If you’ve ever dreamed of cookies that perfectly balance soft, tender crumb with a warm cinnamon hug, then this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is your new go-to! Imagine biting into a pillow-like cookie that melts in your mouth, carrying subtle tangy richness from cream cheese and a delightful cinnamon sugar coating that adds just the right amount of spice and sparkle. This recipe combines simplicity and flavor so effortlessly, making it a must-try for cozy afternoons, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave a sweet little treat that feels like a hug in cookie form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly wonderful about this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a vital role in creating that tender texture and irresistible flavor. Let’s break down what you’ll need to bring this delightful cookie to life.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup softened: Adds rich creaminess and helps create a tender crumb.
- Cream cheese, 4 oz softened: Gives the cookies that signature moisture and slight tang that sets them apart.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens and helps with structure for that perfect chew.
- Large egg, 1: Acts as the binder, holding all ingredients together beautifully.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: Boosts the overall flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
- All-purpose flour, 1 3/4 cups: The foundation that creates the cookie’s tender body.
- Baking powder, 1/2 tsp: Gives a gentle lift so the cookies stay light and airy.
- Salt, 1/4 tsp: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 tsp: Infuses that unmistakable, cozy spice right into the dough.
- Granulated sugar for rolling, 1/4 cup: Adds a sparkling crunch to the cookie exterior.
- Ground cinnamon for rolling, 1 tsp: Enhances the cinnamon flavor with a sweet, spicy finish.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to a comfy 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your dough is perfectly mixed. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and release easily afterward. This simple prep step means less mess and more happy bites.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This step is where the magic begins — the creaminess here ensures your cookies will be tender and rich, giving you that soft pillow-like texture.
Step 3: Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, add the granulated sugar and beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which means more airiness in every cookie. Then, mix in the egg and vanilla extract to bring all the flavors together with smooth, cohesive texture.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisking not only evenly distributes the spices and leaveners but also helps avoid clumps that can mess with your cookie’s texture.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to your creamy wet ingredients, folding gently until the dough just comes together into a soft dough. You want to avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender, so mix until there are no visible streaks of flour left.
Step 6: Roll Dough Balls in Cinnamon Sugar
Combine the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl — this is the finishing touch that gives your cookies a sparkly, fragrant exterior. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll each into a ball, then coat thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This extra cinnamon sugar layer will give you a beautifully speckled, sweet crust when baked.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread and puff up during baking. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges just start to turn a light golden color—this ensures the centers stay soft and tender. Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack, which helps them set perfectly without breaking.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty, snowy touch for festive occasions. Or, try a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze to add a bit of shine and extra sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee, chai, or hot cocoa to complement their cinnamon spice and cream cheese richness. They also go wonderfully alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an upgraded dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these at a cookie exchange stacked elegantly on a tiered platter, or package them in clear cello bags tied with a ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift. They’re perfect for sharing and add a cozy vibe to any gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps them soft and fresh, so you can enjoy their tender goodness any time without the kitchen fuss.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a freezer-safe container with parchment layers in between to prevent sticking. They stay delicious for up to three months and make a wonderful quick treat once thawed.
Reheating
To revive softness, warm the cookies in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked feel and makes every bite just as tasty as the first time.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese is essential for the unique texture and tang in these cookies. Substituting it might change the softness and flavor significantly, but you could experiment with mascarpone for a slightly different, but still creamy, result.
Why do the cookies spread during baking?
The combination of butter and cream cheese in the dough causes the cookies to spread and puff slightly. This creates their signature soft texture and tender edges, so a bit of spreading is actually perfect.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft cookie. Just fold them in gently with the dry ingredients or sprinkle on top before baking.
What’s the best way to get the cinnamon sugar coating to stick?
Rolling the dough balls thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture while the dough is slightly sticky from the butter and cream cheese helps the coating stick beautifully and create that signature crackly, spiced crust.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help the cookies puff up more during baking and often intensifies the flavors. Just cover the dough tightly and refrigerate before rolling and baking.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is truly a little treasure to have in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or indulging solo, these cookies deliver warmth, softness, and an easy elegance that feels like a special treat every time. I can’t wait for you to try making them—you’re going to fall in love with how cozy and delightful every bite is!
Print
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and flavorful Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy treat. Combining the richness of cream cheese and butter with a warm cinnamon sugar coating, these cookies offer a tender texture and a subtle spice that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp 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 Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a rich base for the cookies.
- Add Sugar: Incorporate 1 cup granulated sugar into the butter and cream cheese mixture and beat until light and fluffy, which helps achieve a tender cookie texture.
- Mix Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and blend well until combined to add moisture and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening and spice.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until you form a soft dough that holds together well.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for rolling the cookies.
- Shape and Roll: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll each into a ball. Then roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet with about 2 inches of space between each to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked but still soft inside.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of maple extract to the dough.
- Dough can be chilled for 30 minutes before baking to help create puffier cookies.
- Use parchment paper to ensure easy removal and even baking.
- Make sure butter and cream cheese are softened at room temperature for smooth mixing.
