
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookie Bites blend airy sugar cookies with tangy cheesecake centers and sweet cinnamon-sugar dusting. These simple treats start with ready-made cookie dough and feature a creamy cheese middle that gives each bite a surprising tang. After they come out of the oven, they're coated with butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar, creating that beloved churro crunch and flavor. They're perfect for gatherings or just snacking at home when you're craving something sweet.
INGREDIENTS- Package of refrigerated sugar cookie dough: 1 pack, creates the cookie shell
- Softened cream cheese: 4 oz, makes the gooey center
- White sugar: ¼ cup, balances the tangy filling
- Pure vanilla extract: ½ tsp, enhances the filling's taste
- Melted unsalted butter: ¼ cup, helps coating stick after baking
- Sugar and cinnamon blend: ¼ cup sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon, for the outer coating
- Step 7:
- Let the cookies cool a bit before eating. Savor the warm, melty centers and sweet cinnamon outer coating!
- Step 6:
- Dip the buttered cookies into the cinnamon sugar mix until fully covered.
- Step 5:
- Brush the hot cookies with melted butter so the cinnamon sugar will stick properly.
- Step 4:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until you see golden edges and firm centers.
- Step 3:
- Combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl until creamy. Drop a small dollop onto each flattened cookie.
- Step 2:
- Form small balls from the cookie dough and put them on your lined baking sheet. Press them down lightly.
- Step 1:
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and put parchment paper on a baking tray.
- Keep any extra cookies in a sealed container up to 3 days. Warm them quickly in the microwave for gooey centers again.
- Try adding a tiny bit of nutmeg or cocoa to your cinnamon sugar mix for different flavors.
- Make these cookies extra fancy by adding a caramel drizzle after the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Want a less gooey center? Cool your cookies in the fridge for about 10 minutes before serving.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Suggestion: Switch to raw turbinado sugar instead of regular sugar for an extra crunchy outer coating.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
You can definitely prep the cookie dough and cheese filling early. Just keep them apart in your fridge and put them together when you're ready to bake.
What can I substitute for the sugar cookie dough?
You can totally use your own sugar cookie recipe if you don't want store-bought. Just make sure your dough isn't too soft or it won't hold the cheese filling properly.
