These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Bites are little bundles of joy! Soft, sweet cream cheese is wrapped in fluffy dough, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, and baked until golden.
One bite, and you’ll be hooked! I love serving them warm with a drizzle of icing. Trust me, these tasty treats disappear faster than I can make them! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the star of the show! For a lighter option, you could use Neufchâtel cheese. If you’re dairy-free, try using a vegan cream cheese alternative.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great for this recipe. If you want a gluten-free version, a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend is a good substitute.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar makes these bites sweet and delightful. For a healthier twist, use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia, but modify the amount to taste.
Ground Cinnamon: This adds wonderful flavor. If you love a bit of heat, try mixing in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra depth.
Vanilla Extract: A must-have for flavor! If you’re out of vanilla, almond extract can be a flavorful alternative.
How Do You Make Sure Your Dough Is the Right Consistency?
The key to getting your dough right is to mix it until just combined. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Start by mixing the cream cheese and egg until smooth. The mixture should look creamy, not lumpy.
- When combining the dry and wet ingredients, stir gently. Overmixing can make your bites tough.
- Your dough should be sticky but manageable. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
These tips will help ensure your bites come out soft and delicious every time! Enjoy your baking experience!
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided into two 1/2 cup portions)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional:
- Powdered sugar or icing for drizzling
Time Needed:
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 12-15 minutes to bake. Make sure to let your bites cool for just a few minutes before digging in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will keep your bites from sticking!
2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, egg, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. It should look like a soft, delicious frosting!
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and half of the granulated sugar (1/2 cup). Stir well so all the dry ingredients are combined.
4. Form the Dough:
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture. Stir gently until a sticky dough forms. Don’t worry if it’s a little sticky; that’s what we want!
5. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar:
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon. This sweet mix will add a delightful flavor to our bites!
6. Shape the Bites:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, take small portions of dough and roll them in your hands to form balls. Aim for about 1 inch in size so they bake evenly.
7. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are fully coated. The more, the merrier!
8. Bake the Bites:
Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each ball. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until they are puffed and the edges look set but not browned.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the bites cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. The waiting is hard, but it’s worth it! Serve them warm with a drizzle of icing or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Enjoy your creamy, cinnamon-sugary bites that are perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese will still work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but they will still be delicious!
Can I Make These Bites Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This will maintain the texture while making them gluten-free!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm again!
Can I Freeze These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Bites?
Definitely! Once they cool, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge and reheat as needed!
