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If you have a soft spot for warm spices and tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe. These delightful cookies strike the perfect balance between rich cream cheese softness and the bright, inviting warmth of cinnamon. They are irresistibly fluffy, lightly crisp around the edges, and coated in a cinnamon-sugar embrace that makes every bite a tiny celebration of flavor. Whether you’re baking for an intimate tea time or a festive gathering, this recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe truly exceptional is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in crafting that perfect texture and heavenly taste. From the cream cheese that gently tenderizes the dough, to the cinnamon that adds a sweet-spicy twinkle, every element counts.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides creamy richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that keeps the cookies soft and flavorful.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough evenly and aids in caramelizing the edges.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure to your cookies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies their structure and bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Provides just a little lift for a soft, airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses a gentle, spicy warmth inside every cookie.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and deepens overall flavor.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The magical coating that gives each cookie its signature sweet and spicy crust.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is perfectly ready by the time your dough is mixed. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup—trust me, it’s a game changer!
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step traps air in the batter, which contributes to the tender texture of these cookies. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until everything is smoothly combined. Your dough is starting to come alive already!
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In a different bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these ingredients separately makes sure your leavening and spice are evenly distributed throughout the dough, avoiding any pockets of uneven flavor or texture.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Don’t overmix here; you want a tender dough, not tough cookies, so mix just until combined. Your dough should feel soft but manageable.
Step 5: Roll in Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
Combine the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll your dough into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball thoroughly in this cinnamon-sugar mixture. This coating is what creates the signature sweet and spicy crunch on the cookie’s surface, enhancing each bite with delightful warmth and sparkle.
Step 6: Arrange and Slightly Flatten
Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently press down each ball just a bit to flatten slightly—this helps them bake evenly and develop that classic cookie shape without spreading too thin.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set and the tops develop a gentle golden hue. Be careful not to overbake! Once out of the oven, let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This short cooling period helps them finish setting up and makes them easier to handle.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon and sugar on top right after baking to keep that sparkle going. You can also drizzle a light glaze of powdered sugar mixed with milk and a splash of vanilla for a sweet, shiny finish that amps up the cookie’s charm.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a creamy latte. If you’re serving them at a party, consider fresh fruit or a dollop of lightly whipped cream on the side to complement the gentle spice with freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these cookies in a mason jar or wrap them in parchment paper tied with twine for a rustic gift idea. You can also sandwich a bit of cinnamon cream cheese frosting between two cookies for an elevated dessert that feels indulgent yet approachable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days—perfect for enjoying whenever a sweet moment strikes.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven to revive that fresh-baked feel.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth and softness, pop your cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes. Be cautious not to heat too long or they might dry out—just a quick few minutes will do the trick!
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
Certainly! While cream cheese is essential for the signature texture and tang, you can try mascarpone for a similar taste or even Greek yogurt as a lower-fat alternative, though it will slightly alter the softness and flavor.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened but not melting, and chill your dough for about 15 minutes if it feels too soft. Also, gently flattening the balls before baking helps them keep their shape.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, with some adjustments. Use a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like all-purpose flour and add a bit of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it to mimic the dough’s structure.
Why are my cookies too cakey?
Overmixing or too much flour can lead to cakey cookies. Be gentle when mixing and measure your flour carefully by spooning it lightly into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even white chocolate chips pair beautifully with the cinnamon and cream cheese flavor, adding texture and a pleasant surprise in each bite.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe enough if you’re after a cookie that delivers comfort, flavor, and a touch of cozy sophistication all at once. It’s a recipe that’s simple to make yet feels special every time you share it. Give it a try, and get ready to make these cookies a treasured staple in your baking repertoire!
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Print
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, tender, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor. Cream cheese and butter create a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while a cinnamon-sugar coating adds a delightful sweet crunch. Perfect for an easy homemade treat that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a smooth base for your cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined and the batter is smooth, ensuring even flavor distribution.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms without overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for rolling the cookies, enhancing their sweet and spicy coating.
- Form and Coat Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated, adding a flavorful outer layer.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart and gently press down slightly to flatten each cookie, allowing even baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are lightly golden, indicating the cookies are cooked through but still tender.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage and preserving texture.
Notes
- Make sure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easy creaming and smooth dough.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added; overmixing can result in tough cookies.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies can also be frozen before baking; just add a couple of minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
