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Delight your senses with this beloved Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe, a luscious combination of tender, buttery dough swirled with warm cinnamon and a tangy cream cheese richness that melts in your mouth. These cookies strike the perfect balance of softness and cinnamon-spiced sweetness, making them an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any time of day—whether you’re craving an indulgent snack or a cozy dessert to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples, this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe brings together flavors and textures that harmonize beautifully. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb and subtly spiced warmth you’ll fall in love with.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich creaminess and the perfect tender texture when creamed with cream cheese.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds tangy moisture that makes these cookies uniquely soft and flavorful.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough, balancing the tang of cream cheese and spice of cinnamon.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to help create a smooth, cohesive dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet undertones.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure while keeping the cookies tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Lightly lifts the dough for a soft and airy bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses the dough with that signature warming spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating): Adds a delightful crunch and sparkle to the cookies when combined with cinnamon.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating): Creates a fragrant, spicy crust that perfectly complements the soft cookie.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple preparation ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the tray without sticking or breaking.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because properly creamed butter and cream cheese create that irresistibly tender texture that defines these cookies.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and smooth. This adds moisture and flavor depth, helping the dough come together beautifully for a perfect bake.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures the spices and leavening agent are evenly distributed so each cookie has a consistent flavor and texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until you have a tender dough ready for shaping.
Step 6: Coat the Dough Balls with Cinnamon Sugar
Mix the coating sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until completely covered. This coating provides a crispy, flavorful shell that beautifully contrasts the soft interior.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the coated dough balls on your baking sheet about 2 inches apart and gently press down to slightly flatten them. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops turn a lovely light golden brown. 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
Enhance your cinnamon cream cheese cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for an extra touch of elegance and sweetness. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds delightful crunch and a nutty contrast.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a cup of hot chai tea, coffee, or a spiced latte to complement the cinnamon flavors. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies in a festive cookie jar or wrap them in cellophane tied with a cinnamon stick and ribbon for charming homemade gifts. You can even sandwich a little cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a fun twist on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover cinnamon cream cheese cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep their soft texture fresh and flavorful. Using parchment paper between layers can help prevent sticking.
Freezing
Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well; just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To revive the soft, cozy texture of your cookies, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that fresh-baked aroma and softness that makes this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
While cream cheese is key for that signature richness and tang, you can try mascarpone or a thick Greek yogurt as alternatives, but expect subtle differences in texture and flavor.
How do I ensure my cookies stay soft?
Properly softening your butter and cream cheese before mixing and avoiding overbaking are vital for maintaining the soft, tender crumb these cookies are known for.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, but use one designed for baking to maintain texture. You might also need to slightly adjust baking times.
What is the shelf life of these cookies?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies remain fresh for about 3 days at room temperature and up to a month if frozen.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just double each ingredient and bake using multiple sheets as needed, keeping an eye on baking times since batch size can affect heat distribution.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is truly a heartwarming treat that’s as simple to make as it is delicious to enjoy. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon pick-me-up, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and sweet satisfaction. I can’t wait for you to try them and make this recipe a cherished favorite in your kitchen, too!
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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
Description
Delight in these soft and flavorful Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies, featuring a perfect balance of creamy richness and warm cinnamon spice. Coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, these cookies offer a tender bite with a lightly crisp exterior, ideal for a comforting dessert or 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
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
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 prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which adds air for a tender texture. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt, ensuring an even distribution of leavening and spice.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft, cohesive dough forms to avoid overmixing which can toughen cookies.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Shape and Coat Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat, creating a sweet and spicy crust.
- Arrange and Flatten Cookies: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Gently press down on each ball to slightly flatten them for even baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops turn lightly golden, signaling they are cooked but remain soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely and avoid sogginess.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Do not overmix the dough when adding dry ingredients; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- These cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
