Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies

Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup whole milk
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Use an electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.

Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla: Gradually add the sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, and continue to beat until fluffy and combined, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated.

Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.

Chill the Dough: The dough will be soft, so chill it for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to make it easier to handle.

Step 2: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir to combine and set aside.

Shape the Cookies: Once the dough has chilled, scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. You can use a small cookie scoop for even portions. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.

Coat the Dough Balls: Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating it completely before placing it back onto the baking sheet.

Flatten Slightly: Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to gently flatten the dough balls into thick disks. This will help them spread into a more cookie-like shape as they bake.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cookies have cooled, you’ll have soft, slightly chewy cookies with a cinnamon-sugar crust and a cheesecake-like interior. These are perfect with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk!