There is something truly magical about enjoying a soft, luscious cookie that perfectly balances warm spice and creamy richness, and that is exactly what the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe delivers. These cookies combine the delicate tang of cream cheese with the comforting aroma of cinnamon for a treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a festive occasion, or just a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe stands out as a sweet family favorite that’s as simple as it is irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe uses a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients that each play a vital role in creating the perfect cookie. From the creamy butter and tangy cream cheese that add moisture and softness, to the fragrant cinnamon for warmth, every component works harmoniously to make these cookies unforgettable.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and tenderness to the cookies.
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds a subtle tang and moist texture that makes the cookies irresistibly soft.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens perfectly while helping to lighten the dough.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and aids in fluffiness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Deepens flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Creates structure and balances moisture.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses the dough with warm spice.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise gently to a soft texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and savory flavors.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Adds a sweet, crunchy coating.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rolling): Provides a beautiful, spicy finish on the outside.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure that the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This simple preparation step sets the stage for a smooth baking process.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is where the magic begins, as these two ingredients create the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture the recipe is known for.
Step 3: Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix in the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy — this aeration helps keep the cookies soft. Then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined, infusing the dough with flavor and structure.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and rise.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Over-mixing here can make the cookies tough, so take care to stop as soon as there are no flour streaks left.
Step 6: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix together the ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and coat them thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This step gives the cookies a delightful, sparkly crust full of sweet spice.
Step 7: Bake
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. The cookie centers should stay soft and tender—the hallmark of this recipe.
Step 8: Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them finish setting without losing their signature softness.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze can elevate their appearance and flavor beautifully. For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or rich hot chocolate takes the experience to cozy new heights. They also complement a spread of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, stack the cookies in a decorative tin or wrap them with a rustic ribbon for gifting. Alternatively, place them on a colorful serving plate lined with autumn leaves or holiday greenery to match the cinnamon’s warm vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their soft texture and full flavor for up to 5 days — perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough balls before baking to have fresh Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies ready whenever a craving strikes. Simply freeze the rolled dough balls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm your cookies gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven to restore their fresh-baked softness. This little trick brings back that just-out-of-the-oven feeling every time.
FAQs
Can I substitute low-fat cream cheese in this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe?
While low-fat cream cheese can be used, the cookies will have a slightly different texture and richness. For the best soft, tender cookies, full-fat cream cheese is recommended.
What if I don’t have baking powder?
Baking powder helps the cookies rise lightly, so omitting it might result in denser cookies. You can substitute with ¼ teaspoon baking soda plus ½ teaspoon cream of tartar if needed.
How can I make these cookies more cinnamon-forward?
Simply increase the cinnamon in the dough by ½ teaspoon, or add a little extra cinnamon to the rolling sugar mixture to boost the spicy flavor without overwhelming the creamy softness.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, substitute with a one-to-one gluten-free baking flour blend, though texture and flavor may be slightly different.
Can these cookies be made vegan?
These cookies rely heavily on butter, cream cheese, and eggs, so veganizing them would require specialized substitutes that might alter the final texture. However, using vegan butter, vegan cream cheese alternatives, and egg replacers could be experimented with for a similar outcome.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is a gem to add to your baking repertoire. The balance of creamy, soft texture and warm cinnamon spice is pure comfort in cookie form. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to make your day sweeter, I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy it brings to every bite.
Print
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are a soft, tender, and flavorful treat perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations. With a rich cream cheese base complemented by a warm cinnamon sugar coating, these cookies offer a delightful balance of sweetness and spice that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy, creating the base for your cookie dough.
- Add Sugar and Wet Ingredients: Mix in the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the batter is well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spice.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and developing gluten.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to create the rolling mixture.
- Shape and Coat Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, then coat each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing them from becoming soggy.
Notes
- For a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, you can increase the cinnamon in the dough by an additional ½ teaspoon.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them soft and delicious.
- Freeze the dough balls before baking to enjoy fresh-baked cookies anytime; simply thaw slightly and bake as directed.
