Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies

If a cookie, a donut, and a cheesecake had a love child, it would be these Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies. With a soft, buttery cookie base, a luscious cheesecake filling, and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, these treats are as magical as they sound. Add a drizzle of caramel sauce, and you’ve got a dessert that will make everyone swoon!

These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, a cozy weekend baking session, or whenever you need a sweet treat that’s a little extra special. Plus, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat!

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Why You’ll Love These Cookies

• Triple Flavor Punch: Buttery cookie dough, creamy cheesecake filling, and a warm cinnamon-sugar coating make each bite irresistible.
• Cheesecake in Every Bite: Unlike traditional filled cookies, these have a cheesecake filling cleverly baked into a donut shape.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday cookie swap, a family gathering, or a solo treat-yourself day, these cookies shine.
• Fun and Unique: The donut shape adds a playful twist, making them stand out on any dessert table.

Ingredients Breakdown 🛒

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies:

For the Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and keeps the cookies soft and tender.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a light, crisp texture.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Gives the cookies a slight lift.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The star of the filling, providing a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet dough.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the filling.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the cheesecake flavor.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the exterior of the cookies.
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a touch of spice.

Optional: For the Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup caramel sauce: Drizzle over the cookies for an extra layer of indulgence.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to bake? Let’s walk through the process of creating these delectable cookies.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step helps aerate the dough, creating a soft, tender cookie.
2. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Transfer to a Piping Bag: Spoon the cheesecake mixture into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off for easy filling.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll and Flatten the Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and flatten each into a circle using your hands or a rolling pin.
3. Add the Cheesecake Filling: Pipe a ring of cheesecake filling around the edge of each circle, leaving the center open.
4. Form the Donut Shape: Fold the edges of the dough over the cheesecake filling to enclose it, then press to seal. Use a small cookie cutter or the back of a piping tip to cut out the center, creating a donut shape.

Step 4: Coat the Cookies

1. Mix the Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
2. Roll the Cookies: Carefully roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated on all sides.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

1. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden and set. The edges should be firm, but the centers will still be soft.
3. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

• Optional Caramel Drizzle: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cooled cookies for a sweet, sticky finish.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and cream cheese blend more easily, creating a smoother dough and filling.
2. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can make the cookies tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
3. Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before shaping.
4. Experiment with Fillings: Swap out the cheesecake filling for Nutella, peanut butter, or even jam for a fun twist.

Why These Cookies Are So Special

These Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies combine the best of all worlds soft, buttery cookie dough, a rich cheesecake center, and a warm, spicy cinnamon-sugar coating. They’re a delightful blend of textures and flavors, with each bite offering something different.

The donut shape adds a playful twist that makes them stand out from traditional cookies, and the optional caramel drizzle takes them over the top.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect on their own, but they also pair beautifully with:

• A Hot Cup of Coffee: The rich, sweet flavors complement a bold cup of coffee or a creamy latte.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Warm Apple Cider: The cinnamon and caramel notes in the cookies pair wonderfully with a cozy mug of cider.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that’s a little bit different and a whole lot delicious, these Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies are the answer. They’re fun to make, beautiful to look at, and absolutely irresistible to eat.

So grab your mixing bowls, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake a batch of cookies that will wow everyone who tries them. Happy baking!