Get ready to fall in love with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies: a cozy, pillowy-soft treat with a gentle tang from cream cheese and a luscious cinnamon sugar coating. These cookies are the edible equivalent of a warm hug, perfect for everything from family gatherings to quiet afternoons with a book. If you’ve been searching for a cookie that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spice, these are bound to become your new go-to. Each bite offers a delicate crunch outside and a melt-in-your-mouth interior, making them utterly irresistible for cinnamon lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies so addictive is how each ingredient shines in its own way. No complicated steps here—just a few classic baking staples working together to create pure magic. Pay attention to little details like softened butter and real vanilla, because they matter for that dreamy flavor and texture.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Lends richness and guarantees the cookies turn out ultra tender.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): This is the secret to their tang and those perfectly soft, chewy centers.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the dough, balancing the tangy cream cheese and cinnamon flavor.
- Large egg (1): Adds structure and binds everything, providing a touch of moisture for that signature texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses each bite with warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The sturdy backbone that supports all the other ingredients for the perfect crumb.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives just enough lift for a soft, but not cakey, result.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors into focus and ensures the sweetness isn’t overwhelming.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): The star spice that delivers warmth and cozy aroma right in the dough.
- For coating: Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Creates that sparkly, sweet exterior after rolling the dough balls.
- For coating: Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Finishes every cookie with that classic cinnamon sugar crunch—don’t skip!
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin your cinnamon-scented adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies release effortlessly, and you’re already setting the stage for a batch of beautiful Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies.
Step 2: Cream Together Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This step builds a tender foundation, so don’t rush it—the creaming incorporates air and ensures your cookies are soft and luscious.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla Extract
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, then mix until super smooth. The egg helps bind everything together and the vanilla adds depth to the flavor profile of your cookies.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and that essential ground cinnamon. This guarantees that every Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookie gets an even distribution of leavening and spice.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the creamy wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Pause just as everything comes together to avoid overmixing, a key for that tender bite.
Step 6: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Stir together the extra sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll each into a ball, then generously coat each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing at least 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake in your preheated oven for 10–12 minutes. Watch for edges that just begin to set and bottoms that turn lightly golden. Rest the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—they’ll firm up—then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma alone will make your kitchen positively dreamy!
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
Garnishes
A simple dusting of extra cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze goes a long way to dial up both beauty and flavor. For a festive spin, tuck a cinnamon stick beside a stack and add a few curls of orange zest. These little touches add sparkle and make your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies even more share-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a mug of chai tea, hot chocolate, or even classic black coffee for a heartwarming combo. If you want a dessert platter, try adding a bowl of creamy vanilla ice cream—there’s something about the contrast of cold and warm that’s just pure bliss.
Creative Ways to Present
During the holidays, pile Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies onto a vintage cake stand or package them in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for the ultimate edible gift. Or, make mini cookie sandwiches with a slather of cinnamon buttercream—trust me, people will talk about it all year long.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to 4 days. If you want to really savor that signature softness, add a slice of sandwich bread to the container—the cookies will absorb the moisture and stay bakery-fresh longer.
Freezing
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep their soft bite for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If your cookies need a quick revival, pop them in a 300°F oven for 2–3 minutes. This little bit of warmth brings back their fresh-from-the-oven aroma and a touch of that famous softness—almost like baking a new batch!
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies?
While you can swap in low-fat cream cheese, you might lose some of the luxurious texture and tang. Full-fat cream cheese delivers a richer, softer cookie—worth the splurge for special occasions!
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Cookies might overspread if the butter or cream cheese are too warm or if there’s not enough flour. Chilling the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking can help, especially on warm days.
Are these cookies good for gifting?
Absolutely! Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies package up beautifully and stay nice and soft even after a few days, making them a thoughtful, homemade gift for any occasion.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, doubling works like a charm. Just make sure you have enough baking sheets or bake in batches so each cookie gets its space to shine in the oven.
What’s the best way to flavor these cookies even more?
For extra cinnamon warmth, just add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough. You can also try a splash of almond extract, or sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top as soon as they come out of the oven.
Final Thoughts
There’s a special, almost magical comfort in whipping up a batch of Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies and sharing them with people you love. I hope you give these a try, savor every soft, cinnamon-laced bite, and maybe even make them a tradition of your own. Happy baking!
Print
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the soft, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies. With a hint of cinnamon and the richness of cream cheese, these cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter, cream cheese, and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Coat and bake: In a small bowl, stir together the cinnamon and sugar for coating. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, coat in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool and enjoy: Let cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra cinnamon flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
