Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy, comforting cookie, look no further than these Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies. What sets them apart is that perfect balance of tangy cream cheese and warm cinnamon, all wrapped up in a pillowy-soft, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Each bite is like a little celebration of everything you love about home baking, with a touch of bakery-level magic. Trust me, these are the kind of cookies that everyone will ask for the recipe after just one taste!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with simple, familiar ingredients, each playing a special role in achieving that signature texture and flavor. The magic is in the combination, and you’ll love how every ingredient works toward creating the Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Brings richness and helps make the cookies oh-so-tender.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The secret to perfectly soft, slightly tangy cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup + 2 tbsp for topping): Adds sweetness and helps create those irresistible golden edges; save the two tablespoons for that sparkly cinnamon-sugar topping.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds a bit of structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dough with warmth and depth.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Forms the body of the cookies for the perfect balance of chew and softness.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives just the right amount of lift.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Makes all the flavors pop.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, plus more for topping): The star spice, providing that signature cozy flavor.
How to Make Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first: get your oven preheated to 350°F so it’s perfectly hot when your cookies are ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and ensure easy cleanup later. It’s a small step that sets you up for sweet success!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is totally smooth and creamy. It should look luscious and uniform, with no lumps. Take a moment to appreciate how these base ingredients will guarantee super tender cookies.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Whip Until Fluffy
Next, add the cup of granulated sugar to your butter and cream cheese mixture, and beat until light and fluffy. This step aerates the dough, making for a soft, pillowy texture—just what you want in the Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies.
Step 4: Mix in the Egg and Vanilla
Once the mixture is fluffy, beat in your egg and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is beautifully combined, and your dough smells absolutely heavenly. These ingredients add subtle richness and warmth.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and that beloved ground cinnamon. This quick whisk ensures everything distributes evenly, so every bite bursts with delicious cinnamon.
Step 6: Bring the Dough Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. The dough should be light, a little sticky, and flecked with cinnamon. Avoid overmixing so your cookies bake up extra tender.
Step 7: Make Cinnamon-Sugar for Topping
In a small bowl, stir together two tablespoons of sugar with a generous pinch of ground cinnamon. This cinnamon-sugar topping is your secret weapon for delightfully sweet, spiced, sparkling cookie exteriors!
Step 8: Shape and Coat the Dough Balls
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into little balls with your hands, then generously coat each ball in that irresistible cinnamon-sugar mixture. This step ensures each cookie bakes up with a magical crunchy coating over its soft interior.
Step 9: Bake to Pillowy Perfection
Place your dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart so they have plenty of room to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked—this is the secret to soft Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies! Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
How to Serve Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
Garnishes
Turn up the excitement by dusting the cooled cookies with an extra pinch of cinnamon or even a light glaze drizzle for special occasions. A little melted white chocolate drizzled over the top is decadently delicious, or go classic with a few extra sprinkles of cinnamon-sugar just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cozy mug of chai tea, coffee, or a tall glass of cold milk—they’re begging to be dunked! For a holiday touch, serve alongside a platter of seasonal fruits or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to take things over the top.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies part of a festive cookie gift box, layer them between parchment in a mason jar, or stack them on a rustic cake stand for a beautiful centerpiece. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a smear of spiced cream cheese frosting for a crowd-pleasing twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll stay soft and delightful, thanks to the cream cheese, without drying out.
Freezing
If you’d like to enjoy Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer first, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep their wonderful texture for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature when you get a craving!
Reheating
Give cookies a just-baked feel by warming them in the microwave for 8-10 seconds. Alternatively, pop a few on a baking sheet and heat in a low (300°F) oven for about 4 minutes to restore their softness and release that heavenly cinnamon aroma.
FAQs
Can I freeze the dough instead of baked cookies?
Absolutely! Shape the dough into balls, coat in cinnamon-sugar, and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time for perfect Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies every time.
Why are my cookies not as soft as expected?
For maximum softness, be careful not to overbake. Take them out when the centers look slightly underdone. The cream cheese also helps lock in moisture, but always measure your flour carefully for best results.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap in a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The cookies will still be deliciously soft and flavorful, making them a perfect treat for everyone.
What if I want a stronger cinnamon flavor?
If you crave even more cinnamon love, simply bump up the ground cinnamon in the dough from 1/2 teaspoon to a full teaspoon. You can also up the cinnamon in the topping for a bigger punch.
Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?
Due to the cream cheese, some bakers prefer chilling them, but these cookies are perfectly safe at room temperature for several days. If you live in a hot climate or want to keep them fresh longer, refrigeration is a great option.
Final Thoughts
I’ve fallen hard for these Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies, and I think you will too! They’re a total crowd-pleaser—the kind of treat that makes ordinary days feel special and brings everyone back to the kitchen for one more. I hope you’ll give them a whirl and discover just how easy and joyful homemade cookies can be.
Print
Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, pillowy treats with a delightful hint of cream cheese and cinnamon. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite.
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
Topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Additional ground cinnamon for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, mix until fluffy, then beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
- Form dough: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture to form a soft dough.
- Make topping: Mix 2 tbsp sugar with cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Shape and bake: Roll dough into balls, coat in cinnamon-sugar mixture, place on baking sheet, and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- These cookies are soft and pillowy with a subtle tang from the cream cheese.
- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, add 1 teaspoon total to the dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 115
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
