If you are craving a cookie that feels like a warm hug from your oven, then you have to try this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe. These cookies are the perfect blend of soft, tender crumb with a gentle tang from cream cheese and a cozy cinnamon kick that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon tea or a festive gathering, this recipe delivers a charming homemade touch with minimal fuss. Each cookie melts in your mouth, boasting a delicate crumb that’s enhanced by a crackled cinnamon-sugar crust, making it a delightful treat you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking these magical cookies. Each component plays a crucial role, from creating that soft, cakey texture to the perfect cinnamon-spiced sweetness coating the exterior.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds rich creaminess and helps create the tender crumb.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Gives a subtle tang and extra moisture for softness.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough perfectly while creating a slight crisp on the edges.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds moisture for structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): The base that provides structure, balanced to keep the cookies soft.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle rise for light, cakey cookies.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Elevates the sweetness and balances flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): The star spice that adds warmth and depth.
- Granulated sugar for rolling (1/4 cup): Coats the cookies for a delightful sweet crunch.
- Ground cinnamon for rolling (1 teaspoon): Adds an extra cinnamon punch on the outside.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies will bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. This combination is the secret behind the cookie’s tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture—it creates a luscious base that’s lightly tangy and perfectly rich.
Step 3: Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, add the granulated sugar and beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy. The fluffiness is crucial as it traps air for a softer cookie. Then mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and spices, so every cookie has a consistent flavor and texture.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until no flour streaks remain. The dough will be delightfully soft and easy to scoop.
Step 6: Roll and Coat the Dough
In a small bowl, mix the rolling sugar and cinnamon. Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and gently roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This step gives the cookies a crackly, aromatic crust that’s almost addictive.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the coated cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops show slight cracks. This blur between set and soft is where the magic happens for these tender treats.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting time lets the cookies firm up just enough while keeping that soft, cakey texture you love.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vanilla glaze can add an elegant touch. Freshly ground cinnamon dusted on top right after baking also intensifies their warm aroma and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a steaming cup of chai latte, rich hot chocolate, or your favorite coffee blend. The creamy, spiced notes of the drinks complement the cinnamon cream cheese cookies recipe perfectly, making snack time feel special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with a cinnamon cream cheese frosting filling, creating irresistible little cookie sandwiches. Alternatively, serve them beside a bowl of fresh berries or whipped cream for an inviting dessert platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your cooled Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies in an airtight container and store at room temperature. They will keep their softness and flavor beautifully for up to five days, making them a great treat to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen and thawed at room temperature without losing their tender texture.
Reheating
To refresh the soft texture, warm cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or until slightly warm. This gently revives the creamy softness, making each bite feel just like fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese is key for the soft texture and tangy flavor, but if needed, you could try mascarpone or a thick Greek yogurt as alternatives. Just keep in mind it will slightly change the cookie’s texture and taste.
How do I make these cookies crispier?
For a crispier cookie, reduce the cream cheese slightly and bake a couple of minutes longer. However, the signature softness might be compromised, so proceed if you prefer a crunchier treat.
Can I add other spices to this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice pair beautifully with cinnamon. Adding a pinch to the dry ingredients will give your cookies a more complex and warm flavor profile.
Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this cinnamon cream cheese cookies recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or animal-based gelatin products—just wholesome baking ingredients.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 24 delicious cookies, perfect for sharing with friends or saving a batch for yourself!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cookie recipe that feels both comforting and a bit special, you have to bake this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and the delightful surprise of a creamy, soft cookie inside. Trust me, these cookies will become a favorite in your baking rotation, perfect for any occasion or whenever you just need a little sweetness in your day.
Print
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, cake-like treats featuring a delightful blend of cream cheese and cinnamon in a tender cookie base. Rolled in a cinnamon-sugar mixture and baked to perfection, they make a perfect holiday dessert or a cozy everyday snack.
Ingredients
Cookie 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 and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure cookies don’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, providing a rich base for your cookies.
- Add Sugar and Flavorings: Beat in the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, then mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined for enhanced flavor and moisture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spice throughout the dough.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms, ready to be shaped into cookies.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to make the rolling mixture for coating the cookie dough balls.
- Shape and Roll Dough Balls: Scoop out 1-inch sized balls of dough and roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring an even coating for a flavorful crust.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops have a slightly cracked appearance, indicating they are done.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storage.
Notes
- These cookies have a soft, cake-like texture and are best stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For a fun twist, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
- Consider filling the centers with cinnamon cream cheese frosting for an indulgent surprise.
