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
Scale
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.
