There is something utterly delightful about the warm, cozy flavor combination that these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies bring to your kitchen. This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe offers a perfect balance of tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a hint of cinnamon spice, elevated by the subtle tang from cream cheese. If you’re craving a cookie that feels both nostalgic and a little special, you have to give these a try—they’re pure comfort and sweet joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s creating that soft, fluffy texture or layering in just the right sweetness and spice. Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible cookies:
- Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and tender crumb to your cookies.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Gives a subtle tang and extra moistness.
- Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups): For a smooth sweetness that blends perfectly into the dough.
- Egg (1): Helps bind everything together while adding a bit of fluff.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Provides just enough lift to keep these cookies soft and light.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): The structure builder that keeps things perfectly tender.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Used to coat the dough balls, adding a delightful crunch and sweetness on the outside.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star spice that gives these cookies their signature warm, spiced flavor.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Start by beating together the softened butter and cream cheese until you get a light and fluffy mixture. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the fat, which ensures your cookies end up tender and moist. Once smooth, blend in the powdered sugar on a low speed. This creates a sweet, creamy base that will carry all your flavors beautifully.
Step 2: Add the Egg, Baking Powder, and Vanilla
Mixing in the egg at this point gives life to the dough, and the baking powder helps the cookies rise just enough without becoming cakey. The vanilla extract is your flavor booster, deepening the overall profile with a gently sweet aroma. Be sure to mix until just combined—overmixing can develop gluten and make the cookies tough.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Now gently fold in the flour, stirring until just incorporated. The goal here is a dough that’s soft but manageable. After this, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the fridge for an hour. Cooling the dough firms it up, which makes rolling easier and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 375ºF and line your cookie sheets with parchment paper. This prep ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 5: Shape and Coat the Dough Balls
Scoop out the chilled dough into 1-inch balls, rolling them between your palms until smooth. In a separate small bowl, combine the granulated sugar with the cinnamon. Roll each dough ball generously in this cinnamon-sugar mixture for that lovely crispy, spiced coating. Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them so they have room to spread.
Step 6: Bake Until Just Set
Pop the tray into your preheated oven, baking these beauties for 7 to 8 minutes. The key here is to remove them as soon as they are set but still soft—in other words, don’t over-bake! This helps maintain their characteristic soft texture and gives you that delicate crumb.
Step 7: Cool on a Wire Rack
After baking, transfer the cookies away from the hot cookie sheet onto a wire rack. This little extra step prevents sogginess from steam and ensures each cookie finishes cooling with a perfect texture.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are scrumptious on their own, you can elevate them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a delicate drizzle of cream cheese glaze. The glaze adds a touch of extra creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon coating.
Side Dishes
These cookies are amazing alongside a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. Their soft texture and sweet cinnamon punch make them the perfect companion to your favorite warm or cold beverages during breakfast or an afternoon break.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive occasions, arrange these cookies on a tiered stand surrounded by cinnamon sticks and star anise for a rustic, inviting look. You could also sandwich two cookies with a dollop of cinnamon-spiked cream cheese frosting to make mini cookie sandwiches that wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep them fresh and soft, place a slice of bread in the container; it creates a bit of humidity that prevents drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked dough balls by placing them on a tray lined with parchment paper, freezing until solid, and then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a couple more minutes to the baking time and enjoy freshly baked cookies whenever you want.
Reheating
If you want to warm up your cookies, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave works wonders, bringing back that just-baked softness and enhancing the cinnamon aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese is key to the unique texture and slight tang of these cookies. While you could try using sour cream or Greek yogurt, the texture and flavor will change noticeably. For best results, stick with cream cheese.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling solidifies the fat in the dough, which helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and results in a better texture. It also relaxes the gluten in the flour, preventing toughness.
Can I use a different type of sugar for coating?
Granulated sugar mixed with cinnamon is classic because it crisps nicely in the oven. You could try turbinado sugar for a coarser crunch or add a bit of brown sugar for extra depth, but the texture may vary.
How long do the cookies keep fresh?
Properly stored in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh and soft for about 3 to 4 days at room temperature. After that, they start to dry out but still taste good if gently reheated.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, you can make delicious gluten-free Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies. Just be sure to check the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for structure.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser with its tender crumb and warm, comforting flavor. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just because you deserve a sweet treat, these cookies bring a little happiness to your day. Give this recipe a try and make your kitchen smell like heaven—once you taste them, they’ll likely become your own favorite cookie for any occasion.
Print
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, buttery delights rolled in cinnamon sugar for a perfect balance of sweet and spice. Easy to make and quick to bake, they combine the richness of cream cheese with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for holiday treats or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the powdered sugar and mix on low speed just until combined to avoid flour forming in the powdered sugar.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, baking powder, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix just until all ingredients are incorporated, careful not to overmix which can toughen the cookies.
- Incorporate the Flour: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookie texture tender. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 1 hour to chill and firm up for easier handling.
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Form and Coat Dough Balls: Scoop the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball between your hands to smooth the surface. In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Roll each dough ball thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture, then space them at least 1 inch apart on the prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 7-8 minutes until just set and edges are firm, but centers are still slightly soft. Avoid over-baking to maintain a soft, chewy texture.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving, allowing them to set properly and achieve optimal texture.
Notes
- For best results, ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before beginning.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender.
- Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and enhances flavor.
- Bake cookies just until set to maintain softness — they will firm up as they cool.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
