If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly balances soft, buttery richness with a warm cinnamon twist, you’ve got to try this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe. These cookies are tender, melt-in-your-mouth magic with a subtle tang from cream cheese and a lovely cinnamon-sugar coating that adds just the right amount of sweet spice. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or sharing with friends at a gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a little hug in cookie form.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role in creating the perfect texture and flavor—from the creamy softness of the butter and cream cheese to the warm whispers of cinnamon. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Soft butter creates the tender crumb and rich flavor essential for these cookies.
4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds a subtle tang and extra moisture, making the cookies irresistibly soft.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and balances the cream cheese’s tanginess.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and gives structure to the cookies.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and depth of flavor.
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, it gives the cookies their shape and chew.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a light texture.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses the dough itself with warm spice.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the other flavors.
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating): Creates a sweet, crunchy crust when combined with cinnamon.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating): The final cinnamon kick that makes each bite irresistible.

How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures even baking and easy cleanup, setting you up for a smooth baking experience.

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

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookie’s tender texture. Once combined, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This dry mix will evenly distribute the leavening and spices, so your cookies bake evenly seasoned and perfectly textured.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until you have a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to come together just enough to hold its shape without making the cookies tough.

Step 5: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, blend together the sugar and cinnamon for the coating. Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they’re fully coated. This step creates a beautifully spiced crust that gives the cookies their signature flavor and delightful crunch on the outside.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Gently press down on each cookie ball to slightly flatten it—this helps them bake evenly and develop their classic soft but slightly crisp edges.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges and set tops. Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time lets the cookies finish setting up without breaking apart.

How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies shine on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple glaze can add a beautiful finishing touch. Freshly ground cinnamon sprinkled on top just before serving can also elevate both the look and aroma, making each cookie feel even more special.

Side Dishes

Pair your cinnamon cream cheese cookies with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort combo. These cookies also make a wonderful accompaniment to a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh fruit to balance out the sweetness with some natural freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter alongside cinnamon sticks, a small bowl of whipped cream, or a dipping sauce like caramel or cream cheese frosting. You can also sandwich two cookies with a bit of frosting in the middle to create decadent cookie sandwiches perfect for a party or gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, store leftover Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for about 3 to 4 days—just keep them away from any sources of moisture to maintain their perfect texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy them anytime the craving hits.

Reheating

To bring frozen or stored cookies back to life, warm them in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This slight reheating refreshes the soft texture and gently revives the cinnamon aroma, making it feel like they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular cream cheese with low-fat?

Low-fat cream cheese can be used; however, it may slightly affect the texture, making the cookies less rich and tender. For the best results, stick to full-fat cream cheese to maintain that signature soft and creamy bite.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe doesn’t require chilling the dough, which makes it a great quick-bake option. Rolling immediately into balls and coating with cinnamon sugar will give you perfectly textured cookies without the wait.

Can I use a different spice instead of cinnamon?

Yes! While cinnamon is classic in this recipe, you can experiment with nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice. Keep the overall amount the same to maintain the balanced flavor and aroma.

How do I make these cookies cakey vs. chewy?

For cakey cookies, add a bit more baking powder and slightly reduce the flour. For chewier cookies, consider adding a bit more butter or even a teaspoon of corn syrup. The cream cheese already lends a soft texture, so minor tweaks will give you your preferred consistency.

Can I double this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely. Just double all the ingredients and bake the cookies in batches to avoid overcrowding your oven. This is a fantastic recipe for holiday baking or when you want to make plenty to share.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is truly one of those delightful finds that feels like a warm, cozy moment baked into a little cookie. The blend of creamy, soft, and cinnamon-spiced goodness makes it a stand-out treat perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how easily these simple ingredients come together into something so special—happy baking!