Name: Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup granulated sugar

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If you’re looking for a cookie that’s irresistibly soft, warmly spiced, and just a little bit tangy, then these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are about to become your new obsession. The combination of rich cream cheese and aromatic cinnamon creates a plush texture and a flavor that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Each bite melts in your mouth, with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just because, these cookies are a treat everyone will fall in love with.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies lies in their simplicity. Every ingredient plays a crucial part, from the richness of cream cheese to the warmth of cinnamon. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each one matters:

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the cookies a rich base and keeps them tender.
Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Adds a signature tang and ultra-soft texture that sets these cookies apart.
Granulated sugar (1 cup, plus 1/4 cup for rolling): Sweetens the dough and creates a delightful crunchy coating on the outside.
Egg (1 large): Binds everything together for a cohesive, chewy cookie.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a fragrant, cozy undertone.
All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): The sturdy foundation that gives the cookies their shape.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies puff up ever so slightly for a soft, pillowy bite.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet and spicy notes so they really sing.
Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The star spice—brings warmth and depth to every bite.

How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

Start by beating the softened butter, cream cheese, and one cup of sugar together in a large mixing bowl. You want the mixture to become light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like—this is what gives the cookies their signature soft texture. Don’t rush this step; take a couple of minutes for best results.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Once your butter-cream cheese base is whipped and airy, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully combined and smooth. The egg helps bind the dough together, while the vanilla adds just the right touch of warmth and aroma.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Whisking ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, so you don’t end up with any pockets of baking powder or cinnamon. This mixture is what will give your dough structure and that irresistible cinnamon flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until everything comes together. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as the flour disappears. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, and no one wants that!

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and pop the dough into the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling is essential here; it firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies keep their shape while baking. Plus, it gives the flavors time to meld.

Step 6: Shape and Roll in Sugar

Once your dough is chilled and ready, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions, roll them into balls, and coat each generously in the reserved 1/4 cup of sugar. This creates that classic crackly, sparkly exterior.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the dough balls on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set and just lightly golden. The centers will still look a bit soft—that’s perfect! Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the amazing smell that fills your kitchen!

How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Garnishes

If you want to make your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies extra special, try dusting them with a little extra cinnamon sugar right after baking, or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze for a bakery-worthy finish. A light sprinkle of powdered sugar also looks beautiful and adds a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a mug of hot chocolate, a steaming cup of coffee, or a glass of cold milk. They also shine alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy but impressive dessert plate—especially when you want to treat yourself!

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these cookies in a clear jar and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. For a party tray, alternate Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies with chocolate chip or snickerdoodle cookies for a pretty and inviting assortment. You can even sandwich two cookies around a dollop of cinnamon buttercream for a decadent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to five days, making them perfect for baking ahead or gifting throughout the week.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to two months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls and bake straight from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

If you love a warm cookie, pop a few in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. They’ll taste as soft and fresh as the day you made them, with all that lovely cinnamon aroma wafting through your kitchen once again.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese in Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies?

While you can use low-fat cream cheese, the cookies will be a bit less rich and may not be quite as soft. For the best texture and flavor, stick with full-fat cream cheese if possible.

Can I add extra spices?

Absolutely! Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or even a dash of cardamom for a unique twist. The classic cinnamon flavor shines through, but subtle extra spices can make these cookies your own.

How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough is key. If your kitchen is warm or you notice the dough getting too soft, pop it back in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before shaping and baking. This helps the cookies hold their puffy shape.

Can I make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The cookies may be slightly more delicate, but they’ll still be delicious and soft.

Why are my cookies dry or crumbly?

Dry cookies usually result from overbaking or adding too much flour. Be sure to measure flour correctly (spoon and level, don’t pack it), and bake just until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underdone.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and a little bit special, you just can’t go wrong with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies. They’re easy to make, utterly delightful to eat, and perfect for sharing—or savoring all by yourself. Give them a try and let them become a new favorite in your own kitchen!

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these soft, flavorful Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies that combine the rich creaminess of cream cheese with warm cinnamon spice. Perfectly sweetened and tender, they make an irresistible dessert or snack that stays fresh for days.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For Rolling

1/4 cup granulated sugar

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Instructions

Prepare the wet mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
Add egg and vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the mixture, mixing thoroughly until smooth and creamy, creating a cohesive batter.
Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which could toughen the dough.
Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm it up, making it easier to handle and enhancing the flavors.
Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
Shape and coat cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll each into a ball, then coat thoroughly in the extra granulated sugar to add a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior.
Arrange and bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden.
Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they retain their soft texture.