Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies

Introduction

When it comes to desserts, my family has a special affinity for cookies, especially when they come with a delightful twist. Recently, I stumbled upon a recipe for Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies that promised to be the perfect fusion of rich cheesecake and soft, fluffy donuts. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. The moment I pulled these cookies out of the oven, my kitchen was filled with an irresistible aroma that had everyone in the house eagerly anticipating a taste. My kids loved the sweet, cinnamon-sugar coating, while my partner was blown away by the creamy cheesecake filling. These cookies quickly became a new favorite in our household, and I can’t wait to share this delightful recipe with you!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Optional:

• Caramel sauce for drizzling

Instructions

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once fluffy, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract for the cheesecake filling. Mix until smooth and creamy, making sure there are no lumps.

Step 4: Shape and Fill the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using your hands, take a small portion of the cookie dough and flatten it into a disk. Place about a teaspoon of the cheesecake filling in the center, then fold the dough over to seal the filling inside. Shape it into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process until all the dough and filling are used.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. While they are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. This will give them that delightful sweet crunch on the outside.

Step 7: Serve

For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle with caramel sauce before serving. Enjoy your Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies warm or at room temperature!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 210 calories
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 14g
• Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes

How to Serve

• Warm or Room Temperature: These cookies can be enjoyed warm right out of the oven or at room temperature.
• With Coffee or Tea: Pair with your favorite coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Drizzle with Caramel: Add a caramel sauce drizzle for a touch of sweetness and flavor.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: For an elegant presentation, lightly dust with powdered sugar.
• Share with Friends: Package in a decorative box for a lovely homemade gift.

Additional Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
2. Chill the Dough: If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
3. Experiment with Flavors: Add different extracts like almond or lemon for a unique twist on the traditional flavor.
4. Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniformity, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough.
5. Store Properly: Store in an airtight container to keep the cookies fresh for up to a week.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Cheesecake Filling: Substitute the cream cheese filling with a chocolate cheesecake mix by adding cocoa powder to the cream cheese.
• Pumpkin Spice Variation: Incorporate pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the dough for a seasonal twist.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
• Fruity Filling: Substitute the cheesecake filling with a fruit-flavored cream cheese spread for a fruity version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies.

Serving Suggestions

• Dessert Platter: Serve alongside other desserts like brownies or bars for a sweet platter.
• Breakfast Treat: Perfect for brunch, these cookies can be served as a breakfast treat.
• At Parties: A great addition to any dessert table at parties or gatherings.
• Kids’ Parties: Ideal for kids’ parties; they are fun and easy to eat.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing Cookies: These cookies freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then place in an airtight container separated by layers of parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Yes, but butter provides a richer flavor and texture.
2. Can I make the dough in advance?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
3. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
   You can substitute it with mascarpone or a non-dairy cream cheese alternative.
4. How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
   Ensure your butter is not too soft, and chill the dough before baking if necessary.
5. Can I use pre-made cheesecake filling?
   Yes, if you want to save time, store-bought cheesecake filling can be used.
6. What can I do with leftover dough?
   Roll and freeze the dough for future baking or use it for other cookie recipes.
7. Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
   Yes, they freeze beautifully! Just make sure they are completely cooled before freezing.
8. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   They should be golden brown on the edges and slightly soft in the center when done.
9. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
   Definitely! Chocolate chips would add a delicious twist.
10. How long do these cookies last?
    When stored properly, they can last for up to a week at room temperature.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies are a delightful treat that blends the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the sweet, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, or simply craving something sweet. With their soft, pillowy texture and delicious filling, these cookies are bound to become a beloved favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your kitchen!

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