Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

1. Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
2. Chill: Transfer the mixture to the refrigerator and chill for 15 minutes while preparing the dough.

Make the Dough:

3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
6. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Shape the Cookies:

7. Form Dough Balls: Roll tablespoons of dough into balls, flattening slightly in your hand.
8. Add Filling: Place a small spoonful of the chilled cheesecake filling into the center of each flattened dough ball.
9. Seal and Shape: Carefully wrap the dough around the filling, sealing the edges and forming a smooth ball.

Bake the Cookies:

10. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
11. Arrange the Cookies: Place the filled dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
12. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.

Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:

13. Mix Cinnamon Sugar: While the cookies bake, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
14. Coat Cookies: Once baked, let the cookies cool slightly. Roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm for the best coating.