These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Bites are little pockets of joy! They have a soft cream cheese filling wrapped in a sweet dough and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.
Every bite is a delightful mix of creamy and sweet, making them perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. I can’t resist grabbing a few! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the star of the recipe. Feel free to use low-fat cream cheese if you’re looking for a lighter option. I’ve tried it with flavored cream cheese, like chive, for a different taste, but traditional works best for sweetness.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works perfectly, but you can try coconut sugar for a healthier twist. It gives a subtle caramel flavor that I really enjoy!
All-purpose Flour: If you’re gluten-sensitive, you can swap this with a gluten-free flour blend. I’ve done this before, and it holds up surprisingly well!
Milk: Use any milk you have on hand! Almond milk or oat milk can be great alternatives, but just check for any added flavors that might change the bite’s taste.
Oil for Frying: I prefer vegetable oil, but canola oil is just as good. If you’re feeling adventurous, try coconut oil for a unique flavor twist!
How Do I Get the Perfect Shape for My Bites?
Getting the right shape can be tricky! To form them easily, make sure your hands are slightly wet or coated with a bit of oil. This helps prevent the batter from sticking. Here’s a quick way to shape them:
- Take a small ball of batter in your hand (about a golf ball size).
- Flatten it out gently using your fingers or the palm of your hand.
- Place about 1 tsp of the cream cheese mixture in the center.
- Carefully pinch and fold the edges over the filling, sealing it tightly.
- Give it a quick roll between your palms to form a nice, round shape.
Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; the flavor will make up for it! Just make sure the cream cheese filling is completely enclosed for the best results.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- For Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- For Frying:
- Oil (vegetable or canola)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook. You’ll want to have around 30 minutes total from start to finish, and then they’re ready to serve warm.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy. Set this mixture aside for now; it’s the tasty center!
2. Make the Batter:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. In a separate bowl, beat the milk and eggs together. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until everything is combined and smooth.
3. Heat the Oil:
Grab a deep fryer or a heavy pot, and heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for frying your bites until they’re golden brown!
4. Assemble the Bites:
Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, take a small portion of your batter (around a golf ball size). Flatten it in your hand, place about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center, and carefully wrap the batter around the filling, sealing it completely. Make sure there are no gaps so the cream cheese doesn’t leak out when frying!
5. Fry the Bites:
Carefully drop a few of the wrapped bites into the hot oil and fry them until they’re golden brown and puffed, about 3 to 5 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. Once they’re cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
6. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
In a shallow bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. While your bites are still warm, roll them in this cinnamon sugar mixture until they are fully coated.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
These cinnamon cream cheese bites are best enjoyed warm! Serve them up and watch everyone enjoy their deliciously gooey, cinnamon-sugar crusted goodness!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese works well in this recipe and will still give you a creamy filling. However, the texture may be slightly different, so keep that in mind!
What Oil Should I Use for Frying?
You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or any oil with a high smoke point. I recommend avoiding olive oil as it can impart a strong flavor and has a lower smoke point, which isn’t ideal for frying.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes for the best texture, or microwave them for a quick option, though they may lose some crispiness.
Can I Make These Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and batter in advance! Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble and fry just before serving for the best texture and flavor. You can also freeze the assembled, uncooked bites and fry them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.
