Cinnamon-Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies

How to Make Cinnamon-Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies:

1. Make the Cheesecake Filling

Start by preparing the cheesecake filling. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. This will form the rich, tangy cheesecake center that makes these cookies extra special. Once mixed, set the filling aside and place it in the fridge to chill while you make the cookie dough.

2. Prepare the Donut Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This mixture will give the cookies their classic donut flavor and texture.

In another bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine. Stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), which will keep the cookies soft and moist.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.

3. Assemble the Cookies

Take a small spoonful of dough and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand. Place about a teaspoon of the cheesecake filling in the center of the dough, then fold the edges of the dough around the filling, sealing it completely. Roll the dough ball between your hands to smooth it out and make it round again.

Repeat this process with the remaining dough and cheesecake filling. You should end up with about 12-14 cookie balls, depending on the size you make them.

4. Bake the Cookies

Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown on the bottom and firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking—these cookies should be soft and chewy!

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating by mixing the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Once the cookies are cool enough to handle, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re completely coated.

This step adds that classic donut flavor and gives the cookies a sweet, crunchy exterior that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheesecake center.

6. Serve and Enjoy

These Cinnamon-Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll also store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up, bringing back that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon-Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies:

• The Perfect Texture: These cookies have a soft, chewy texture like a donut, but with a deliciously creamy cheesecake filling in the center. It’s the best of both worlds!
• Cinnamon Sugar Magic: The warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon sugar gives these cookies a little extra something, making them feel like a cozy fall treat, perfect for any time of year.
• Creamy Cheesecake Center: The cheesecake filling is smooth, tangy, and sweet—just the right balance to complement the fluffy donut cookie dough. It’s the ultimate indulgence in every bite.
• Great for Sharing: Whether you’re bringing them to a potluck, a bake sale, or just sharing them with family and friends, these cookies are sure to be a hit! They’re the perfect combination of flavors and textures to please any crowd.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon-Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before using them. This helps create a smoother, more consistent dough and filling.
• Customize the Filling: While the cheesecake filling is divine on its own, feel free to add a little lemon zest or fruit puree for a twist! You can even experiment with different extracts like almond or maple for a unique flavor.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to handle, you can chill it for 30 minutes before rolling and filling the cookies. This will make the process easier and help the cookies hold their shape better when baking.

Conclusion: A Heavenly Combination

These Cinnamon-Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies are a unique and irresistible dessert that will take your taste buds on a delightful journey. With their soft, chewy donut-like texture, rich cheesecake filling, and cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a treat to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start baking these sweet, cinnamon-filled delights today! Your family, friends, and taste buds will thank you.