Golden, crispy donuts fried to perfection and generously coated in cinnamon sugar, these cheesecake-stuffed delights hide a luscious cream cheese filling inside. The contrast of crisp exterior and velvety interior makes them a decadent treat, perfect for brunch, dessert, or anytime indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cheesecake-stuffed donuts are the definition of comfort food with a twist. The use of biscuit dough makes the process quick and approachable, while the rich, creamy filling elevates them beyond ordinary donuts. They’re warm, sweet, slightly tangy, and coated in a fragrant cinnamon sugar crust—making them absolutely irresistible fresh from the fryer.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count)
• Cream cheese, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2. Slightly flatten each biscuit from the can.
3. Place about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of half the flattened biscuits.
4. Top with the remaining biscuits and firmly press the edges together to seal. Crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork to ensure a tight seal.
5. Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
6. Carefully add each donut to the hot oil and fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
7. Remove donuts from the oil and drain on paper towels.
8. In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
9. While donuts are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat completely.
10. Serve immediately for the best gooey texture and flavor.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 donuts
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Berry Twist: Add a small spoonful of fruit preserves inside the cream cheese filling for a fruity center.
• Chocolate Version: Mix mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling for added richness.
• Baked Option: Bake the sealed donuts in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 12–15 minutes and brush with melted butter before rolling in cinnamon sugar.
• Glazed Finish: Skip the cinnamon sugar and drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze.
• Pumpkin Spice: Swap cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the filling too hot and the texture rubbery.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare and seal them ahead, storing them in the refrigerator before frying.

What kind of oil is best for frying?

Vegetable or canola oil works well due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.

Can I freeze these donuts?

You can freeze the unfilled or filled but unfried donuts. Fry directly from frozen, adjusting cook time as needed.

How do I know the donuts are cooked through?

They should be golden on both sides and slightly puffed. If unsure, cut one open to check doneness.

Can I use homemade dough instead of biscuit dough?

Yes, any enriched yeast dough or simple donut dough can be used in place of store-bought biscuit dough.

Is the lemon juice necessary in the filling?

It’s optional, but it adds a light tang that balances the sweetness of the cheesecake mixture.

Can I air fry these donuts?

Yes, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. Brush with oil and coat with cinnamon sugar after cooking.

What should I do if the donuts open during frying?

Ensure a tight seal by pressing firmly and crimping the edges. Slightly moistening the edges can also help them stick.

Are these overly sweet?

They are indulgent but balanced by the tangy cream cheese. You can adjust sugar levels to suit your preference.

Can I use a different filling?

Certainly. Try Nutella, fruit jam, or sweetened ricotta as alternative fillings.

Conclusion

Cinnamon sugar cheesecake-stuffed donuts are a warm, indulgent treat that comes together quickly with the help of biscuit dough. With their crisp coating, rich filling, and nostalgic flavor, they’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests at your next gathering. Easy to make and even easier to devour, these donuts are a must-try dessert.

Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake-Stuffed Donuts

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• Author: Emma Delaney
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 donuts 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Golden fried donuts filled with silky cream cheese filling and dusted in cinnamon sugar — these melt-in-your-mouth delights are pure indulgence in every bite.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside.
2. Flatten each biscuit slightly. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of half the biscuits.
3. Top with another biscuit and pinch the edges firmly to seal. Use your fingers or a fork to crimp edges if needed.
4. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
5. Carefully fry each donut for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Remove and drain on paper towels.
7. In a shallow bowl, mix cinnamon and granulated sugar.
8. While donuts are still warm, roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
9. Serve warm for maximum gooeyness.

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Notes

• Ensure edges are sealed tightly to prevent filling leakage during frying.
• Use a candy thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best results.
• These are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated briefly in the microwave.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 donut
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 25mg