These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Bites are a sweet treat that everyone loves! Soft dough stuffed with creamy cinnamon goodness makes them a hit at any gathering.
I can’t resist sneaking one—or two—right out of the oven! They’re perfect with coffee or as a fun dessert after dinner. Enjoying these is pure happiness! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives these bites their rich filling. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but similar flavor.
Powdered Sugar: This helps sweeten the filling and gives it a smooth texture. If you’re watching sugar intake, feel free to use a sugar substitute specifically for baking.
Biscuit Dough: Pre-made biscuit dough saves time, but you can make your own if you prefer. Just combine flour, baking powder, butter, and milk to create your dough. If you want to go gluten-free, look for a gluten-free biscuit dough option.
Vegetable Oil: For frying, vegetable oil works well, but you can also use canola or peanut oil. Each will give a slightly different flavor, so choose what suits your palate!
How Do You Ensure Your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Bites Are Perfectly Fried?
Frying can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll get those bites golden and crispy. First, make sure your oil is at the right temperature—350°F (175°C) is ideal. If it’s too cool, the bites will absorb more oil and become greasy; if too hot, they’ll burn quickly.
- Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature, or drop a small piece of dough in to see if it sizzles immediately.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry just a few bites at a time to keep the temperature steady.
- Turn them halfway through to ensure even browning.
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly fried Cinnamon Cream Cheese Bites that are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside! Enjoy the delightful treat! 🌟
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Dough:
- 1 tube (8 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (or similar pre-made dough)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Other:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe only takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 20-30 minutes for cooking. In total, you can expect about 45 minutes before you can enjoy these bites, including some cooling time to let them set just right!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
Start by taking your softened cream cheese and placing it in a medium bowl. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Once mixed well, pop it in the fridge to chill while you work on the dough.
2. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix them together until they’re well combined. This will be the sweet coating for your bites later!
3. Heat the Oil:
Grab a deep skillet or pot and pour in about 2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature, or just drop a small piece of dough in—if it sizzles, you’re ready to go!
4. Prepare the Dough:
Now, take the refrigerated biscuit dough and separate it into individual pieces. Flatten each piece with your fingers or a rolling pin until it resembles a small round disc—about 3 inches in diameter works well.
5. Assemble the Bites:
Add about 1 teaspoon of your chilled cream cheese filling into the center of each dough disc. Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges firmly to ensure they’re sealed tight—this helps keep the filling in while frying!
6. Fry the Bites:
Drop a few filled bites into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and puffed up. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a consistent frying temperature.
7. Drain and Coat:
Once golden, use a slotted spoon to remove the bites from the oil, letting any excess oil drip off. Place them on paper towels to get rid of extra grease. While they’re still warm, roll each bite in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat them deliciously.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the bites cool slightly before serving. They’re perfect warm or at room temperature. Enjoy these sweet, creamy, cinnamon-spiced bites with your favorite drink or just as a delightful dessert!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Yes! Low-fat cream cheese can be a great substitute if you’re looking for a lighter option. It will still provide a creamy texture and flavor, but keep in mind that it might be a bit less rich than regular cream cheese.
What Oil Should I Use for Frying?
You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for frying. Each will provide a slightly different flavor, but they all work well! Just make sure the oil is neutral and has a high smoke point.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Cinnamon Cream Cheese Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Freeze These Bites?
Absolutely! Just let the cooked bites cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheating as mentioned above!
