Equipment Needed
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Medium and large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Small bowls for coating
Step-by-Step Instructions
We start with the heart of the cookie: the cheesecake filling. In a medium bowl, beat the very soft cream cheese, ¼ cup of sugar, and vanilla extract together until completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. There should be absolutely no lumps. Scrape the bowl well. Then, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This step is non-negotiable! I tried skipping the freezer chill once, and the filling was too soft to scoop, melting into the dough and creating a gooey mess instead of a defined center.
While the filling chills, we make the soft, cakey cookie dough that will mimic a donut. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and ½ cup of sugar for a full 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky. Cover it and let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes—this allows the flour to hydrate and makes the dough easier to handle.
Now, for the assembly, which is my favorite part. Preheat your oven. Take the chilled cheesecake filling from the freezer—it should be firm enough to scoop. Prepare your cinnamon sugar in one bowl and your melted butter in another. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it in your palm. Place a teaspoon of the firm cheesecake filling in the center. Carefully fold the dough around the filling, pinching it closed to seal completely. Roll it into a smooth ball. This sealing is crucial; any cracks will let the filling leak out. I roll each ball between my palms to ensure it’s perfectly sealed.(See the next page below to continue…)