Chef Mitchell preparing Cinnamon Sugar Cream Treats
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the joy of Cinnamon Sugar Cream Treats during a family get-together when I was a child. The combination of cinnamon and cream has always been a favorite of mine, and I spent years perfecting this recipe. Each bite brings back those warm memories with every gathering. Now, it’s a staple at my own family events, where it is always met with delight."

Chef Mitchell has over a decade of experience specializing in American cuisine, focusing on dessert recipes. His passion for baking has led to the creation of numerous beloved recipes that blend tradition with innovation. With a culinary school degree, he brings a professional touch to every dish.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Cinnamon Sugar Cream Treats served on a plate

Why This Cinnamon Sugar Cream Treats Recipe Works

Cinnamon Sugar Cream Treats stand out due to their delightful flavor combination and texture. The creamy center contrasts beautifully with the sweet, cinnamon-coated exterior. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth that evokes comfort and joy.

The technique of sealing the cream filling within the dough is crucial for achieving that delightful surprise in every treat. This method ensures that the filling remains rich and creamy while the outer layer bakes to a perfectly golden brown.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, ensure that your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before starting. This allows for easier mixing and a smoother batter. Also, don’t skip the cooling step; it helps the treats to set up nicely and enhances their flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake the treats just before serving for the best texture and flavor. They can also be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.

If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt as a substitute. Both options will provide a creamy texture, though the flavor might vary slightly. Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your substitute.

The treats are done when they are golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake them, as they can dry out.

Absolutely! You can freeze them either before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, assemble the treats and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

These treats pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Additionally, a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel can enhance the flavor even further, making for a decadent dessert experience.

When stored properly in an airtight container, Cinnamon Sugar Cream Treats can last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. However, for the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy them within the first couple of days.

Yes, you can prepare the filling and dough a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and then assemble and bake them just before serving for optimal freshness.

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the treats on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This will help maintain their texture and flavor.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your treats turn out too dry, it could be due to overbaking or not enough moisture in the dough.

Solution: To fix this, ensure you’re measuring your ingredients accurately, especially the flour. Also, check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to avoid overbaking.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the treats aren't crispy, it may be due to insufficient baking time.

Solution: Make sure to bake until they are golden brown and firm. You might also try increasing the baking time slightly if needed to achieve the desired crispiness.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked treats can result in a hard texture and burnt flavor.

Prevention: To prevent this, keep a close eye on the oven timer and start checking a few minutes before the suggested baking time ends. Remove them as soon as they are golden, even if it's a few minutes early.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of the treats is undercooked, it may not have baked long enough.

Recovery: You can return them to the oven for a few more minutes. Check frequently to avoid overcooking the outer part while ensuring the center is fully cooked.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior can occur if the oven temperature is too high or if they are placed too close to the heating element.

Prevention: To avoid this, ensure that you are using the correct oven temperature and place them in the center of the oven. If they brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If your treats are too sweet, consider reducing the sugar in the filling and using a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If they're too salty, as a corrective measure, try to offset it with a little extra sweetness by adding more sugar or a drizzle of honey on top.

Bland: If they taste bland, add a bit more cinnamon or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.

Fresh ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Cream Treats

Essential Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Cream Treats

The key ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Cream Treats include cream cheese, which provides a rich and creamy filling, and cinnamon for that warm, inviting flavor. Powdered sugar is essential for sweetness, while the combination of flour and butter creates a tender dough that holds everything together beautifully.

Using high-quality butter and fresh spices can significantly enhance the overall flavor of your treats. Opt for real vanilla extract rather than imitation for a more authentic taste. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Cream Cheese: Choose full-fat cream cheese for a richer flavor and creamier texture. Allow it to come to room temperature for easier mixing, which will create a smoother filling.
  • Cinnamon: Use freshly ground cinnamon for the best flavor. It can make a noticeable difference compared to pre-ground. Store your spices in a cool, dry place to maintain their potency.
  • Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in your recipe better. Ensure that your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
Cooking process for Cinnamon Sugar Cream Treats

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Cinnamon Sugar Cream Treats begins with preparing the cream filling and the dough separately. Mixing ingredients thoroughly ensures a smooth consistency, allowing for easy assembly. It's essential to take your time during the mixing process for the best results.

Once assembled, the treats bake to a golden perfection, ensuring that the creamy center stays intact. Following the recommended baking times will help achieve that ideal color and texture. Patience is key while the treats cool, as this enhances their flavor.

Key Technique for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Cream Treats

The most important technique is sealing the cream filling within the dough properly. This ensures that the filling remains intact and creamy during baking. Make sure to seal the edges well and shape them gently to prevent leaks, allowing for a delightful burst of flavor with each bite.

Cinnamon Sugar Cream Treats

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1/4 cup sugar
    Granulated
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    Pure
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    For flavor
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
    For drizzling

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb cream cheese
    Softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    For flavor
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    For structure
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    For rising
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    To enhance flavor
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
    Softened
  • 1 large egg
    For binding
  • 1 tablespoon milk
    For moisture
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    For coating
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
    For coating

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cream Mixture

    In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth.

  2. Make the Dough

    In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

  3. Combine Mixtures

    Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing well. Then add the egg and milk, mixing until combined.

  4. Form the Treats

    Roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly. Place a small scoop of the cream mixture in the center of each flattened dough.

  5. Seal and Shape

    Carefully fold the dough around the cream filling, sealing it well, and reshape into a ball.

  6. Prepare Coating

    In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together.

  7. Coat the Treats

    Roll each filled dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

  8. Bake

    Place the coated treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.

  9. Cool and Serve

    Allow the treats to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To keep your Cinnamon Sugar Cream Treats fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a humid environment, refrigeration may help extend freshness, but be aware that refrigeration can affect texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Cinnamon Sugar Cream Treats with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. A drizzle of chocolate syrup or caramel sauce can elevate the dessert, making it even more delightful.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as fruit preserves or chocolate ganache, instead of the cream cheese filling. You can also add nuts or different spices to the dough for added flavor variation.