Description
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. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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.
Instructions
Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- 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.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- 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.
- Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- 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:
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 150-170 kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 3g