For the Cheesecake Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Caramel Sauce (optional):
1 cup caramel sauce

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:
1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2️⃣ Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
3️⃣ In a separate bowl,

whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
1️⃣ In a small mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2️⃣ Transfer the cheesecake filling to a piping bag.

Shape the Cookies:
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and flatten each ball into a disk.
3️⃣ Pipe a small amount of the cheesecake filling into the center of each disk, then fold the edges over the filling to enclose it.
4️⃣ Roll each filled dough ball in your hands to smooth out the surface.

Coat the Cookies:
1️⃣ In a shallow dish, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
2️⃣ Roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating it evenly.

Bake the Cookies:
1️⃣ Place the coated cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2️⃣ Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are li