Introduction:
These Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies combine the soft, chewy texture of a cookie with the creamy, tangy flavor of cheesecake and a cinnamon-sugar twist. Topped with a kiss of cinnamon sugar, these cookies are a delightful treat that will remind you of freshly baked cinnamon donuts and rich cheesecake in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Unique flavor combination: A blend of cheesecake, donuts, and cookies.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and minimal preparation.
- Perfect for any occasion: Ideal for dessert, breakfast, or a snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Shape and Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough and roll it into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Use the back of a spoon or your thumb to create a small indentation in the center of each cookie to resemble a donut hole.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Add Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
- While the cookies are still warm, combine the cinnamon and sugar for the topping in a small bowl.
- Gently roll the tops of the cookies in the cinnamon-sugar mixture or sprinkle the mixture over the tops.
- Cool and Dust:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a final touch of sweetness.
Tips for Success:
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies to avoid overbaking; you want them soft and tender.
- Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to achieve a smooth and creamy dough.
Recipe Variations:
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Make a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, and a splash of milk, and drizzle over the cookies.
- Nutmeg Kiss: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a spiced flavor twist.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these cookies with a cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk for a delightful treat.
- These cookies make an excellent addition to a dessert platter or holiday cookie exchange.
Freezing and Storage:
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator before proceeding with the recipe.
- Reheating: Gently warm the cookies in a microwave for a few seconds if you want to recreate that just-baked softness.
Special Equipment:
- Cookie Scoop: Helps ensure uniform cookie sizes.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
FAQ:
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Yes, but the cookies may not be as rich and creamy as they would be with full-fat cream cheese.
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight or freeze the dough for longer storage.
Preparation Time:
- 15 minutes for preparing the dough and shaping the cookies.
Cook Time:
- 12 minutes for baking the cookies.
Total Time:
- 30 minutes (including prep and cook time).
Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 24 cookies):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Shape and Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough and roll it into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Use the back of a spoon or your thumb to create a small indentation in the center of each cookie to resemble a donut hole.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Add Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
- While the cookies are still warm, combine the cinnamon and sugar for the topping in a small bowl.
- Gently roll the tops of the cookies in the cinnamon-sugar mixture or sprinkle the mixture over the tops.
- Cool and Dust:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a final touch of sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: per serving, assuming 24 cookies
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 2g
Closing Notes:
Have you tried these Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies? Share your baking experience in the comments! Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your cookie creations, and stay tuned for more delicious recipes.
