If you are on the lookout for a delightful treat that combines soft, buttery texture with a warm hint of spice, this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is going to be your new favorite. These cookies strike the perfect balance between rich cream cheese flavor and comforting cinnamon sugar, making them irresistibly tender and flavorful. Each bite melts gently in your mouth, offering a subtle sweetness paired with a tender crumb that keeps you reaching for more. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a cozy afternoon snack, or a get-together with friends, this recipe brings a warm, homemade touch that feels truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to making these extraordinary Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies. Each ingredient plays an important role: butter and cream cheese give the dough its softness, powdered sugar sweetens perfectly, and cinnamon sugar adds that iconic spicy crunch. With such a straightforward lineup, you’ll be ready to bake up these cookies in no time.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Provides the rich, creamy base that gives the cookies their tender texture.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds moisture and a slight tang that makes these cookies uniquely soft and flavorful.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough smoothly without any graininess for a delicate crumb.
- 1 egg: Binds everything together, ensuring the dough holds its shape perfectly.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise gently, keeping them light, not dense.
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Enhances flavor complexity with a warm, aromatic note.
- Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
- All-purpose flour: The structure builder, creating the ideal soft crumb when combined with the creamy base.
- Granulated sugar: Used for the cinnamon sugar coating, adding a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice, bringing its signature warmth and a hint of sweetness.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Begin by creaming together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and uniformly blended. This step is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until fully combined, creating a light and fluffy base. Next, add the egg, baking powder, vanilla, and salt, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the all-purpose flour just until a soft, smooth dough forms—it’s okay if it’s a bit sticky, as this will produce tender cookies.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Cover your dough and pop it into the refrigerator for at least an hour. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and ensuring the cookies bake evenly, maintaining their soft texture without spreading too much in the oven.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and promotes even baking, plus cleanup becomes a breeze.
Step 4: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While waiting for the dough to chill, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This aromatic coating will add the perfect crunchy, sugary crust and that signature cinnamon kick to every cookie.
Step 5: Shape & Coat
Roll approximately 2 teaspoons of chilled dough into balls. Then, generously roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until completely coated. Place them spaced evenly on your prepared baking sheets to allow room for gentle spreading.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the cookies for 8 to 9 minutes until they are just set. You want them to remain light in color and soft in texture—overbaking will dry them out and lose that luscious cream cheese softness.
Step 7: Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period lets them firm up slightly while staying tender inside. Trust me, this patience pays off!
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies shine on their own, but if you want to add a little extra flair, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate over the top can create a lovely presentation and a hint of extra sweetness. Fresh cinnamon sticks placed nearby serve as a charming garnish that complements the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a steaming cup of chai tea, coffee, or hot apple cider to enhance the warm cinnamon notes. They also pair wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, stack the cooled cookies in a clear jar tied with a festive ribbon to showcase their inviting cinnamon sugar coating. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies together with a cinnamon cream cheese frosting for a delightful twist that will impress any crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for about 3 to 4 days—perfect for snacking during the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough or the baked cookies. For dough, shape it into a log, tightly wrap in plastic, and freeze for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight container. They freeze wonderfully and thaw quickly.
Reheating
To refresh your stored cookies, warm them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This quick reheating will revive their soft texture and warm those cinnamon notes beautifully.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
While cream cheese is key for the signature soft texture and slight tang, you could experiment with mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a variation, but expect some differences in taste and texture.
Do I need to chill the dough? What if I skip it?
Chilling is important to firm the dough, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Skipping this step might result in flatter, crisper cookies rather than the soft, tender ones that are the hallmark of this recipe.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to four days. Beyond that, texture and flavor may begin to degrade, but freezing is a great way to extend their life.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind you might need to adjust measurements, and the texture could vary slightly from the original.
What is the best way to roll and coat the cookies?
Use slightly chilled dough for easier handling. Roll dough balls between your palms, then immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture so the coating sticks well before placing them on the baking sheet.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. Its soft, tender texture combined with the warm cinnamon sugar coating makes for a comforting, irresistible treat that’s perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. I promise you’ll love how simple ingredients transform into such a wonderful cookie that feels special every time. Grab your mixing bowl and get baking—you deserve these cookies in your life!
Print
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 24 minutes
- Yield: 28 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully soft and tender Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies with a subtle tang from cream cheese and a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a perfect balance of cinnamon sweetness, ideal for holiday treats or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups 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:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until fully incorporated. Add in the egg, baking powder, vanilla extract, and kosher salt; mix well to combine all ingredients. Stir in the all-purpose flour gradually until a soft and smooth dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl containing the dough with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This chilling step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and shape later.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate even baking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly. This mixture will be used to coat the cookie dough balls before baking.
- Shape & Coat: Using about 2 teaspoons of the chilled dough, roll it between your palms to form smooth balls. Roll each dough ball generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture ensuring full coverage. Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 9 minutes. They should be just set and retain a light color to keep the soft, tender texture. Avoid overbaking to maintain their delicate softness.
- 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. This will help them set properly while retaining their softness.
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading and to achieve the perfect soft texture.
- The cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- For extra flavor, use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract.
- Do not overbake; cookies should remain light in color to keep their softness.
