Cheesecake surprise: Delightful biscuits with a cider twist

Since I found this biscuit recipe, I haven't needed any others. The secret to their taste lies not only in the cheesecake filling but also in the addition of cider, which wonderfully scents the dough. The entire creation is finished with a crunchy cinnamon sprinkle, leaving autumn afternoons incomplete without this treat.

During cooking, the alcohol in the cider evaporates, leaving behind a rich flavour of slightly tart apples. Moreover, lengthy cooking makes it thick and syrupy, ensuring the biscuits are perfectly soft. This is the key to success, although it requires patience as the reduction takes about 45 minutes.

With this creamy cheesecake centre and a hint of cinnamon, everything harmoniously blends in every mouthful.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of apple cider

Cheesecake Filling: 

• 200g cream cheese, 
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 
• 40g sugar

Biscuits: 

• 220g plain flour, 
• 2.5 teaspoons of cinnamon, 
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 
• 1/2 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda,
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 
• 170g soft butter, 
• 150g brown sugar, 
• 50g sugar,
• 2 egg yolks, 
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 
• 2 tablespoons of reduced apple cider

Topping: 

• 50g sugar,
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon,
• 2 tablespoons of butter — for brushing

Instructions:

Step 1. Place the cream cheese in a bowl. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, and mix well.

Step 2. Use a small spoon to place portions of the cheese mixture on a plate lined with baking paper. Freeze for 4 hours.

Step 3. Pour the apple cider into a pot and simmer over low heat for 45 minutes until it thickens.

Step 4. Sift the plain flour into a bowl with cinnamon, salt, bicarbonate of soda, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, mix the soft butter with the brown and white sugar. Add the vanilla extract, egg yolks, and reduced cider to the mixed butter. Combine with the dry ingredients, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Step 5. Use a spoon to scoop portions of the biscuit dough. Flatten it in your hands, place the cheese mixture in the centre, and wrap the dough around it to form a ball. Flatten each biscuit. Place on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake for 10 minutes at 175°C.

Step 6. Brush the baked biscuits with melted butter and sprinkle with the sugar mixed with cinnamon. Enjoy!