Cinnamon Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies
Cinnamon Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies are the perfect treat for those who love the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon combined with the indulgent creaminess of cheesecake. These cookies feature a chewy cinnamon cookie dough that is filled with a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, creating a decadent dessert experience. The balance of cinnamon’s warmth with the smooth, tangy cheesecake center makes each bite unforgettable.
If you’re looking for something a little different from the usual chocolate chip cookies, these Cinnamon Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies will surely impress. They’re ideal for special occasions, cozy gatherings, or simply as an indulgent treat for yourself. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies
For the Cinnamon Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Large Egg
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg (optional, for added warmth)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cinnamon Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Set the baking sheets aside while you prepare the cookie dough and cheesecake filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the ground cinnamon and beat until incorporated.
- Once the filling is smooth, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle when stuffing the cookies.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and optional nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the cinnamon cookie dough and flatten it into a small disc on your hand.
- Place about 1 teaspoon of the chilled cheesecake filling in the center of the dough.
- Carefully wrap the dough around the cheesecake filling, making sure to seal the edges so the filling is completely enclosed.
- Roll the filled dough ball between your hands to smooth out the surface. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and cheesecake filling.
Step 5: Roll the Cookies in Cinnamon Sugar
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp granulated sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
- Roll each cookie dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
- Place the cinnamon sugar-coated cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are slightly soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the cookies have cooled, they are ready to serve.
- Enjoy these soft, chewy, and indulgent cookies with a cup of hot tea or milk to complement the cinnamon flavor.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies
- Chill the cheesecake filling: Chilling the cheesecake filling before stuffing it into the cookies helps it firm up and prevents it from spilling out during baking.
- Don’t overstuff the cookies: Use only 1 teaspoon of filling to ensure the cookies hold their shape while baking. Too much filling can cause the cookies to spread too much and lose their shape.
- Use room temperature cream cheese: For the smoothest cheesecake filling, make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing.
- Adjust the spice levels: If you love cinnamon, feel free to add more cinnamon to the cookie dough or the cheesecake filling for a bolder flavor.
- Make them smaller: For bite-sized treats, use less dough and filling and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes.
Variations of Cinnamon Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies
- Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies: Add small chunks of apples to the cinnamon dough for an apple pie-inspired variation.
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies: Replace the ground cinnamon in the dough with pumpkin pie spice, and use a little pumpkin puree in the cheesecake filling for a fall twist.
- Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies: Add chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a sweet contrast to the cinnamon flavor.
- Maple Cinnamon Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies: Incorporate maple extract or maple syrup into the cheesecake filling for a warm, sweet maple flavor.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies
These indulgent cookies pair wonderfully with various beverages and sides:
- A warm cup of chai tea: The spices in chai complement the cinnamon flavor of the cookies perfectly.
- Vanilla ice cream: Serve the cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a rich and creamy dessert combination.
- Cappuccino or latte: The creamy texture and cinnamon warmth of these cookies go wonderfully with a cup of coffee or espresso.
- Fresh fruit: Pair with fresh, slightly tart fruit like apples or berries to balance out the sweetness.
How to Store and Reheat Cinnamon Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies
Storing:
- Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. The cinnamon-sugar coating will remain crisp while the cookies stay soft and chewy.
- To extend their shelf life, store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just place them in a zip-top freezer bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Reheating:
- To reheat, place the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm them up without making them too soft.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to restore their fresh-baked texture.
Conclusion: A Sweet, Spicy Delight in Every Bite
Cinnamon Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies offer the perfect blend of spicy cinnamon and creamy cheesecake for a truly unique cookie experience. These cookies are a great way to enjoy the flavors of a classic dessert in a fun and indulgent new way. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit.
Cinnamon Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Cookie sheet
- Piping bag or spoon for filling
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for filling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- In another bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to make the cheesecake filling.
- Scoop out dough and flatten it into circles. Place a spoonful of cheesecake filling in the center and fold the dough around it to form a ball.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Video
Notes
Dust the cookies with extra cinnamon sugar before baking for a sweeter touch