If you’re searching for a cookie that perfectly balances warmth, richness, and a touch of cozy spice, look no further than the Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe. These cookies are uniquely soft, tender, and bursting with cinnamon flavor, all thanks to the creamy tang of cream cheese blended right into the dough. They’re just the right combination of melt-in-your-mouth softness and a sweet cinnamon sugar crunch on top, making each bite irresistible. Once you try this recipe, I promise you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed cinnamon cookies without cream cheese before!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing complicated here—just simple, familiar ingredients that come together beautifully to create that perfect cookie texture and flavor. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s the flour providing structure or the cream cheese adding that luscious, moist crumb you’ll adore.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The foundation for your cookies, ensuring they’re soft yet sturdy enough to hold their shape.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough to become fluffy without spreading too thin.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all those incredible cinnamon notes.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Adds that warm, unmistakable flavor that cinnamon lovers crave.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides richness and a beautiful tender crumb to the cookie dough.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The secret ingredient that gives these cookies their irresistible soft texture and subtle tang.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough perfectly, balancing the cream cheese and cinnamon.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and adds moisture for that chewy-soft center.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances depth of flavor and gives a lovely aromatic note to each bite.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup, for rolling): Combined with cinnamon to create a sweet, crackly coating on each cookie.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon, for rolling): Mixed with sugar for that extra cinnamon kick and delightful texture on the cookie’s surface.
How to Make Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This mix ensures even distribution of those key flavors and leavening agents throughout your dough.
Step 2: Beat Butter and Cream Cheese Until Smooth
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese using a mixer. Beat them until completely smooth and creamy, which usually takes about two minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the silky base that makes these cookies so tender and delightful.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Keep Beating
Next, add the granulated sugar to your creamy mixture and continue beating. The goal here is to make your batter light and fluffy—about three more minutes of mixing will do the trick. This aeration contributes to a softer cookie texture that just melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla
Crack in your large egg and pour in the vanilla extract, then beat everything until fully combined. These ingredients bring moisture and a delicate aroma that complements the cinnamon and cream cheese perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add your dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Remember, the dough will be soft and a little sticky, which is exactly what you want for chewy, tender cookies. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as the flour disappears!
Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. This magical blend will coat each cookie, giving it a beautifully crisp and aromatic exterior that contrasts with the soft inside.
Step 7: Shape, Roll, and Flatten Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll each into a ball, and toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Then place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to allow room for spreading. Flatten each lightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers to help them bake evenly.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers remain delightfully soft. Pull them out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. This brief rest helps the cookies set just right without losing their tender texture.
How to Serve Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delicious on their own, consider dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzling with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness and a pretty finish. A sprinkle of finely chopped pecans or walnuts can also add a fun crunch if you like texture contrast.
Side Dishes
Serve your cinnamon cream cheese cookies alongside a hot cup of chai tea or cinnamon-spiced coffee to amplify the cozy flavors. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, arrange the cookies stacked in a jar tied with a cinnamon stick and ribbon, making an inviting presentation. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies together with a cinnamon cream cheese frosting for an indulgent twist that will wow your friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They typically stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Simply place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months—ideal for last-minute cravings.
Reheating
To revive frozen or stored cookies, warm them in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and enhances their wonderful cinnamon aroma.
FAQs
Can I use light cream cheese instead of regular?
Yes! Light cream cheese works well and will still give you that delightful tender texture, though the taste may be a little less rich.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing before baking?
Absolutely! You can roll the dough into balls, coat in cinnamon sugar, and freeze them. When ready to bake, just add a couple more minutes to the baking time.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is best for flavor and texture here. Margarine might change the taste slightly, and oil could make the cookies too soft or greasy, so stick with butter if possible.
How do I prevent these cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter and cream cheese are just softened and not melting. Also, chilling the dough slightly before baking helps keep the shape intact.
What’s the best way to make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
Try using vegan butter and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but the cinnamon flavor will still shine through beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe—it’s the mix of familiar flavors with a surprising twist that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a homemade treat, these cookies are the perfect way to cozy up your day. So grab your ingredients and get ready to impress everyone with a batch of these irresistibly soft, cinnamon-spiced delights!
Print
Best 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
Description
These Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies combine a soft, creamy texture with warm cinnamon flavor, creating a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. The cream cheese adds a tender richness, while the cinnamon-sugar coating provides a sweet, spicy crunch on the outside.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Rolling
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set this mixture aside for later incorporation.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, approximately 2 minutes. This creates a rich base for the cookies.
- Add Sugar and Beat: Add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture and continue beating for about 3 minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy and light, adding air for a tender crumb.
- Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring even flavor distribution.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky, which is normal for this recipe.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, blend 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. This will be used to coat the cookie dough balls.
- Scoop and Roll Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, form them into balls, and roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture so they are well coated.
- Arrange and Flatten Cookies: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Flatten each cookie slightly using the back of a spoon or your fingers to encourage even cooking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden while the centers remain soft and tender.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best texture, ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before mixing.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added; this helps keep cookies tender.
- Flattening the dough balls slightly before baking helps the cookies spread evenly and bake uniformly.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For extra cinnamon flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough itself in addition to the rolling sugar.
