Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies

Introduction

Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies are a dreamy combination of cheesecake-inspired softness, the warmth of cinnamon, and the nostalgic flavor of classic donuts. With a tender, slightly chewy center and a delicate cinnamon sugar coating, these cookies taste like a hybrid between a cheesecake and a fresh cinnamon sugar donut. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, they’ll quickly become a favorite treat for anyone who loves indulgent, cinnamon-spiced sweets.

I remember the first time I baked these for a holiday brunch, and they were an instant hit. The comforting aroma of cinnamon filled the house, and every bite was met with that perfect blend of creamy and spiced goodness. These cookies have the texture of a soft donut with just a hint of tanginess from the cheesecake element, making them truly unique.

What’s great about these cookies is their versatility. You can serve them warm with a dusting of extra cinnamon sugar or drizzle them with cream cheese glaze for an added touch of decadence. Whether you’re sharing them at a family gathering or indulging on a quiet afternoon with coffee, these treats are bound to become a new favorite.

Perfect for:

• Cozy weekend baking
• Coffee or tea pairing
• Cheesecake lovers
• Holiday cookie exchanges
• Anytime cinnamon cravings

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies

Here’s why Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies are about to be your new obsession:

• Cheesecake-Like Texture: Soft, creamy, and slightly tangy, these cookies are inspired by the rich flavor and texture of cheesecake.
• Warm Cinnamon Flavor: Coated in cinnamon sugar, they deliver that classic donut-shop taste with every bite.
• Easy to Make: No complicated techniques—just simple steps for a unique and indulgent cookie.
• Versatile: Enjoy them plain, or add a glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies look and taste special, making them a perfect homemade gift.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 120-140 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 5g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for coating)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus 1 tablespoon for coating)

Ingredient Highlights

• Cream Cheese: Gives the cookies a rich, tangy flavor and a soft, creamy texture that’s reminiscent of cheesecake.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor, especially when paired with the sugar coating.
• Butter: Provides richness and a tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Balances the tanginess of the cream cheese with a hint of sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies:

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies light and tender.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

6. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies tender.
8. Cool and Coat: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. While they cool, mix the additional sugar and cinnamon for coating. Roll each warm cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies

Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies are a versatile treat that can be served in many ways:

• With Coffee or Tea: Pair these cookies with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy treat.
• As a Breakfast Treat: These cookies make a delightful breakfast option, similar to a cinnamon sugar donut.
• For Dessert: Serve them as a unique dessert at family gatherings or dinner parties.
• With a Glaze: Drizzle them with a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
• For Gifting: Package these cookies in decorative tins or jars for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Holiday Style: Serve on a holiday dessert board with candy canes, hot cocoa, and festive decorations.
• Topped with Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting on top for extra cheesecake goodness.
• Midnight Snack: Enjoy straight from the fridge for a chilled, creamy bite before bedtime.
• Gift-Ready: Package in a decorative box with parchment paper, perfect for gifting during the holiday season.
• Drizzle and Dust: Drizzle with white chocolate and sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar for an elegant touch.

Additional Tips for Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies

Here are some tips to ensure your Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies turn out perfectly:

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to ensure a smooth dough.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies should stay soft in the center, so avoid baking them until they’re too firm.
• Coat While Warm: Roll the cookies in the cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm for the best adhesion.
• Add a Glaze: For a more indulgent treat, drizzle the cookies with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.
• Store Properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.

Recipe Variations for Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies

Here are 10 ways to customize Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies:

1. Glazed Cinnamon Cheesecake Cookies: Drizzle with a vanilla glaze for added sweetness.
2. Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Cookies: Add pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired twist.
3. Chocolate-Dipped Cheesecake Cookies: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a decadent touch.
4. Maple Cinnamon Cheesecake Cookies: Use maple extract instead of vanilla and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.
5. Cinnamon Raisin Cheesecake Cookies: Add raisins for a chewy texture and extra flavor.
6. Apple Pie Cheesecake Cookies: Fold in small bits of dried apple and a touch of nutmeg.
7. Almond Cinnamon Cookies: Add almond extract and sliced almonds for a nutty variation.
8. Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Cookies: Add a hint of cream of tartar for a snickerdoodle-inspired flavor.
9. Churro Cheesecake Cookies: Top with a dusting of powdered sugar and cinnamon for a churro-like experience.
10. Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Freezing and Storage for Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies

• Freezing: Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies

• Electric Mixer: For creaming the butter, cream cheese, and sugar.
• Cookie Scoop: Ensures even-sized cookies for uniform baking.
• Baking Sheets: Use parchment-lined or non-stick baking sheets.
• Mixing Bowls: For wet and dry ingredients.
• Zester: Optional, if you want to add a citrus twist.
• Cooling Rack: To cool the cookies evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions for Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies

1. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
2. Can I freeze the dough?
   Absolutely! Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then store in a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
3. Can I reduce the sugar?
   You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that it may affect the final texture.
4. Can I add a glaze?
   Yes! A simple glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract works beautifully.
5. How do I know when they’re done?
   The edges should be set, but the centers will still look soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Print

Conclusion

Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies are a heavenly blend of creamy cheesecake goodness, warm cinnamon spice, and that signature donut-like sweetness. These soft, pillowy cookies are rolled in cinnamon sugar for a perfectly sweet coating that makes each bite irresistible. Whether you pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or enjoy them as a comforting dessert, they’re guaranteed to bring a little extra joy to your day.

Bake a batch, share the love, and watch these cookies disappear in no time! If you try them, snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I’d love to see your creations!