Cinnamon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Heavenly Cinnamon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe for Sweet Perfection

Sweet memories often spark when unexpected cinnamon cheesecake cookies waft through kitchens.

These delightful treats blend creamy richness with warm spice notes that dance across taste buds.

Biting into a soft, pillowy cookie packed with tangy cream cheese and fragrant cinnamon.

Each morsel promises a delectable journey of comfort and indulgence.

Bakers seeking something special will adore this simple yet remarkable recipe.

Soft edges, tender centers, and a perfect balance of flavors await you.

You’re about to create magic that transforms an ordinary afternoon into a memorable moment.

Reasons To Love Cinnamon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

  • Surprise Inside Delight: These cookies pack a creamy cheesecake center that magically bursts with unexpected richness when you bite into them.
  • Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The combination of cinnamon-sugar coating and delicate cheesecake filling creates a harmonious flavor profile that's not too sweet but utterly indulgent.
  • Texture Wonderland: Crispy cookie edges meet soft, tender centers and a smooth cheesecake filling, delivering a multi-layered sensory experience in every single bite.
  • Stress-Free Baking Adventure: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, these cookies are beginner-friendly and perfect for home bakers wanting to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Items You Need For Cinnamon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Cookie Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key structure provider for the cookie, giving the right texture and form.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become soft.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Fat and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a tender cookie texture.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet depth to the cookie flavor.
Sweet and Spice Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar: Delivers sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic spice flavor throughout the cookie.
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy, tangy filling that contrasts with the sweet cookie.
  • Cream Cheese Filling Ingredients: Smooth and rich base for the cookie center.

How To Bake Cinnamon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up Cheesecake Filling

In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Using a spoon, drop 24 small dollops of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop the sheet into the freezer for at least 30 minutes until the filling becomes solid.

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough Magic

Grab a large bowl and beat butter and sugar until light and airy. Crack in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until perfectly combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just incorporated. If the dough feels too sticky, let it chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Craft Spectacular Cookies

Warm up the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix together in a small bowl:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Scoop a tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten into a disc. Place a frozen cheesecake filling dollop in the center. Gently wrap the dough around the filling, rolling into a ball. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring a complete coating. Arrange cookies on the baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12-14 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.

Clever Tips For Cinnamon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

  • Chill for Success: Refrigerate the cookie dough for 15-20 minutes if it feels too sticky, ensuring easier handling and preventing spread during baking.
  • Freeze Filling Perfectly: Create precise cheesecake dollops by using a small spoon or piping bag, and freeze them solid to prevent melting during cookie assembly.
  • Master the Coating Technique: Roll cookies generously in cinnamon-sugar mixture for a delightful, crisp exterior that adds extra flavor and visual appeal.
  • Storage Smarts: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness without compromising texture.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives and use vegan butter to create a delicious version suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.

Best Way To Store And Heat Cinnamon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

  • Refrigerate: Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheat: Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture.
  • Bring to Room Temperature: Let refrigerated or frozen cookies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying to enhance their flavor and softness.

Perfect Matches For Cinnamon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

  • Brew Perfect Coffee Companions: Pair these cinnamon cheesecake cookies with a rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee. The smooth, slightly nutty coffee notes will beautifully complement the creamy cheesecake center and warm cinnamon flavor, creating a delightful morning or afternoon treat.
  • Select Sweet Wine Matches: Enjoy these cookies alongside a glass of late-harvest Riesling or a sweet Moscato. The wine's delicate sweetness and fruity undertones will enhance the cookies' creamy texture and cinnamon warmth, making for an elegant dessert pairing.
  • Create Milk Moment Magic: Serve these cookies with a cold glass of whole milk or a creamy vanilla almond milk. The cool, smooth milk will balance the cookies' rich cheesecake filling and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm cinnamon spice.
  • Craft Tea Time Bliss: Complement these cookies with a chai tea or a smooth vanilla black tea. The spicy chai or creamy vanilla notes will harmonize perfectly with the cinnamon and cheesecake flavors, creating a comforting and indulgent snack experience.

Cool Ideas To Change Cinnamon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

  • Nutty Cream Cheese Crunch: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the cookie dough for extra texture and nutty flavor, creating a delightful crunch in every bite.
  • Chocolate Swirl Sensation: Incorporate melted dark chocolate into the cheesecake filling or drizzle chocolate over the cooled cookies for a rich, decadent upgrade.
  • Fruity Cheesecake Fusion: Mix in raspberry or strawberry jam to the cheesecake filling, adding a burst of fruity sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
  • Maple Pecan Indulgence: Replace some sugar with maple syrup in the cookie dough and sprinkle candied pecans on top after baking for a warm, autumnal-inspired treat.

Need To Know About Cinnamon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

  • Why do I need to freeze the cheesecake filling before assembling the cookies?

Freezing the cheesecake filling helps it maintain its shape and prevents it from melting too quickly when you wrap the cookie dough around it. This ensures a perfect cheesecake center in each cookie.

  • Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before scooping and assembling the cookies.

  • What if my cookie dough is too sticky to work with?

If the dough feels too soft, simply pop it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This will firm it up and make it much easier to handle and shape around the cheesecake filling.

  • How can I tell if the cookies are done baking?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set appearance. The cookies might seem slightly soft when you first take them out, but they’ll firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

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Cinnamon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Cinnamon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet cinnamon cheesecake cookies blend creamy indulgence with classic comfort in one irresistible treat. Warm spices and rich cream cheese create a delightful harmony you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (226 grams, 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 ¾ cups (330 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Coating Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Craft the cheesecake core by whipping cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until silky smooth. Create small frozen mounds on a parchment-lined tray, then chill in the freezer for roughly half an hour until solidified.
  2. Develop the cookie base by thoroughly blending softened butter and sugar until airy and light. Incorporate egg and vanilla, mixing until harmonious. Separately, combine flour, leavening agents, salt, and cinnamon. Gently fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, creating a cohesive dough. If texture feels too soft, refrigerate briefly to enhance firmness.
  3. Warm the oven to 350F. Prepare a cinnamon-sugar coating by whisking granulated sugar with ground cinnamon. Retrieve the frozen cheesecake dollops and cookie dough. Flatten each dough portion into a thin circle, nestle a frozen cheesecake center within, then delicately encase it by folding and rolling into a smooth sphere. Generously coat each dough ball in the spiced sugar mixture.
  4. Position cookies on a lined baking sheet, ensuring ample spacing. Bake until edges transform to a golden hue, approximately 12-14 minutes. Allow cookies to rest on the sheet for several minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to reach room temperature.

Notes

  • Chilling the cheesecake filling beforehand ensures it stays intact during baking, preventing messy leaks and maintaining a beautiful cookie shape.
  • For gluten-free variations, swap regular flour with almond or coconut flour, which adds a nutty undertone and keeps the texture soft and delicate.
  • Swap out regular sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-glycemic option that still delivers rich, caramelized cinnamon flavor.
  • Room temperature ingredients guarantee smoother mixing and more consistent cookie texture, so remove cream cheese and butter from the refrigerator 30 minutes before starting.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 224
  • Sugar: 17g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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