Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Scoop teaspoon-sized dollops onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 45–60 minutes until firm.
- Step 2: Mix brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter to form a thick, spreadable cinnamon swirl paste.
- Step 3: Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Step 4: Cream softened unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
- Step 5: Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 6: Gently fold the cinnamon swirl paste into the dough with a spatula, leaving visible swirls throughout.
- Step 7: Using about 2 tablespoons of dough, flatten slightly and place one frozen cheesecake dollop in the center. Seal dough completely around the filling and roll into a smooth ball.
- Step 8: Place cookie balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill before baking.
- Step 9: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake chilled cookies for 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
- Step 10: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. For optional glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
Freezing the cheesecake filling is essential to prevent melting while baking. Use room temperature ingredients for smooth dough and filling. Gently fold in the cinnamon swirl to keep visible marbled effect. Chill dough balls well to prevent spreading. Cookies can be stored at room temperature up to 3 days, refrigerated for 5 days, or frozen up to 3 months.
