Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies (Print version)
Soft, chewy cinnamon roll-inspired cookies with creamy cheesecake centers and cinnamon-sugar swirl.
# What goes in:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1/4 cup brown sugar
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Cheesecake Filling
09 - 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
10 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
11 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
13 - 1/4 cup brown sugar
14 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
→ Optional Glaze
15 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
16 - 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
17 - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
# Cooking steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined and a dough forms.
05 - In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
06 - Stir together melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until evenly mixed.
07 - Scoop 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten into a disk. Place 1 teaspoon of cheesecake filling in the center, then top with another tablespoon of dough. Seal edges and gently roll into a ball.
08 - Arrange dough balls spaced 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Press a small indent in the center of each with your thumb.
09 - Drizzle about 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon sugar swirl into the indent of each cookie for optimal flavor distribution.
10 - Bake in preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
11 - For the optional glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Drizzle over fully cooled cookies as desired.
# Tips from flavorandfeast:
01 -
- The swirled centers are like a hidden treat that always gets a delighted reaction.
- It’s the ultimate fix for when you crave both cinnamon rolls and cheesecake but haven’t got all morning to bake.
02 -
- If your cream cheese isn’t soft enough, the filling will clump and seep out – patience is everything here.
- Rolling the filled dough balls too tightly can make them crack, so a gentle touch keeps the centers creamy.
03 -
- Resist the urge to overbake – soft centers mean gooey cheesecake in every bite.
- For bakery-perfect swirls, use a small spoon to guide the cinnamon sugar just where you want it.