If you are looking for a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug with every bite, you’ve just found your new favorite. This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe combines the luscious creaminess of cream cheese with a perfect cinnamon-sugar kick, making these cookies irresistibly soft, tender, and bursting with cozy flavors. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just a sweet everyday indulgence, these cinnamon cream cheese cookies will quickly become a beloved recipe in your collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the cookie’s signature texture and flavor — from the cream cheese’s creamy richness to the cinnamon-sugar coating’s warm crunch.
- Butter (½ cup): Provides a tender, buttery base and keeps the cookies moist.
- Cream cheese (4 oz): Adds a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth softness and slight tanginess.
- Powdered sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetens the dough smoothly without grittiness, helping with the soft texture.
- Egg (1): Binds the dough and contributes to a soft crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoons): Elevates all flavors with its subtle, sweet aroma.
- Flour (1 ¾ cups): The structure-builder, ensuring your cookies hold their shape.
- Baking powder (¾ teaspoon): Gives just a hint of lift to keep cookies from being too dense.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Sugar (¼ cup): Used for rolling the dough balls, it forms a delightful cinnamon-sugar crust.
- Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Adds warm, spicy notes that make these cookies stand out.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Start by beating the room temperature butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is light and smooth. This step is essential because it creates the creamy base that will give the cookies their soft, tender texture.
Step 2: Add the Sugar for Sweetness
Next, mix in the powdered sugar until fully combined. The powdered sugar ensures the sweetness is evenly distributed and keeps the dough silky rather than grainy.
Step 3: Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla Extract
Adding the egg and vanilla extract at this point brings moisture and richness to the dough, making sure your cookies are flavorful and not dry.
Step 4: Combine and Sift Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening is evenly spread and helps prevent lumps in the dough.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet Mixture
Add the dry ingredients gradually to your wet base, mixing just until everything comes together. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so gentle folding is your friend here.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough bowl and refrigerate it for at least 60 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies retain their shape when baking.
Step 7: Prepare to Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps cookies bake evenly.
Step 8: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture will give the cookies their signature sweet-spicy crust that perfectly complements the soft interior.
Step 9: Shape and Coat the Dough
Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This step creates that irresistible texture contrast.
Step 10: Arrange and Bake
Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave enough space between them so they don’t stick together as they spread. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges just start to turn a light golden color. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack to set their shape and texture.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies shine beautifully on their own, but you can elevate them by dusting a little extra cinnamon or powdered sugar on top before serving. For an extra festive touch, try drizzling melted white chocolate or sprinkling chopped nuts for contrast and crunch.
Side Dishes
The warm spice and richness of these cookies pair wonderfully with a hot beverage. Think robust coffee, spiced chai latte, or even a comforting cup of hot cocoa. These accompaniments complement the cinnamon and cream cheese marvel perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifting, stack the cookies tied with a lovely ribbon or place them in decorative tins. You can even sandwich two cookies together with a cinnamon cream cheese frosting for a delightful twist on this classic recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies keep well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain their soft, tender texture, avoid refrigeration unless you prefer a firmer bite.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the dough balls before rolling them in cinnamon sugar or freeze the baked cookies themselves. Just store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
Warm leftover cookies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back their softness and gooey cream cheese feel. If frozen, allow them to thaw fully before warming for best results.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
While cream cheese is key to the texture and flavor of these cookies, you could try using mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different but still delicious result. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar?
Powdered sugar is ideal for this recipe because it dissolves easily and contributes to a smooth dough. If unavailable, you can process granulated sugar in a blender until fine but results may not be as tender.
How thick should the cookies be before baking?
Rolling the dough into 1-inch balls gives you the perfect size for these cookies. They will spread slightly but remain thick and soft, so avoid pressing them too flat.
Can I add other spices to the cinnamon sugar coating?
Absolutely! Nutmeg, ginger, or cloves would add delightful complexity to the cinnamon sugar and make these cookies even more cozy and aromatic.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you could experiment with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, but be sure to check the texture and baking time adjustments.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe enough. It’s a magical combination of flavors and textures that brings smiles and warmth with every bite. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies are guaranteed to become an instant classic that everyone will rave about. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to create something truly special!
Print
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and buttery Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies, featuring a rich cream cheese base and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and a tender crumb, these cookies are an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough
- ½ cup butter (1 stick), room temperature
- 4 oz cream cheese (½ block), room temperature
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cup flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Topping
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese until the mixture is light and smooth, creating a creamy base for the cookies.
- Add powdered sugar: Mix in the powdered sugar thoroughly until fully combined, ensuring an even sweetness throughout the dough.
- Incorporate egg and vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the batter and mix until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Sift dry ingredients: In a separate small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to remove any lumps and distribute the leavening evenly.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to keep the dough tender.
- Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes to firm up the dough and improve cookie texture.
- Preheat oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon to create the coating for the cookies.
- Form dough balls: Scoop the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and 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, spacing them to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For best texture, chill the dough overnight if possible.
- Use room temperature butter and cream cheese to ensure smooth mixing.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze dough balls for later baking or freeze baked cookies.
- If you prefer less sweetness, adjust the cinnamon-sugar topping accordingly.
