Cinnamon Cream Cheese Bites are little pockets of joy! They combine sweet cream cheese and warm cinnamon in a flaky pastry. Perfect for a tasty snack or dessert!
These bites are so simple to make, you’ll want to whip up a batch every week! I love enjoying them fresh out of the oven with a warm cup of tea. Yum! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the star of the show! It gives these bites their lovely creamy center. If you want a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese instead, which has less fat but maintains a creamy texture.
Powdered Sugar: It’s perfect for sweetening the cream cheese filling smoothly. If you’re watching your sugar intake, consider using a sugar substitute like erythritol or coconut sugar, keeping in mind that texture might vary.
Biscuit Dough: I love using refrigerated biscuit dough for convenience. If you can’t find it, try crescent roll dough. It gives a different, flaky result that’s also delicious. You can even make your own dough if you’re feeling adventurous!
Vegetable Oil: Used for frying, you could also use canola oil or peanut oil. Both have high smoke points and neutral flavors. For a healthier option, consider baking these bites, though the texture will change!
Granulated Sugar & Cinnamon: The mix is what gives these bites their signature flavor. For a twist, try using brown sugar for a deeper flavor or add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.
What’s the Best Way to Fry Without Making a Mess?
Frying can seem tricky, but with some simple tips, you’ll be handling it like a pro! Here’s how to get perfectly fried Cinnamon Cream Cheese Bites without chaos.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough (about 350°F or 175°C) before adding the bites. Use a thermometer or test with a small piece of dough; it should sizzle.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in small batches to ensure even cooking and prevent temperature drops in the oil.
- Use a slotted spoon to adjust and turn the bites carefully, ensuring they’re golden brown on all sides.
- Let them drain on paper towels once done, keeping them crispy and not oily.
With these tips, your frying will be neat and your bites will be golden and delicious!
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Dough:
- 1 package refrigerated biscuit dough (about 8 biscuits) or crescent roll dough
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 10 minutes to fry. Allow a little extra time if you want to enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Overall, expect about 30 minutes from start to finishing these delicious bites! Perfect for a quick and sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or a hand mixer to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set this delicious filling aside for later.
2. Shape the Dough:
Open your package of biscuit or crescent roll dough and carefully separate each biscuit. Using your hands or a rolling pin, flatten each biscuit into a round shape, aiming for about 3 inches in diameter. This is where the magic will happen!
3. Fill the Dough Rounds:
Take about 1 tablespoon of that creamy filling and place it right in the center of each flattened dough round. Make sure not to overfill; we want to seal them tight!
4. Seal the Bites:
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape (or you can make pillow shapes if you like!). Pinch the edges firmly to ensure they are well sealed; this helps to keep the filling inside while frying!
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep pan or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). It’s the perfect temperature for frying, so grab a thermometer or toss in a small piece of dough to check if it bubbles up!
6. Fry the Bites:
Carefully place a few dough bites into the hot oil (don’t overcrowd!) and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Turn them gently with a slotted spoon to ensure even cooking.
7. Drain and Coat:
Once golden and delicious, remove the bites from the oil with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels to catch excess oil. In a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. While they are still warm, roll each bite in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are fully coated.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Bites are best served warm! Feel free to pair them with leftover cream cheese mixture or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your sweet, creamy, cinnamony little bites!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese works just fine and will still give you that creamy texture. The flavor might be slightly different, but it’s a great option if you’re looking to cut down on calories.
Can I Make These Bites in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the cream cheese filling and form the bites ahead of time, then refrigerate them for a few hours. Just make sure to fry them fresh right before serving for the best taste!
How Do I Store Leftover Bites?
Store any leftover Cinnamon Cream Cheese 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, or until warmed through.
What Can I Use Instead of Biscuits or Crescent Roll Dough?
If you want to switch it up, you can use puff pastry or even homemade dough. Just roll it out and cut into rounds, adding the filling as you would with biscuits. The texture will vary but will still be delicious!
