Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
If you are searching for a delightful treat that perfectly balances soft texture with a touch of spice, the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies bring together the richness of cream cheese, the warmth of cinnamon, and a little sprinkle of sweetness to create a melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels like a warm hug with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or an impressive dessert for guests, this recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s the cream cheese lending that tender crumb or the cinnamon-sugar coating giving each cookie its signature warmth and sparkle.
- Butter (½ cup or 1 stick): Provides richness and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz or ½ block): Adds a lovely tang and moisture, ensuring the cookies stay soft and delicate.
- Powdered Sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetens the dough smoothly without any grittiness, contributing to a fine crumb.
- Egg (1): Binds all the ingredients together while adding a subtle richness.
- Vanilla Extract (1 ½ teaspoons): Enhances flavor complexity and complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- Flour (1 ¾ cups): The foundation that gives structure to the cookies.
- Baking Powder (¾ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, cakey texture.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and amplifies all the other flavors.
- Sugar (¼ cup): Used in the cinnamon-sugar coating for that perfect sweet crunch.
- Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star spice that brings warmth and cozy flavor to the cookies.
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 in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely smooth. This step is key to ensuring your cookies have that signature tender and creamy texture.
Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar
Gradually mix the powdered sugar into the butter and cream cheese blend until everything is fully combined and the batter looks silky. This helps give the cookies their gentle sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Step 3: Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract together until the batter is smooth and homogenous. The egg adds moisture and structure, while the vanilla deepens the flavor profile, pairing wonderfully with the cinnamon.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures no lumps and helps your cookies have an even texture without any dense pockets of flour.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here to keep the cookies soft and tender.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Step 7: Prep for Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This non-stick layer will ensure your cookies bake evenly without sticking or burning.
Step 8: Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. This coating will give each cookie a delightful sweet crunch and a beautiful, warm glow.
Step 9: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls, then carefully roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. This extra step adds a lovely spice and texture contrast that elevates the entire cookie.
Step 10: Arrange and Bake
Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them out to allow for gentle spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool perfectly.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are amazing on their own, adding a delicate dusting of powdered sugar just before serving makes them look extra special. For a seasonal touch, try a light drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts for extra texture.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of milk. Their soft, rich texture and warm spice are perfect companions to any cozy drink, balancing sweetness with inviting notes of cinnamon.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these cookies as part of a dessert platter alongside fresh fruit, cream cheese frosting for dipping, or even layered with whipped cream to make cookie sandwiches. You can also package them in a festive tin for a heartfelt homemade gift that’s bound to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep their soft texture, place a slice of bread in the container, which will help maintain moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by first chilling them completely, then placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag with layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking. They keep well for up to 2 months and retain their delightful taste when thawed.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds. This will revive their soft texture and remind you of just-baked goodness.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
While cream cheese is essential for the unique softness and tanginess in this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe, you could experiment with mascarpone or ricotta cheese. Just be aware that the texture and flavor might vary slightly.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar? Can I use granulated sugar instead?
Powdered sugar dissolves more easily, helping create a smooth dough texture. If you only have granulated sugar, try grinding it briefly in a blender or food processor, but the outcome may be a little less silky.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the regular flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or an equivalent binder to maintain the right texture.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for cookies with lightly golden edges but soft centers. They will seem slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool, maintaining that perfect tender crumb.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this recipe?
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts fold nicely into the dough, adding crunch and flavor depth. Just add about ½ cup of your chosen nuts before chilling the dough.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is one of those joyful discoveries that brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion. Soft, tender, and bursting with cinnamon-spiced charm, these cookies are a treat you’ll want to bake again and again. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do!
Print
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in these soft and buttery Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies, featuring a creamy swirl of cream cheese married with warm cinnamon sugar. These cookies are tender, slightly tangy, and coated with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar crust, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (1 stick), room temperature
- 4 oz cream cheese (½ block), room temperature
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Beat Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is light and smooth, ensuring there are no lumps and the texture is creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated and smooth, providing the cookie base with sweetness and structure.
- Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract into the batter, mixing until it becomes smooth and well combined, enhancing flavor and richness.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently and mixing just until combined to prevent overworking the dough.
- Chill Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 60 minutes to firm it up for easier handling and better texture in baking.
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon, mixing thoroughly to create the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop out the chilled dough and roll it into 1-inch balls with your hands for uniform size, then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until their edges are lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack to set and avoid sogginess before serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing and smooth dough consistency.
- Do not overmix once the dry ingredients are added to keep cookies tender.
- Chilling the dough is important to help control spreading during baking.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mat for an easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
