There is something incredibly comforting about the warm, spicy aroma of cinnamon paired with the luscious creaminess of cream cheese in a cookie. This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe combines the best of both worlds, delivering soft, tender cookies dusted with a perfectly sweet cinnamon sugar coating. Each bite melts in your mouth with a delightful balance of rich, buttery flavors and just the right hint of spice. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or a festive gathering, these cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite that wins hearts every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together to create a cookie that’s soft, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. Each component plays a crucial role: the butter and cream cheese add richness and tenderness, the cinnamon sugar gives that signature sweet-spicy crunch, and the vanilla brings it all together with warmth and depth.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich fat and moisture, key for tender cookies without overpowering saltiness.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds a lovely tang and extra softness that sets these cookies apart.
- Powdered sugar: Ensures smooth texture and helps create a delicate sweetness.
- 1 egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to structure and softness.
- Baking powder: Gives a gentle rise, keeping the cookies light and airy.
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Offers fragrant warmth and enhances all other flavors.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies flavor complexity.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough, providing structure and chew.
- Granulated sugar & ground cinnamon: These combine for the iconic cinnamon sugar coating that adds crunch and spice.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
The magic starts by creaming together the softened butter and cream cheese until silky smooth. This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture. Gradually add the powdered sugar to sweeten and lighten the mix. Then, beat in the egg, baking powder, vanilla, and a pinch of kosher salt. Finally, fold in the flour carefully until a soft dough forms that’s just right for rolling.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Refrigerating the dough for at least one hour firms it up, making it easier to shape and ensuring that the cookies bake evenly. This step also deepens the flavors and keeps the cookies from spreading too thin in the oven.
Step 3: Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare baking sheets lined with parchment paper. This precise temperature helps the cookies bake just right—soft and set without browning too much.
Step 4: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl to create the irresistible coating. This blend adds that signature sparkle and vibrant flavor to the cookies once baked.
Step 5: Shape and Coat
Portion the dough into small balls, about 2 teaspoons each, then roll each one generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This step not only gives the cookies their classic look but also creates a sweet, spicy crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender interior.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the cookies for 8 to 9 minutes. They should be just set and look pale without over-browning to maintain their soft texture. This careful baking ensures every cookie remains tender and light with that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Step 7: Cool
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them finish setting and lets you enjoy each cookie at its peak texture and flavor.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon right after baking adds a pretty finishing touch and an added layer of sweetness. For a fun twist, you can drizzle a little melted white chocolate on top to make them look even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea or a creamy latte. If you want a heartier treat, serve them alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an always-winning combination.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies with a dab of cream cheese frosting or flavored buttercream between them to create delicate little sandwiches. For a festive presentation, arrange them in a decorative tin or on a beautiful platter with cinnamon sticks and a few star anise pods scattered around.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and fresh without drying out, so you can enjoy them all week if they last that long!
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash-freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep for up to 3 months, ready to thaw whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
To revive the soft texture, warm the cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes or pop them briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This restores their freshly baked softness and enhances the cinnamon aroma.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese or does it have to be full fat?
For the best texture and flavor, full-fat cream cheese is recommended. It adds richness and moisture that low-fat varieties lack, helping the cookies stay tender and flavorful.
What can I substitute for vanilla bean paste if I don’t have any?
Vanilla extract works perfectly well as a substitute. Use the same amount called for in the recipe to maintain that warm, vanilla undertone throughout the cookies.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as is. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup to adapt the recipe.
Can I make this dough ahead and bake later?
Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. This actually helps intensify the flavors, making your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe even better!
Why do my cookies sometimes flatten out too much?
Chilling the dough thoroughly is key to preventing cookies from spreading too thin. Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate and avoid over-mixing the dough, which can soften gluten and cause excessive spreading.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cookie that brings warmth, softness, and an irresistible cinnamon kick, the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe has you covered. It’s simple to prepare, joyfully indulgent, and perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring all by yourself. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the comforting magic of these cookies fresh from your oven.
Print
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 19 minutes
- Yield: 28 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightful Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies featuring a soft, tender texture with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. These cookies combine the richness of cream cheese and butter with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon, perfect for a cozy treat or holiday baking.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and well combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing continuously until the mixture is creamy. Incorporate the egg, baking powder, vanilla extract, and kosher salt, stirring well after each addition. Finally, fold in the all-purpose flour until a soft, smooth dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up, which makes it easier to handle and enhances the cookie texture.
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy clean-up.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the granulated sugar with ground cinnamon to create the coating for the cookies.
- Shape & Coat: Scoop about 2 teaspoons of the chilled dough and roll it between your palms to form smooth balls. Roll each dough ball generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced apart to allow spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8–9 minutes. Bake just until the cookies are set but remain lightly colored and soft in texture to maintain their tender quality.
- 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
- Ensure both butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for best mixing results.
- Refrigerating the dough is crucial for texture and handling; do not skip this step.
- Do not overbake to keep cookies soft and tender.
- You can substitute vanilla bean paste for a more intense vanilla flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
