If you are on the hunt for a cookie that combines tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture with the warm, spicy aroma of cinnamon, then this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is your golden ticket. These cookies boast a delightful balance of cream cheese richness and buttery softness, all nestled beneath a perfectly spiced cinnamon sugar coating. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or an impressive dessert for friends and family, these cookies deliver a comforting sweetness that’s truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you — each one plays a crucial role in crafting the tender crumb and flavorful bite of these cookies. From the creamy richness of the cream cheese to the subtle tang of vanilla, these essentials come together to make magic.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy base and helps achieve the perfect crumb.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds moisture and tenderness that sets these cookies apart.
- Powdered sugar: Ensures a smooth sweetness and blends beautifully for a soft dough.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- Baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle rise and light texture.
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Infuses warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: The structure builder, it creates the perfect base for these soft cookies.
- Granulated sugar: Used in the cinnamon sugar coating for that classic crunch and subtle sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth, aroma, and the signature flavor.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Begin by creaming together the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until the mixture is wonderfully smooth and light. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated to create a silky, sweet base. Next, add the egg along with the baking powder, vanilla, and kosher salt — these will lend structure, flavor, and balance to the dough. Finally, fold in the all-purpose flour until a soft and smooth dough forms that’s ready for chilling.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Cover your dough bowl and pop it into the refrigerator for at least an hour. This chilling step is essential to firm up the dough, making it easier to shape later and ensuring the cookies bake up soft without spreading too thin.
Step 3: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prep work will ensure your cookies bake evenly and come off the tray without any stickiness.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar with aromatic ground cinnamon. This simple combination will create the classic coating that gives these cookies their signature sweet and spicy crunch.
Step 5: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Roll tablespoons of dough into neat little balls—about 2 teaspoons each works perfectly. Then, generously roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat every inch. Not only does this add fabulous flavor, but it also gives the cookies a delicate shimmer and inviting aroma as they bake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets and pop them in the oven. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes until the cookies are just set. You’ll notice they stay light in color and maintain a tender, soft texture that will keep you coming back for more.
Step 7: Cool Down
Once out of the oven, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This rest time helps them finish setting perfectly. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely — an important step that keeps them from becoming soggy.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra flair, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar on top just before serving. For a festive touch, try drizzling a thin glaze made of powdered sugar and vanilla or dipping half the cookie in melted white chocolate for an irresistible finish.
Side Dishes
These soft cinnamon cream cheese cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea, making them an ideal companion for afternoon breaks. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also complements their creamy texture and warm cinnamon notes, turning your cookie moment into a delightful dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies stacked on a rustic wooden platter tied with a ribbon for a charming gift or party presentation. For a creative touch, sandwich a dollop of cream cheese frosting or cinnamon buttercream between two cookies to turn them into irresistible little treats perfect for celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and flavorful for up to five days, making them perfect to prep ahead for gatherings or a sweet surprise anytime.
Freezing
To enjoy these cookies later, freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep wonderfully in the freezer for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy that fresh-baked taste whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring your frozen or stored cookies back to life, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This gentle reheating softens the cookies perfectly and revives the heavenly aroma of cinnamon and cream cheese.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular cream cheese with low-fat cream cheese in the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe?
You can, but keep in mind that low-fat cream cheese may alter the texture slightly, possibly making the cookies less rich and tender. For the fullest flavor and best texture, full-fat cream cheese is preferred.
What if I don’t have vanilla bean paste? Can I use vanilla extract instead?
Absolutely! Vanilla extract works perfectly in this recipe and will provide a lovely, warm vanilla note that beautifully complements the cinnamon and cream cheese.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend of equal measure. Just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum or similar to help with structure and texture.
How do I make sure the cookies don’t spread too much?
Chilling the dough for at least an hour is crucial to prevent excessive spreading. Also, be careful not to over-bake; these cookies are best when they remain light-colored and soft.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing before baking?
Yes! You can scoop and coat the dough balls, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a container. When ready, bake them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting about the union of cinnamon warmth and cream cheese softness in a cookie. This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is a true gem that you’ll find yourself reaching for time and again. Once you try these tender, flavorful delights, they’ll become a beloved staple, perfect for gatherings, gifts, or simply savoring with your favorite warm beverage at home. Go ahead and bake a batch—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 24 minutes
- Yield: 28 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, tender, and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture. The addition of cream cheese in the dough adds a luscious richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons 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 while continuing to mix until fully incorporated. Next, add the egg, baking powder, vanilla extract, and kosher salt; mix well to combine. Finally, stir in the all-purpose flour until a soft, smooth dough forms without overmixing.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour to firm up. This chilling step helps the dough hold its shape during baking and enhances the texture of the cookies.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly to create the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Shape & Coat: Scoop about 2 teaspoons of the dough and roll it between your palms into a smooth ball. Roll each ball generously in the prepared cinnamon sugar, coating completely. Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 8 to 9 minutes, or just until they are set. The cookies should remain light in color and retain a soft texture rather than becoming browned or crisp.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes to firm up further. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Do not overbake the cookies to maintain their soft, delicate texture.
- Chilling the dough is essential for easy handling and better cookie shape.
- You can substitute vanilla bean paste with pure vanilla extract for similar flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep freshness.
