Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving something irresistibly soft, warmly spiced, and creamy all at once, then this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe has got you covered. These cookies bring together the lusciousness of cream cheese with the cozy warmth of cinnamon, baked into perfectly tender bites that melt in your mouth. Whether for a special holiday treat or a simple everyday delight, these cookies manage to feel elegantly unique while staying incredibly comforting and accessible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is the first key to success here, and luckily, they’re all familiar and super simple, each playing an essential role to build the flavor, texture, and color you’ll adore in every bite.

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and helps keep the cookies tender.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds creaminess and a subtle tangy note for depth.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with the cookie’s light texture.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the cookies, balancing soft and sturdy.
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses the dough with that signature spicy warmth.
• ½ tsp baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle lift and tenderness.
• ¼ tsp salt: Amplifies sweetness and balances flavors.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a sparkly, crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for rolling): Adds an extra cinnamon punch on the outside for aroma and flavor.

How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by heating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and prevents sticking, giving your cookies a perfect bottom crust without trouble.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it aerates your dough and builds a tender texture that sets these cookies apart from the usual.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is beautifully combined. The egg adds moisture and helps bind your dough, while vanilla enriches the flavor with its sweet, soothing notes.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry elements separately ensures even distribution of the cinnamon and leavening, so every cookie has consistent flavor and a gentle rise.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently just until combined—overmixing can cause tough cookies. This is when your dough transforms into a cozy blend ready for rolling.

Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar for Rolling

In a small bowl, combine the remaining ¼ cup sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon. This simple step guarantees that signature crunchy-sweet and warmly spiced outer coating that adds texture and extra aroma.

Step 7: Shape and Coat the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Then generously coat each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure every bit is evenly covered. Place them spaced about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet to allow even spreading.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops show slight cracks. These cues tell you the cookies are perfectly baked: soft and tender inside yet sporting just enough structure to hold their shape.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes; this lets them finish setting without breaking apart. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Watching these delicious cookies cool while your kitchen fills with cinnamon-scented warmth is pure joy.

How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top just before serving or gently dust with powdered sugar for a snowy finish. For a festive touch, add a tiny dollop of cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of melted white chocolate that echoes the cookie’s creamy undertones.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea, coffee, or cinnamon-spiced apple cider. The warm beverages complement the cookie’s spice and richness, making them ideal for cozy afternoons or after-dinner treats.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these cookies on a rustic wooden tray lined with parchment paper for a charming farmhouse vibe. For a party, arrange them around a bowl of cream cheese dip lightly sweetened with honey and cinnamon, inviting guests to dip and delight. Even serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn these cookies into an irresistible dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days, keeping that melt-in-your-mouth texture intact. Be sure to place a slice of bread inside the container—it helps maintain moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months, giving you cinnamon-flavored comfort anytime you want with minimal fuss.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked feel, warm your cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This quick reheating revives the softened cream cheese texture and revitalizes the aromatic cinnamon notes.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cream cheese with another ingredient?

Cream cheese gives these cookies their unique soft and tangy character, so substituting isn’t recommended. However, a full-fat Greek yogurt may be experimented with for a somewhat similar texture, but expect different flavor and consistency.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture might vary slightly, but the cinnamon cream cheese flavor will still shine brilliantly.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Cookies spreading is often due to softened butter being too warm or overmixing the dough. Also, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps it firm up and maintain shape during baking, resulting in puffier cookies.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch that contrasts well with the soft cookie. You can also toss in some raisins or white chocolate chips to create a fun twist on the classic cinnamon cream cheese flavor.

Are these cookies good for holiday gifting?

Yes, they’re fantastic gifts! Their warm cinnamon aroma and creamy softness make them a heartfelt homemade present. Package them in decorative tins or cellophane bags with a ribbon for a cozy, thoughtful gift anyone will appreciate.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a little celebration of warmth and comfort that you can make anytime. With a handful of simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can create cookies that taste like love baked in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and discover just how magical cinnamon and cream cheese can be when paired so perfectly.

Print