There is something truly magical about these soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that make them impossible to resist. The Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe combines the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon with the rich, creamy tang of cream cheese to create a cookie experience that’s both indulgent and delightfully tender. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or a holiday gathering, these cookies always steal the show with their perfect balance of sweet spice and luscious texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is what makes this cookie recipe a standout. Each item plays a crucial role—from the fluffiness contributed by the cream cheese and butter, to the warm spice of cinnamon that gives every bite its irresistible flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and tender crumb to these cookies.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough, creating a soft but sturdy texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the cinnamon flavor beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon: Delivers that essential cozy spice that’s the heart of the recipe.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and contributes to the creamy dough consistency.
- Cream cheese, softened: The secret ingredient for an unbelievably soft, tangy delight.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve that perfect golden finish.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Sugar and cinnamon mix (for rolling): The final touch for that crackly, flavorful coating.
How to Make Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it reaches the perfect temperature for baking while you prep the dough. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon – this step evenly distributes the leavening and spice for balanced bites.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Spend about two minutes here; this process introduces air, making your cookies wonderfully tender and moist inside.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Beat Until Fluffy
Next, add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture. Beat it well for about three minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial—it not only sweetens the dough but also contributes to the cookie’s delicate texture.
Step 4: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until they’re fully combined. These help bind the dough and add layers of flavor, rounding out the richness of the butter and cream cheese base.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mix into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky, which promises a tender cookie. Be careful not to overmix at this point to keep your cookies light and airy.
Step 6: Roll and Coat Cookies
Mix the sugar and cinnamon for rolling in a small bowl. Then scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Coat each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture—it adds a beautifully crisp, flavorful crust.
Step 7: Bake Your Cookies
Arrange the cinnamon-coated dough balls on your prepared sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with the back of a spoon or your fingertips to shape the cookies. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges turn golden and the centers remain soft and inviting.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This short wait allows them to firm up slightly while staying soft inside, perfect for that classic cinnamon cream cheese cookie bite.
How to Serve Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet elegant touch, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies. It adds a lovely contrast in sweetness and an eye-catching finish that makes these cookies feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a steaming cup of chai tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk. The spice from the cinnamon complements warm beverages perfectly, while the cream cheese’s richness melts into any drink you choose.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform these treats into a dazzling dessert by serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Or, stack them between layers of cream cheese frosting to create a cute cookie sandwich that will impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This will help them stay soft and tasty, maintaining that perfect balance of tender interior and cinnamon sugar crust.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough before baking by rolling into balls and placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
For warm, freshly-baked cookie vibes, microwave a cookie for about 10-15 seconds or briefly heat in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. The gooey softness comes right back, making every bite feel just out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt might add moisture but won’t provide the same richness or texture. Cream cheese is key to the soft, tender crumb of these cookies, so for best results, stick with the original ingredient.
Why are my cinnamon cream cheese cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to the butter being too soft or the dough not chilled. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help retain their shape.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to achieve the right texture.
How do I make my cookies extra soft?
Ensure you don’t overbake them; removing cookies when the edges are set but centers still look slightly underbaked results in maximum softness. Also, cream cheese adds moisture that keeps them tender.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the dough?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch, and raisins bring bursts of sweetness that pair wonderfully with the cinnamon spice. Fold them in just before shaping the dough.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and joyous about baking and sharing the Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe. Each batch feels like a warm hug with every bite, a perfect blend of spice and creaminess that’s simple to make but feels special every time. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and add it to your list of beloved treats to bake again and again.
Print
Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert/Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, tender, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor. Made with cream cheese and butter, they have a delightful creamy texture and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating that adds the perfect finishing touch. Perfect for a cozy treat or holiday baking, these cookies bake up in just 25 minutes and yield a generous 24 servings.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.
- Add Sugar: Add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture and beat until the mixture becomes fluffy and light, approximately 3 minutes.
- Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky—avoid overmixing.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a separate small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for rolling the cookie dough.
- Form and Coat Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and then coat each ball evenly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers to help them spread evenly during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, while the centers remain soft and tender.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are fully softened to ensure a smooth batter.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cookies tender.
- Flattening the cookies slightly before baking helps them spread evenly and develop a perfect shape.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For an extra touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled cookies.
