Cinnamon lovers, get ready for a treat that blends two dessert favorites into one irresistible bite. These cheesecake-filled donut cookies are soft, sweet, and warmly spiced, making them perfect for family gatherings, holiday trays, or anytime cravings. They’re simple to make but look and taste like a bakery-quality indulgence.
Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies
Ingredients
For the Dough:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
For the Cheesecake Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 oz |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tbsp |
For the Caramel Sauce (optional):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Caramel sauce | 1 cup |
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
Cream the butter and sugar together until the texture becomes light and airy. Add the eggs one at a time, blending well, then mix in the vanilla. In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Whip the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until velvety smooth. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag to make filling easier.
Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll small portions of dough into 1-inch balls, flatten them, and use a large cookie cutter to form neat circles. Pipe the cheesecake filling around the edge, fold the dough over to seal, and cut out the center to create a donut shape.
Coat the Cookies
Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl, then gently roll each cookie until fully coated.
Bake the Cookies
Place the cookies on the prepared tray, leaving about 2 inches between each one. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until they look lightly golden and set.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: Approx. 24 cookies