Crisp sugary edges giving way to pillow-soft, cinnamon-swirled middles—there’s a reason these treats are known as the Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies. Every bite is a glorious blend of creamy tang from the cream cheese and the nostalgic warmth of cinnamon sugar, reminiscent of snickerdoodle bliss but with a melt-in-your-mouth texture all their own. Whether for a holiday cookie tray, a cozy weekend bake, or sweet gifting, these cookies are guaranteed to draw oohs and ahhs from everyone who tries them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great cookie starts with just the right mix of humble but magical ingredients. For the Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies, each item adds its own special charm—whether it’s richness, a touch of spice, or the irresistible softness that makes everyone reach for seconds.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps create that ultra-tender crumb.
- Cream cheese: The secret ingredient for tang and a pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and delivers the signature sparkle when used for rolling.
- Large egg: Adds structure and moisture for a soft, chewy bite.
- Vanilla extract: Complements the cinnamon and cream cheese, deepening the cookie’s flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone holding everything together.
- Baking powder: Lends a gentle lift, so every cookie puffs up beautifully.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors—just a pinch makes a difference!
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice, swirling through the cookies and on top.
- Granulated sugar + ground cinnamon (for rolling): This sweet-spiced coating creates that irresistible crunchy edge every great cinnamon cookie needs!
How to Make Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Wet Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this helps give the cookies their perfect bottoms. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture looks pale, light, and fluffy. Take your time here, as this step is the secret behind tender cookies with great texture.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in your large egg and pour in the vanilla extract, then beat again until everything’s well blended. You’re left with a thick, creamy mixture that already smells inviting and sweet, setting the foundation for the Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This triple sift ensures the baking powder and cinnamon are evenly sprinkled throughout the dough, so every bite is full of flavor and fluff.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, stirring gently just until no streaks remain. You should have a supple, slightly sticky dough that’s easy to work with—avoid overmixing for the softest possible cookies. If time allows, feel free to chill the dough for 30 minutes if you like thicker cookies.
Step 5: Shape and Roll
In a small bowl, stir together the extra 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough, rolling each piece between your hands into a ball. Tumble these dough balls in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating them all over for that classic sparkle.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Arrange the sugared dough balls on your prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart—they’ll spread nicely as they bake. Pop the sheet into the oven for 10–12 minutes, baking just until the edges look set and the tops show delicate cracks. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to finish cooling—if you can resist sneaking one while they’re still warm!
How to Serve Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit more cinnamon sugar on top while the cookies are warm for a dazzling finish. For a festive touch, drizzle with a little vanilla glaze or dust with powdered sugar—perfect for special occasions or holiday parties.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with piping hot coffee, a creamy chai latte, or a tall glass of cold milk. For a dessert platter, serve alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the slight tang from the cream cheese contrasts so well with creamy, cool sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies in a rustic tin lined with parchment for gifting, or create a cookie sandwich by spreading a touch of whipped cream cheese frosting between two cookies. For parties, arrange them in concentric circles on a pretty tray or serve them in muffin liners for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies keep beautifully for several days! Store leftover Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they’ll stay soft, flavorful, and ready for snacking. Slip a piece of parchment between layers to help maintain their sugar coating.
Freezing
Bake ahead and freeze for busy weeks or holiday prep: cool completely, then layer between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. The cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy!
Reheating
If you love your cookies just barely warm, place them on a plate and microwave for about 8–10 seconds. They’ll taste freshly baked, with that signature soft center and aromatic cinnamon filling your kitchen once more.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the cookies might be a little less rich and soft compared to the classic version. Full-fat cream cheese really gives the Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies their signature texture, but go ahead and experiment if you’d like a lighter option!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The cookies might turn out a bit more delicate, but the flavor and texture should stay wonderful.
Do I have to chill the dough?
No, chilling the dough isn’t essential, but if you’re after extra-thick, bakery-style cookies, thirty minutes in the fridge can work wonders. If you’re in a hurry, feel free to bake right away—your cookies will still be irresistibly soft and delicious.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are ready when the edges look set and are barely golden, but the centers should still look soft with delicate cracks on top. This gives you perfectly tender Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies every time.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Just double all the ingredients and bake in batches. These are always a hit, so making extra is a brilliant idea, especially if you’re sharing with friends or making holiday treat bags.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason these Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies go straight to the top of every cookie lover’s list. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays or just because, I hope you’ll fall for their perfect texture and cozy cinnamon hug. Don’t wait—give them a try and see just how special and satisfying homemade cookies can be!
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful treat with a soft texture and a perfect balance of cinnamon flavor. They are easy to make and great for sharing during the holidays or as a sweet gift.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Coat in cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Bake: Place on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the tops are slightly cracked.
- Cool and enjoy: Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- These cookies stay soft and flavorful for several days and are perfect for gifting or holiday trays.
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