Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
If you have a soft spot for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a warm, spicy twist, this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Combining the richness of cream cheese with the cozy flavors of cinnamon sugar, these cookies strike the perfect balance between softness and a lightly crisp exterior. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving an irresistible treat, this recipe brings comfort and joy with every bite, making it a must-try for your cookie repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the lovely texture and flavor that make these cookies unforgettable. From the creamy butter and cream cheese that keep them tender to the cinnamon sugar that gives them their signature touch, everything is simple yet essential.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base that helps keep the dough smooth and tender.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds a subtle tang and extra moisture that makes the cookies soft and decadent.
- Powdered sugar: Ensures a delicate sweetness that blends seamlessly without graininess.
- Egg: Acts as a binder and contributes to the cookie’s structure and softness.
- Baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle lift, keeping them light and airy.
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Brings depth and warmth, complementing the cinnamon perfectly.
- Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the dough.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that holds everything together with just the right amount of chew.
- Granulated sugar: Used for the cinnamon sugar coating, adding a slight crunch and sparkly sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses each cookie with its comforting, signature flavor.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by creaming together the softened butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until you get a perfectly smooth mixture. This step is key to achieving that heavenly texture. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix well. Beat in the egg, baking powder, vanilla, and salt to weave in flavor and structure. Finally, stir in the flour until the dough is soft and smooth, ready for chilling.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and pop it into the refrigerator for at least one hour. This chilling time helps the dough firm up, which in turn makes the cookies easier to shape and maintains their tender texture during baking.
Step 3: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This preparation helps ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
Step 4: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple blend is what makes these cookies unforgettable, giving them a beautifully crisp, flavorful coating.
Step 5: Shape & Coat
Roll the dough into small balls, about 2 teaspoons each. Then, roll each ball generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat. This step creates the cookie’s signature swirl of sweetness and spice on the outside.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 8 to 9 minutes, just until they are set but still light in color. These cookies are meant to stay soft, so avoid overbaking to keep that tender bite intact.
Step 7: Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. Cooling on the sheet lets them set gently, while transferring to the rack prevents sogginess and keeps them perfectly soft yet slightly crisp on the outside.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar can elevate the already delightful cookies, adding a festive and inviting look perfect for sharing at any gathering.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of chai tea or a rich, creamy latte to complement the cinnamon flavors. Fresh fruit like apple slices or a small bowl of vanilla yogurt also make delightful accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve the cookies stacked on a pretty plate with cinnamon sticks and a ramekin of cream cheese frosting for dipping. They also shine when packed in gift boxes or decorative tins, making them a thoughtful homemade treat for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to five days, making them a perfect make-ahead snack to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe freezes beautifully. Arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their wonderful texture.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies fresh from the oven even after storage, gently warm them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This quick heat-up revives their soft, creamy texture perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use full-fat cream cheese or reduced-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese gives the best flavor and texture, as it adds richness and moisture to the cookies. Reduced-fat versions may result in slightly drier cookies, but they can still work if needed.
Can I substitute any ingredients in the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe?
While it’s best to follow the recipe for ideal results, you can use vanilla bean paste instead of extract for deeper vanilla flavor or swap kosher salt for regular table salt, reducing the amount slightly to avoid overpowering the dough.
What makes these cookies so soft compared to regular sugar cookies?
The combination of cream cheese and butter in the dough adds extra fat and moisture, which is the secret to their uniquely tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can enjoy this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe without gluten. Just keep in mind the texture might vary slightly.
How long should I chill the dough before baking?
At least one hour in the refrigerator is ideal to firm up the dough for easier handling and better texture, but if you’re short on time, even 30 minutes can help.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is a delightful way to bring some cozy sweetness to your cookie collection. Soft, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, these cookies will undoubtedly become a favorite to bake and share. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience that irresistible cinnamon cream cheese magic firsthand!
Print
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 24 minutes
- Yield: 28 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these soft and tender Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies, perfectly coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend. With a rich, creamy dough that combines butter and cream cheese, these cookies are lightly baked to maintain a delicate texture and subtle sweetness, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until fully combined. Add the egg, baking powder, vanilla extract or paste, and kosher salt; mix well to ensure all ingredients are incorporated. Stir in the all-purpose flour until a soft, smooth dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up, making it easier to handle and enhancing the flavor.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon, mixing until evenly blended. This will be used to coat the cookie dough balls.
- Shape & Coat: Take about 2 teaspoons of chilled dough and roll it into a ball between your palms. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until thoroughly coated. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 9 minutes, or until they are just set. The cookies should remain light in color and maintain a soft texture without browning too much.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to set further. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Ensure both butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth dough.
- Do not overbake; cookies should remain soft, so watch closely near the 8-minute mark.
- For extra flavor, try using vanilla bean paste instead of extract.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- If dough is too soft after chilling, refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes before shaping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
