If you’re dreaming of a cookie that perfectly balances soft, tender texture with a warm, cozy cinnamon flavor, then this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies bring together the richness of cream cheese and butter with a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating that melts in your mouth and instantly comforts your soul. Whether you’re baking for an afternoon treat or a holiday gathering, these cookies impress every time with their melt-away softness and that irresistible cinnamon sparkle on top.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe comes from a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that work in harmony to create the perfect texture, flavor, and color. Each one plays a key role, making this recipe surprisingly easy but full of delight.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup softened): Adds richness and a tender crumb to the cookies.
- Cream cheese (4 oz softened): Keeps the cookies soft and lends a tangy depth that sets these apart.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and helps create a tender texture when creamed with butter and cream cheese.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and adds moisture for tenderness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Gives structure without heaviness, keeping the cookies soft.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lightens the dough for a perfect rise.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the dough with subtle warmth.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and highlights other flavors.
- Sugar for coating (1/4 cup): Adds a sweet crunch on the outside.
- Ground cinnamon for coating (1 teaspoon): Gives that classic cinnamon-sugar exterior that’s absolutely irresistible.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple preparation step ensures even baking and easy cleanup—a perfect start to your cookie adventure.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This creaming step is crucial—it aerates the dough and helps give the cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures that the leavening and spices are evenly distributed in the dough.
Step 4: Mix Dry with Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and soft as you bake them.
Step 5: Roll Dough in Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, mix the sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This coating becomes beautifully crispy and sweet once baked, giving the perfect finish to your cookies.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the coated dough balls spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Gently press down each one just a little to slightly flatten. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set and the tops turn a lovely light golden color. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top of the cookies right after baking for an added sparkle and crunch. A drizzle of cream cheese glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar also creates an elegant touch that’s perfect for sharing.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. They also make a delightful companion to fresh fruit or a simple bowl of vanilla ice cream for an easy yet impressive dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cookies on a rustic wooden platter alongside cinnamon sticks and star anise for a cozy, festive look. For gifting, stack and tie them with twine or place a bunch in a decorative tin box for a heartwarming homemade present.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cookies soft and flavorful, just like right out of the oven.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours—they’ll taste almost freshly baked.
Reheating
To bring back that soft, warm cookie feeling, pop the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10 seconds. This quick heat-up will revive the tender texture and enhance the aroma of cinnamon and cream cheese.
FAQs
Can I substitute light cream cheese with regular cream cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Regular cream cheese is perfect for these cookies as it provides the rich, creamy texture necessary for that soft and tender bite you’re craving. Using light cream cheese might make the cookies a bit less rich but it will still work.
Will these cookies be crunchy or soft?
These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe results in cookies that are soft and tender on the inside with a slight crispness on the outside thanks to the cinnamon-sugar coating. They are not crunchy but beautifully delicate.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Chill the dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before rolling and baking. Chilling enhances the flavors and helps the cookies maintain their shape better during baking.
What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?
Cream cheese is key for the texture of these cookies, but if you’re in a pinch, try substituting with an equal amount of full-fat Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a somewhat similar effect, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness better, but salted butter will work in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe truly feels like a warm hug from the oven. It’s one of those recipes you’ll reach for again and again because it’s effortlessly delicious, comforting, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging on your own, these cookies bring a smile with every bite. So, grab your ingredients and dive into this cozy cinnamon treat—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, buttery treats with a subtle cinnamon flavor and a creamy tang from the cream cheese. Perfectly spiced and coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, they provide a delightful balance of sweetness and spice in every bite. Easy to prepare and bake, these cookies are ideal for sharing or satisfying your dessert cravings.
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 and Cheese: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your cookie dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture and beat until fully combined to add richness and flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms without overmixing.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to create the coating for the cookies.
- Shape and Coat Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Arrange Cookies: Place the coated cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Gently press down on each ball to slightly flatten the cookies.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops have a light golden color, signaling they are done.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
- Do not overbake; cookies will firm up as they cool, so remove them when edges are set to keep them soft.
- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in the dough by 1/4 teaspoon if desired.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies or dough balls for later baking.
