Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies

These Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies combine the best of two worlds – the creamy, tangy richness of cheesecake and the soft, pillowy texture of a donut. With a sweet cinnamon sugar coating, these cookies are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime snacking.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesecake-Inspired Filling – Creamy, tangy, and perfectly sweet.
• Soft & Pillowy Texture – Like biting into a fluffy donut, but in cookie form.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating – Adds a warm, comforting finish.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Breakfast, brunch, or dessert – these cookies fit any time of day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Cookie scoop
• Small bowl for coating
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add sugar, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. Beat until fully combined and creamy.
3. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
4. Mix in the sour cream until smooth.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
6. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 1 hour to make it easier to handle.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Cinnamon Sugar

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

1. Using a cookie scoop, scoop out 1 ½ tbsp of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand.
2. Place a teaspoon of the chilled cheesecake filling in the center of the dough.
3. Wrap the dough around the filling and roll it into a smooth ball.
4. Roll each filled dough ball in the cinnamon sugar coating and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Repeat with remaining dough and filling, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the tops are set.
2. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve warm for a gooey, creamy center or at room temperature for a soft, cakey texture.
2. Dust with extra cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar for added sweetness.

Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Donut Cookies

• Chill the Filling: Keeping the cheesecake filling cold makes it easier to work with and prevents excessive spreading.
• Don’t Overbake: The cookies should be slightly soft in the center to maintain the cheesecake texture.
• Seal the Dough Well: Ensure the dough fully encases the filling to prevent leaks.
• For Extra Cinnamon Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a double cinnamon hit.

Serving Suggestions

• Coffee or Hot Cocoa: The creamy, cinnamon-sugar coating pairs beautifully with warm drinks.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Caramel Drizzle: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream makes these cookies even more decadent.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate: For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze the filled, unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
• Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
   Yes, but the filling may be slightly less rich and creamy.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before assembling the cookies.
3. Can I add other flavors?
   Yes! Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.
4. What if I don’t have sour cream?
   You can substitute with Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a similar texture.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies are the ultimate combination of soft, cakey donut cookies filled with creamy cheesecake and dusted with warm cinnamon sugar. They’re easy to make, deliciously indulgent, and perfect for any occasion – from holiday cookie exchanges to cozy family nights.

Whether served warm with coffee or cooled with a dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are a must-try treat for cheesecake lovers.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Baking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 260 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 210mg

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