Autumn indulgence: Cheesecake cookies with cider twist

Since I discovered the recipe for these cookies, I haven't turned to any others. The secret to their flavour lies not only in the cheesecake filling but also in the addition of cider, which beautifully aromatizes the dough. The cookies are finished with a crunchy cinnamon sprinkle, making autumn afternoons feel incomplete without this dessert.

During cooking, the alcohol in the cider evaporates, leaving behind the rich taste of slightly tart apples. Additionally, long cooking makes it thick and sticky, resulting in perfectly soft cookies. This is the secret to success, though it requires patience, as reduction takes about 45 minutes.

With a creamy cheesecake interior and a hint of cinnamon, everything blends harmoniously in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 500 mL of apple cider.

Cheesecake Filling: 

• 200 g cream cheese, 
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 
• 40 g sugar.

Cookies: 

• 220 g all-purpose flour, 
• 2.5 teaspoons of cinnamon, 
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda,
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 
• 170 g soft butter, 
• 150 g brown sugar, 
• 50 g sugar,
• 2 egg yolks, 
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 
• 2 tablespoons of reduced apple cider.

Topping: 

• 50 g sugar,
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon,
• 2 tablespoons of butter — for brushing.

Instructions:

Step 1. Transfer the cream cheese to a bowl. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, then mix well.

Step 2. Use a small spoon to place portions of the cheese mixture on a plate lined with baking paper. Freeze for 4 hours.

Step 3. Pour the apple cider into a pot and cook over low heat for 45 minutes until it thickens.

Step 4. Sift the all-purpose flour into a bowl with cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, combine the soft butter with white and brown sugar. Add the vanilla extract, egg yolks, and reduced cider to the butter mixture. Combine with the dry ingredients, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Step 5. Use a spoon to scoop portions of the cookie dough. Flatten it in your hands, place the cheese mixture in the centre, and wrap the dough around it to form a ball. Flatten each cookie. Place on a baking sheet with baking paper and bake for 10 minutes at 350°F.

Step 6. Drizzle the baked cookies with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar mixed with cinnamon. Enjoy!