Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that combines soft, buttery richness with a warm, spicy kiss of cinnamon, then you’ve come to the right place. This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is an absolute delight, boasting a wonderfully tender texture thanks to the cream cheese and butter, paired perfectly with the sweet, cinnamony sugar coating that makes every bite feel cozy and special. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a holiday gathering or just a midweek treat, these cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe are refreshingly simple yet each plays a vital role. From the creamy softness of cream cheese to the gentle rise from baking powder, every component combines to create that perfect texture and mouthwatering flavor.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, ensuring the cookies stay tender.
- Cream cheese, softened: The secret to these cookies’ soft and fluffy texture, giving a subtle tangy flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough smoothly and helps keep the cookies delicate.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together, adding structure without heaviness.
- Baking powder: Gives just enough lift to keep the cookies light and airy.
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Adds warm, aromatic notes that balance the cinnamon perfectly.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet and savory flavors in the dough.
- All-purpose flour: The base that forms the dough’s soft structure.
- Granulated sugar: For the cinnamon sugar coating—adds a delightful crunch and sparkle.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice in the sugar coating that delivers warm, spicy sweetness with every bite.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Begin by creaming together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because it ensures your cookie base will have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Gradually add powdered sugar, blending until fully incorporated, then mix in the egg, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Stir in the flour last, just until the dough comes together softly. The dough should feel smooth and a bit tender, ready for chilling.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking. Plus, it deepens the flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This non-stick surface will keep your cookies from spreading too much and ensures easy cleanup.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This simple mixture is what creates the signature cinnamon crust on these cookies, giving each bite that cozy, sweet snap on the outside.
Step 5: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Take about two teaspoons of the chilled dough and roll it into a ball between your hands. Then, roll each ball generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Place the coated balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them to allow room as they bake.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the cookies for 8 to 9 minutes, keeping a close eye so they’re just set and still light in color. They won’t brown much, but that’s exactly the point — you want a tender, soft texture that practically melts in your mouth.
Step 7: Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes so they firm up a bit. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully helps the flavors settle and the sugar coating set perfectly.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling extra cinnamon sugar over the cookies just before serving adds that extra touch of sparkle and spice. For a festive twist, you can drizzle melted white chocolate or dust a bit of powdered sugar for a snowy effect that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a creamy latte. If you want to serve them alongside something a little more substantial, try a bowl of fresh berries or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your cinnamon cream cheese cookies in a mason jar lined with parchment paper for a rustic gift or serving idea. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies with a thin layer of cinnamon buttercream or cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat that really shines.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep their softness for up to 5 days, making it easy to enjoy them throughout the week without any loss in texture or flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to bake, simply add a couple minutes to the baking time and bake from frozen to enjoy fresh cookies anytime.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy warm cookies later on, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. They’ll regain their soft, freshly baked feel instantly. Just be careful not to overheat, or they might dry out.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese or does it have to be full-fat?
Full-fat cream cheese works best for this recipe as it provides the right balance of moisture and richness. Low-fat versions might make the dough too dry and affect texture.
Why do these cookies stay soft and not crunchy?
The combination of butter and cream cheese in the dough creates a tender crumb that resists crisping. The short baking time also helps maintain a soft, delicate texture.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the dough?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would complement the cinnamon nicely, as would a handful of raisins for a bit of chewiness and sweetness variation.
Is there a substitute for powdered sugar in the dough?
Powdered sugar helps keep the dough smooth and tender. Using granulated sugar instead would change the texture, making the cookies more crumbly, so it’s best to stick with powdered sugar for this recipe.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for cookies that are set but still very pale—they won’t brown much, and that’s exactly what you want. They should feel firm to the touch on top but soft inside.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about baking and sharing these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe treats. Their soft texture paired with that warm cinnamon sugar coating is a combination you’ll want to return to time and time again. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these cozy, irresistible cookies. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a go-to recipe you’ll cherish forever.
Print
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 24 minutes
- Yield: 28 servings 1x
Description
These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, tender, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor. The cream cheese and butter create a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the cinnamon-sugar coating adds a sweet, spicy crunch. Perfect for a cozy dessert or afternoon treat, these cookies are easy to make and bake to a delicate softness that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until fully combined. Add the egg, baking powder, vanilla extract, and kosher salt, then mix thoroughly. Stir in the all-purpose flour until a soft and smooth dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and shape.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to ensure even baking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. This will be used to coat the cookie dough balls.
- Shape & Coat: Using about 2 teaspoons of chilled dough per cookie, roll the dough into balls. Then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring each is thoroughly coated. Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spaced evenly apart.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 9 minutes. The cookies should be just set, maintaining a light color and soft texture on the inside.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to firm up slightly. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For best results, make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before mixing.
- Do not overbake; the cookies should remain light in color and soft for the ideal texture.
- Refrigerating the dough helps prevent spreading during baking.
- You can store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Optional: add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for an extra warm spice flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
