.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-170 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies:

• For the Cookie Dough:
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk
• For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Ingredient Highlights

• Cream Cheese: The cream cheese creates a rich, smooth, and tangy filling that complements the sweetness of the cookies.
• Cinnamon: A classic spice that adds warmth and depth to the cookies, making them extra cozy and fragrant.
• Butter: Butter helps to create the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Used in both the dough and the cinnamon sugar coating, it balances the sweetness and creates a light crispness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies:

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Add the milk and mix until the dough is smooth.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

6. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth. If you prefer a slightly tangy flavor, you can add lemon juice to the filling. Set aside.

Assemble the Cookies:

7. Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a ball, then make a small indentation in the center of each ball using your thumb or a spoon.
8. Fill with Cheesecake: Place a small spoonful of the cheesecake filling into the indentation of each dough ball. Gently pinch the edges of the dough together to seal the filling inside, forming a smooth ball again.
9. Bake: Place the filled dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:

11. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
12. Coat the Cookies: While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides. Place them back on the wire rack to cool.

How to Serve Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies

Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies are versatile and can be served in many ways:

• As an Afternoon Snack: These cookies are perfect for a cozy afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
• For Holiday Gatherings: Their festive appearance and warm cinnamon flavor make these cookies an ideal addition to any holiday dessert table.
• As a Gift: Package them in a cute tin or jar and give them as a sweet, homemade gift for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.
• For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve them alongside other baked goods for a sweet treat during breakfast or brunch.

Additional Tips for Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies

Here are some tips to ensure your Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies are perfect every time:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter, cream cheese, and egg are at room temperature to ensure smooth, even mixing.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before scooping and filling.
• Don’t Overstuff the Filling: Use a small amount of filling to avoid overflows while baking. A little goes a long way in these cookies.
• Monitor Baking Time: Since every oven is different, keep an eye on the cookies to avoid overbaking. The edges should be golden, but the centers should still be soft.
• Customize the Filling: You can experiment with different flavors for the filling, such as adding a little cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.

Recipe Variations for Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies

Here are 10 variations you can try for Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies:

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Donut Cookies: Add canned pumpkin puree and spices like nutmeg and cloves to the dough for a fall-inspired flavor.
• Chocolate Cheesecake Donut Cookies: Mix cocoa powder into the dough for a rich chocolate flavor to complement the cheesecake filling.
• Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Donut Cookies: Add finely chopped apples to the dough or topping for a fruity twist.
• Maple Cinnamon Cheesecake Donut Cookies: Add a touch of maple syrup to the dough for a warm, maple-flavored cookie.
• S’mores Cheesecake Donut Cookies: Incorporate mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs into the filling for a s’mores-inspired treat.
• Lemon Cheesecake Donut Cookies: Add lemon zest and lemon juice to the filling for a tangy, refreshing flavor.
• Nutella Cheesecake Donut Cookies: Swirl Nutella into the cheesecake filling for a rich, hazelnut chocolate flavor.
• Peanut Butter Cheesecake Donut Cookies: Mix peanut butter into the cheesecake filling for a creamy, nutty filling.
• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Cheesecake Donut Cookies: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
• Vegan Cinnamon Cheesecake Donut Cookies: Use dairy-free butter and vegan cream cheese in place of the regular ingredients for a vegan-friendly version.

Freezing and Storage for Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies

• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. After baking and cooling, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to an airtight container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. You can also store them in the fridge for up to a week for extra freshness.

Special Equipment for Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies easier:

• Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer will help you cream the butter and sugar to the perfect consistency.
• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures uniform-sized dough balls for consistent baking.
• Baking Sheets: Use parchment-lined or non-stick baking sheets for easy cookie removal.
• Wire Rack: A cooling rack will help your cookies cool evenly, preventing them from becoming soggy.
• Small Bowls: Use small bowls for mixing the cheesecake filling and cinnamon sugar coating.

Frequently Asked Questions for Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies

1. Can I make these cookies without the cheesecake filling?
   Yes, you can omit the filling, and the dough itself will still make delicious cinnamon cookies. You can also try filling the cookies with chocolate chips or jam instead.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking. Just allow it to soften slightly at room temperature before rolling and filling.
3. Can I use a store-bought cheesecake filling?
   While homemade cheesecake filling provides the best flavor, you can use store-bought cheesecake filling in a pinch.
4. Can I bake the cookies without the cinnamon sugar coating?
   Yes, the cinnamon sugar adds extra flavor, but the cookies will still be delicious without it. You can also try other coatings like powdered sugar or crushed nuts.
5. Can I freeze the dough before baking?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough balls before baking. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

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Conclusion

Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best elements of cinnamon sugar donuts and rich, creamy cheesecake. Their soft texture, warm cinnamon flavor, and indulgent cheesecake filling make them a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a special event or enjoying them as an everyday treat, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

This recipe is as fun to prepare as it is to eat, making it perfect for everything from family gatherings to casual coffee breaks. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or indulging yourself, these cookies are a sweet, irresistible bite of happiness.

I’d love to see how your Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!