If you’ve been searching for a cozy, sweet treat that feels like a warm hug in cookie form, then this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies bring together the soft, tangy cream cheese with a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar, creating a balance of flavors that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a comforting snack, these cookies promise a perfect blend of tenderness and spice that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that come together effortlessly to create something extraordinary. Each component plays a critical role, from the creamy richness of the butter and cream cheese to the warm spice of cinnamon that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- ½ cup butter (1 stick), room temperature: Provides the rich, buttery base that gives the cookies their tender crumb.
- 4 oz cream cheese (½ block), room temperature: Adds a subtle tang and an incredible moist texture that makes these cookies stand out.
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough evenly and keeps the cookies soft.
- 1 egg: Binds the dough together while adding a bit of fluff.
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
- 1 ¾ cups flour: The foundation that holds everything together without making the cookies dense.
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder: Gives just the right lift for soft, slightly puffy cookies.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- ¼ cup sugar: For the cinnamon-sugar coating that gives the cookies their signature crackly crunch.
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon: The star spice that infuses every bite with warmth and spice.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Begin by beating the butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is light and smooth. This step is essential because it sets the foundation for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Don’t rush it—the fluffier this mixture, the better the cookie texture.
Step 2: Incorporate the Powdered Sugar
Next, mix in the powdered sugar until it’s fully combined with the butter and cream cheese. Using powdered sugar rather than granulated sugar helps keep the dough soft and ensures the cookies bake up with a delicate crumb.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla Extract
Crack in the egg and pour the vanilla extract, then mix everything until smooth. These liquid ingredients bring moisture and flavor, unlocking the dough’s full potential.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps create a lighter dough by incorporating air and removing any lumps.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle at this stage.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling firms up the dough, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and concentrating the flavors.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures an even bake and helps with easy clean-up.
Step 8: Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
While the oven warms up, sift together the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple but magical mix will give your cookies their signature crackly, spiced crust.
Step 9: Shape and Coat the Dough
Scoop the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls. Then, roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. This extra step creates that perfectly sweet and spicy outer layer.
Step 10: Arrange and Bake
Space the coated dough balls a couple of inches apart on your baking sheet to allow for spreading. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown, signaling they’re perfectly baked.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a little flair, lightly dust your freshly baked cookies with extra powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon right after they come out of the oven. A thin drizzle of cream cheese glaze or melted white chocolate can also dress these cookies up beautifully for special occasions.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or cinnamon-spiced tea. For a brunch spread, serve them alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream to complement their creamy texture and warm spice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, stack several cookies in a rustic tin tied with twine or serve them in a decorative box as a heartfelt gift. You can also arrange them on a platter with some autumn leaves or pine cones for a seasonal touch that excites the eye as much as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days, making them the perfect make-ahead treat for a busy week.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze briefly, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag to keep for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe anytime you want without extra baking.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked experience, warm frozen or stored cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This restores their soft texture and brings out that wonderful cinnamon aroma.
FAQs
Can I use a substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?
While cream cheese is key for the unique tang and moist texture of these cookies, you could try using mascarpone or a thick Greek yogurt as alternatives. Keep in mind these may slightly alter the texture and flavor.
Why is the dough chilled before baking?
Chilling the dough solidifies the fats and helps control cookie spread in the oven, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies with intensified flavors.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, swap in a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Can I make smaller or larger cookies with this dough?
Absolutely! Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly—smaller cookies will bake faster, while larger ones will need a bit more time. Keep an eye on the edges for that golden-brown cue.
How long do these cookies keep their freshness?
Stored properly at room temperature, these cookies remain soft and delicious for about 3 days. Refrigeration can extend their life but may change the texture slightly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about the warmth and comfort packed into this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe. Whether you’re sharing them at a family gathering or sneaking one (or two) just for yourself, they bring joy with every bite. Give this recipe a try—you might just discover a new favorite cookie that becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful family favorite featuring a tender, buttery dough enriched with cream cheese and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture. Perfectly soft with crisp edges, these cookies are easy to make and deliciously addictive.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup butter (1 stick), room temperature
- 4 oz cream cheese (½ block), room temperature
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Beat Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is light, smooth, and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the batter is fully combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, beating until the batter is uniform and smooth with no streaks.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt; this helps evenly distribute ingredients and prevents lumps.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently or mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together, being careful not to overmix.
- Chill Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the dough for at least 60 minutes to firm up, making it easier to handle and enhancing flavor.
- Prep Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, sift together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to create the coating for the cookies.
- Form and Coat Dough Balls: Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop or spoon. Roll each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture so each cookie is generously coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart to allow room for spreading while baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown and the centers are set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for easier handling and to prevent excessive spreading during baking.
- Use room temperature butter and cream cheese to ensure smooth mixing and a tender texture.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
