A Sweet Family Favorite: Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
If there’s a treat that symbolically bridges the gap between heartwarming nostalgia and pure, simple joy, it’s A Sweet Family Favorite: Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies. With their pillowy centers, sparkly cinnamon-sugar crust, and delightful hint of tang from the cream cheese, these cookies have consistently been the star of our family cookie jars—and always disappear much faster than I’d like to admit! Whether you’re baking them for a holiday tray, gifting them to a neighbor, or simply treating yourself on a quiet afternoon, you’re about to discover why A Sweet Family Favorite: Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies can make any kitchen (and heart) feel a bit cozier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of A Sweet Family Favorite: Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies is all in the simplicity of its ingredients. Classics like butter, sugar, and a good dose of cinnamon make these cookies irresistibly comforting, while the cream cheese gives them a rich, soft bite you’ll crave. Here’s what you’ll need—and why they matter.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides richness and ensures a tender crumb throughout each cookie.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The secret ingredient for tangy flavor and ultra-soft texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup, plus 1/4 cup for rolling): Adds sweetness and helps create that sparkly cinnamon-sugar crust.
- Large egg (1): Gives structure and helps bind the dough for uniform cookies.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A background note that enhances the warmth of cinnamon and cream cheese.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): The reliable framework that keeps each cookie thick and soft.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures a subtle lift and tender bite.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and boosts all the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon in dough, plus 1 teaspoon for rolling): The star spice, offering warmth and aroma in every bite.
How to Make A Sweet Family Favorite: Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s cozy and ready when your dough is done. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to make cleanup easy and keep your cookies from sticking. A little prep now means more time to savor cookies later!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This base will help your A Sweet Family Favorite: Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies turn out soft and irresistible.
Step 3: Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla
Add in the granulated sugar and beat again until the mixture looks fluffy and light—this step creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Next, beat in your egg and vanilla extract, mixing just until everything comes together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, give your flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon a good whisk. Combining dry ingredients separately prevents clumps and means every bite of your cookies will be perfectly spiced and tender.
Step 5: Mix It All Together
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low just until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix—those flecks of cinnamon throughout the pale dough are pure happiness waiting to happen.
Step 6: Make Cinnamon-Sugar for Rolling
In a small bowl, stir together the extra 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This is the secret to the signature crackly, sparkly finish on every cookie.
Step 7: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them between your palms into balls. Drop each ball into the cinnamon-sugar mix and coat generously—the more, the merrier. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving space between for gentle spreading.
Step 8: Flatten and Bake
Use the bottom of a glass to gently press each dough ball until slightly flattened. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just turning golden but the centers remain soft. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve A Sweet Family Favorite: Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
Garnishes
Give your cookies a little extra sparkle by adding an extra sprinkling of cinnamon-sugar right as they come out of the oven. For a festive twist, try a light dusting of powdered sugar or even a tiny drizzle of cream cheese glaze. These small finishing touches make A Sweet Family Favorite: Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies stand out at any gathering or as an end-of-day treat.
Side Dishes
There’s no shame in pairing cookies with more treats! These cookies are absolutely dreamy alongside a cold glass of milk, hot cocoa, or even your afternoon cup of coffee. For party platters, add in some chocolate-dipped fruit, a handful of salty nuts, or a few slices of sharp cheddar for a sweet-and-savory bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Pack A Sweet Family Favorite: Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies in a cute tin with a ribbon for holiday gifting—they travel well and always impress. For a fun dessert table, stack cookies between layers of parchment in a clear jar, or serve them on a tiered cake stand for a playful presentation. Kids and adults alike love them as ice cream sandwich “buns” with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cool, pop your leftovers in an airtight container and they’ll stay soft and tender for up to four days (if they last that long!). Store them at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat.
Freezing
To keep the goodness going, freeze fully baked cookies in a tightly-sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. For the freshest flavor, consider freezing the dough balls (pre-rolled in cinnamon-sugar) and baking them straight from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to your baking time.
Reheating
If you love warm cookies, microwave individual A Sweet Family Favorite: Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies for 10-15 seconds for that just-baked softness. Frozen cookies can thaw on the counter in about 30 minutes, or zap them in the microwave to bring them back to cozy perfection.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap in a cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The cookies may have a slightly different texture, but they’ll still be packed with cinnamon-cream cheese flavor and irresistible softness.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
While this recipe doesn’t require chilling, if your kitchen is warm or your dough feels too soft to roll, pop it into the fridge for 30 minutes. This will make shaping easier and help your A Sweet Family Favorite: Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies bake up nice and thick.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe easily doubles for bake sales, big holiday trays, or whenever you need enough cookies to feed a crowd. Just use a large bowl and be sure to mix well, scraping down the sides for even blending.
What’s the best way to ensure the cookies stay soft?
Be careful not to overbake—remove them when the edges are set but the centers are still a little soft. Cooling them for a few minutes on the baking sheet helps finish the baking process gently, keeping every cookie moist and tender.
Can I add nuts, chocolate, or raisins?
Of course! Chopped pecans, walnuts, mini chocolate chips, or even golden raisins are lovely additions. Fold up to 1/2 cup into the dough after mixing in the dry ingredients for some fun texture and twists on A Sweet Family Favorite: Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about sharing A Sweet Family Favorite: Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies with the people you love—the scent, the flavor, the memories. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to ours. Pull out that mixing bowl and give them a try; I promise these cookies will quickly become a staple in your home, too!
Print
A Sweet Family Favorite: Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and creamy goodness of these delightful Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies. With a perfect balance of cinnamon spice and velvety cream cheese, these cookies are a family favorite that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Rolling:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, beat until fluffy. Mix in egg and vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add to wet mixture.
- Roll and bake: Roll dough into balls, coat in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Flatten with glass. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool and enjoy: Cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra cinnamon flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
- These cookies freeze well and are great for holiday cookie trays or everyday snacking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
