Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
If you’re longing for a treat that’s part tender bakery cookie, part sweet cinnamon bliss, then these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are calling your name. Imagine melt-in-your-mouth softness, a delicate tang from cream cheese, and a cinnamon-sugar crackle that sings with every bite. Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday party or enjoying a cozy moment with a mug of coffee, these cookies promise comfort and joy, all wrapped up in a golden, sugar-coated hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies comes from simple, everyday ingredients that each play an important role. Every component contributes to the cookies’ perfect chewy texture, rich flavor, and irresistible aroma — no fancy tricks required, just pantry staples ready to shine.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the cookies their rich, buttery backbone and helps create that dreamy, soft crumb.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds wonderful tang and keeps the cookies ridiculously tender — trust me, you’ll notice the difference.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup, plus 1/4 cup for rolling): Provides sweetness and gives the cookies their beautifully crackled cinnamon-sugar surface.
- Egg (1 large): Acts as the binder, giving the cookies structure and a slight puff.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with warm, comforting notes.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 3/4 cups): Forms the perfect base for a cookie that’s chewy but not too heavy.
- Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures gentle lift for a pillowy interior.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Heightens all the flavors and keeps the sweetness balanced.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon for rolling): The undeniable star, infusing each bite and making these cookies sing with coziness.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets and Oven
Before you get started on the dough, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This quick step ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, and clean-up is a breeze. Give your oven time to reach the perfect temperature while you whip up the batter.
Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is absolutely smooth and creamy. This blend is the secret to super-soft, melt-in-your-mouth Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies, so don’t rush this stage! Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure nothing gets left behind.
Step 3: Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla
Add your granulated sugar to the creamy mixture and beat until it’s light and fluffy. The sugar not only adds sweetness but also aerates the dough for that classic cookie texture. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The whole mixture should look pale and luxurious by now!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. This helps distribute the leavening and spice evenly through your cookie dough. The cinnamon will perfume your kitchen the second you open the jar — pure happiness.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry for Your Dough
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; don’t overmix! A gentle hand here will keep your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies soft and chewy.
Step 6: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar Magic
In a small bowl, stir together the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball, then coat in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This rolling step gives each cookie a sweet, crackly finish that’s irresistible.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are just set and the tops look soft and slightly crackled. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack — this makes sure they firm up just right.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
Garnishes
Fresh from the oven, give your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies one last flourish: a gentle sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar right on top. This final touch adds sparkle and a tiny, crunchy finish that fans of snickerdoodle-style treats will adore.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with an ice-cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or chai tea for dreamy dipping moments. If you’re in a festive mood, serve them alongside a platter of mixed holiday treats or a few fresh berries for an easy dessert platter that looks lovely and tastes even better.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies in a pretty jar tied with ribbon for gifting, or layout on your favorite cake stand for a bake sale or brunch spread. For a playful twist, sandwich two Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies around a swipe of cinnamon cream or vanilla ice cream for a homemade ice cream sandwich no one can resist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop your cooled cookies into an airtight container and they’ll stay soft for up to 5 days at room temperature. The cream cheese keeps them perfectly tender — you might even find they taste better after a day or two as flavors meld.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, these cookies freeze like a dream. Lay cooled cookies in a single layer between parchment sheets in a freezer-safe container. They keep their soft texture for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, and they’ll taste just-baked!
Reheating
To bring a batch back to “fresh from the oven” warmth, pop the cookies in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes or give them 10 seconds in the microwave. This gently revives the soft interior and brings out all those lovely cinnamon aromas once again.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for these cookies?
While you can use low-fat cream cheese, I recommend sticking with the regular version if possible. Full-fat cream cheese gives Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies their trademark tang and soft, rich crumb.
Do I have to chill the dough before baking?
No chilling is required for this recipe. The dough is thick enough to hold its shape, so you can go straight from mixing to rolling and baking. This means cookies are just minutes away!
Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles easily if you’re baking for a crowd or planning to freeze extras. Just be sure your mixing bowl is large enough, and bake in batches as needed.
What’s the best way to measure flour for baking?
For best results, fluff your flour, spoon it into your measuring cup, and level it off with a knife. This prevents the dough from becoming dense or dry, keeping your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies perfectly soft.
Is it possible to add mix-ins to this recipe?
Definitely! A handful of mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or even chopped pecans would be delicious stirred into the dough. Just don’t go overboard, or the cookies may not hold their shape as well.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s soft, plush, and fully loaded with cozy flavor, you really can’t go wrong with these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies. Whip up a batch for a special occasion, or just to add a little extra joy to your week — either way, they’re sure to become an instant favorite!
Print
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these soft and flavorful Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies. The perfect treat for any occasion, these cookies are a delightful blend of cream cheese, cinnamon, and sugar that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 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
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Rolling Mixture:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Egg: Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for rolling.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, then coat in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place on baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For an extra touch, add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of each cookie right after baking.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
