If you’re craving a cozy treat that perfectly balances soft, tender bites with warm cinnamon spice, you’ve just stumbled upon your new favorite. This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe offers an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to the luscious cream cheese, while the sweet cinnamon-sugar coating adds just the right amount of crunch and warmth. Whether it’s for a casual afternoon snack or a festive gathering, these cookies bring comfort and delight in every bite, making them a standout addition to your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet completely essential for achieving that perfect melt-in-your-mouth cookie. Each one plays a critical role, from creating tender dough to infusing warm cinnamon flavors and providing just the right sweetness and texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a creamy base for the dough.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Gives the cookies their signature soft and tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with browning.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor and adds warmth.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the cookie, providing a soft, yet sturdy base.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses the dough with warm spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: For the outer coating, adds a sweet, crunchy finish.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Mixed with the sugar for a perfectly spiced crust.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This simple step saves you from a sticky mess and helps your cookies bake beautifully.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is the foundation of your cookie dough, and achieving the right airy texture here is key to getting that tender crumb everyone will love.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla Extract
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly. The egg adds moisture and structure, while the vanilla injects that warm, comforting aroma that makes these cookies so irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution of flavor and a consistent rise throughout the dough.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your cream cheese mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix here, as you want to keep the dough tender for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 6: Roll and Coat the Dough Balls
In a small bowl, blend together sugar and cinnamon for coating. Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully covered. This coating adds a delightful sweet crunch that complements the soft dough perfectly.
Step 7: Bake and Cool the Cookies
Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Gently press each cookie slightly to flatten them. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges set and the tops turn a light golden color. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a tiny dusting of powdered sugar or a delicate drizzle of white chocolate over your cookies. Freshly chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts also add a lovely texture contrast and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a warm cup of chai tea, spiced latte, or even classic black coffee. If you’re serving for a crowd, consider offering a simple fruit compote or whipped cream to enhance the cozy flavors of your cinnamon cream cheese cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe on a festive platter with edible flowers, cinnamon sticks, and star anise for a beautiful display. You could also sandwich two cookies with a dollop of cinnamon-spiced cream cheese frosting or jam for an indulgent twist everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps them soft and flavorful, preserving that delightful cinnamon aroma and creamy texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To refresh your cookies after storage or freezing, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for around 5 minutes. This brings back their soft, tender texture like they’ve just come out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
You really want that cream cheese in this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe because it creates the unique soft texture and slight tang that balances the sweetness. However, if necessary, mascarpone can be a substitute, though the texture will be slightly different.
Why do the cookies need to be flattened before baking?
Gently pressing the dough balls before baking helps them spread and bake evenly, creating that ideal soft center with crunchy edges. Without flattening, you might end up with thick, cakey bites instead of tender cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend designed for baking. The texture might vary a bit, but you’ll still get those delightful cinnamon cream cheese flavors.
What’s the best way to measure flour for this recipe?
For the best results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents packing the flour, which can lead to dense cookies instead of soft ones.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the dough?
Feel free to mix in chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for extra texture and flavor. Just fold them in after combining the dry and wet ingredients, but remember not to add too much or the texture may change.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about biting into soft, cinnamon-scented cookies that seem to melt right in your mouth, and that’s exactly what this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe delivers in spades. I can’t recommend enough making a batch soon to share with friends or just to enjoy that perfect cozy moment at home. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to cookie for all the seasons ahead!
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, tender, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor. Made with a smooth cream cheese and butter base, they offer a delicate texture and delightful sweetness, perfect for a comforting snack or dessert.
Ingredients
For the 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
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and 1 cup sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step ensures a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, creating a smooth, cohesive batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms without overworking it.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, which will give the cookies a delightful sweet and spicy crust.
- Form and Coat Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated to create a flavorful outer layer.
- Arrange Cookies on Baking Sheet: Place the coated cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Gently press each ball to slightly flatten for even baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops turn lightly golden for a perfect tender bite.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they hold their shape and texture.
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened at room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once flour is added; overworking can make cookies tough.
- Cookies will be soft when hot but will firm up as they cool; avoid overbaking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- For a more intense cinnamon flavor, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
