If you are craving a warm, cozy treat that feels like a hug in cookie form, then this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These soft, chewy cookies combine the delightful tang of cream cheese with the comforting spice of cinnamon, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures that melt in your mouth. They’re wonderfully simple to make yet irresistibly delicious, making them perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a sweet personal indulgence any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you get baking, let’s talk about these straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in giving these cookies their tender crumb, rich flavor, and that signature cinnamon kick that keeps you coming back for more.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Softened butter adds richness and a tender texture to your cookies.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces): This gives the cookies a luscious, moist crumb and subtle tanginess you won’t forget.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps create a slight crispness on the edges.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and enriches the dough’s flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, aromatic depth to the cookie base.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation that holds everything together with the perfect balance of chewiness and structure.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings the signature spice that defines these cookies’ character.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the cookies a gentle rise for softness and fluffiness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the sweet and spicy flavors to perfection.
- Cinnamon-sugar mixture (2 tablespoons sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon): Coats the cookies to create a fragrant, sparkling finish.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for perfect baking and easy cleanup, ensuring your cookies come out beautifully every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, which lends the cookies their delightful softness and tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until the ingredients are fully combined. The egg adds richness and helps bind everything together, while the vanilla infuses a lovely warmth in each bite.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the cinnamon and leavening agents, which contributes to the cookie’s tender texture and signature flavor.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into your wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix — you want a tender dough, not a tough one.
Step 6: Shape and Roll the Cookies
Using a tablespoon-sized scoop or spoon, portion the dough into balls. Then roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating them evenly for a sparkling, spiced exterior that complements the soft inside perfectly.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your coated dough balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely light golden color. The slight crispiness on the outside contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This short cooling time allows the cookies to firm up just enough without losing their signature tender chew.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over cooled cookies or add a drizzle of warm caramel or white chocolate. These simple garnishes add elegance and enhance the cinnamon’s sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe with a steaming cup of chai tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk. The warm spices complement hot drinks perfectly, while milk balances the richness for an indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies in a rustic wooden tray lined with a cinnamon-stick bouquet or wrap a few in cellophane tied with twine for delightful homemade gifts. You might even sandwich softened cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a luscious twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and chewy without drying out. If you have a bigger batch, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully! Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cookies can be kept for up to 3 months and make for a quick, sweet snack on demand.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop a cookie or two in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. The heat reactivates the cream cheese’s creamy texture and revives the cinnamon aroma — pure comfort!
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
While cream cheese is key to achieving the soft, tangy richness, you can try mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different but still delicious texture and flavor. Keep in mind consistency may vary.
How do I make these cookies dairy-free?
Replacing the butter with a dairy-free margarine and using vegan cream cheese alternatives will work. Just be sure to check the ingredient labels to ensure true dairy-free options.
Can I add other spices to the dough?
Absolutely! Nutmeg, cardamom, or even cloves add exciting layers to the flavor. Just add sparingly so the cinnamon remains the star of the show.
Why are my cookies spreading too much while baking?
Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened but not melted. If the dough is too warm, it can cause spreading. Chilling the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking often helps maintain shape.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This particular recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but keep in mind texture might change slightly, so adjustments may be needed.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe because it truly is a gem that combines simplicity and comfort in every bite. Whether for a holiday gathering, a casual snack, or just a sweet moment to yourself, these cookies deliver warmth and happiness from your kitchen straight to your heart. Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy baking these delightful treats — trust me, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Print
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 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 cream cheese and butter, they have a rich, tender texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for a sweet treat or dessert, these cookies combine the classic flavors of cinnamon and vanilla in a deliciously comforting way.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Rolling
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, softened cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a couple of minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, creating a smooth, creamy base for your dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. This separate mixing ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring carefully until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape and Roll Cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Then roll the dough balls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated for a sweet, spicy exterior.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked but still soft inside.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cardamom to the dough.
- These cookies are soft and chewy, and the cream cheese gives them a rich, tender texture.
- Make sure both the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
