If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy treat that melts in your mouth with a perfect blend of warmth and sweetness, this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with the gentle spice of cinnamon, all wrapped in a luscious cream cheese batter that keeps every bite tender and flavorful. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just a simple snack to brighten your day, these cinnamon-infused delights are bound to become a fast favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe calls for a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each item plays its part in building the cookie’s soft texture, sweet flavor, and irresistible aroma.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a tender crumb without overpowering the other flavors.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with browning for those perfectly golden edges.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the flavor.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving it structure.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures just the right amount of lift for a light texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the cinnamon’s warmth.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus more for topping): Brings that iconic warm spice that defines this recipe.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for cinnamon-sugar topping): Adds a crunchy, sweet finish on top of each cookie.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mixing Bowls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Getting everything ready early makes the whole process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial as it sets the stage for a tender and moist cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, add the granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Then mix in the egg and vanilla extract to combine all those rich, sweet flavors.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, stir together the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with a pinch of cinnamon. This topping adds a delightful crunch and a boost of cinnamon flavor that beautifully complements the soft cookie.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, flatten each slightly, then generously sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden but the centers remain soft. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period lets the cookies set perfectly.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a little extra cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar on top of these cookies just before serving adds a pretty, bakery-style finish. You can even drizzle a thin glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a touch of sweetness that also looks stunning.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. If you’re serving them at a brunch or dessert table, consider adding some fresh fruit or a creamy dip like mascarpone to elevate the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cookies in a pretty tin with parchment paper for gifting, or stack and tie them with a festive ribbon for a charming presentation that impresses. For gatherings, place them around a bowl of spiced cider or hot chocolate to create a cozy, inviting spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cookies stay soft and delicious when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keeping them sealed preserves moisture and flavor, so the chewiness remains just right.
Freezing
You can freeze these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe dough balls before baking or freeze fully baked cookies. For dough, shape and place them on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a bag for up to two months. For baked cookies, store in a freezer-safe container, ideally separated by parchment paper, and enjoy them later at your convenience.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness, reheat the cookies for about 10 seconds in the microwave or warm them briefly in an oven set to low heat. This simple step revives their melt-in-your-mouth texture beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
While low-fat cream cheese can be used, it may slightly affect the cookie’s texture, making it less rich and chewy than with full-fat cream cheese. For the signature softness and flavor, full-fat cream cheese is preferred.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, you can substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and use a flax egg or another egg replacer. Keep in mind that texture and flavor might vary slightly but should still be delicious.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch, while raisins or dried cranberries could provide a burst of fruity sweetness that complements the cinnamon nicely.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If cookies spread too much during baking, your dough might be too warm or the butter too soft. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking, and ensure you’re using the proper flour measurement.
What is the best way to measure flour for this recipe?
Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour: lightly spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This helps prevent packing the flour too densely, which could result in dry cookies.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is the kind of treat that’s easy enough to whip up any day but special enough to impress friends and family. The sweet cinnamon warmth married with the creamy softness from the cream cheese truly creates a cookie that feels like a hug in baked form. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy every bite as much as I do!
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
These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor. Made with a creamy blend of butter and cream cheese, these cookies stay moist and tender, perfect for the holidays or anytime you want a delightful treat. The cinnamon-sugar topping adds an irresistible sweet and spicy crunch, making these cookies a delightful dessert option.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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
Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (additional for topping)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Beat Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a rich base for the cookie dough.
- Add Sugar and Mix: Add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture and continue beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this helps incorporate air for a tender texture.
- Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined, which adds moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spice.
- Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and creating tough cookies.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with a pinch of cinnamon to create the classic cinnamon-sugar topping that will add a sweet and spicy crunch.
- Form Cookies and Add Topping: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, flatten them slightly, and sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set perfectly and maintain their chewy texture.
Notes
- These cookies stay soft and chewy thanks to the cream cheese.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- You can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can add a bit more cinnamon to the dough or topping.
