Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving something utterly soft, melt-in-your-mouth delicious with just the right hint of warm spice, you’ve come to the right place. This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is hands down one of my all-time favorites to bake when I want a cozy treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Trust me, these cookies are tender, fluffy, and have that yummy cinnamon-sugar coating you’d expect from the best bakery, but made right in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe plays a role to ensure you get that perfect balance of softness and flavor. Here’s why I love each one and some tips for picking the best versions.

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted gives you full control of salt levels and ensures the cookies stay soft.
• Cream Cheese: The magic behind the texture—it adds moisture and richness you won’t get from butter alone.
• Powdered Sugar: Helps create a smooth dough and tender texture without crunch.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
• Baking Powder: Lightens the dough so the cookies don’t turn out dense.
• Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract: Brings a warm, gentle sweetness that complements cinnamon perfectly.
• Kosher Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and highlights flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure but doesn’t weigh down the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar & Ground Cinnamon: This combo is rolled on the outside for that classic snickerdoodle vibe with extra cinnamon kick.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is super versatile. You can tweak the cinnamon level, swap vanilla bean paste for bourbon vanilla, or even sprinkle with colored sugar for special occasions. You should definitely feel free to experiment to make these your own!

• Extra Spice: When I want a bold flavor, I add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon—it really makes the cookies sing.
• Chocolate Lovers: Mixing mini chocolate chips into the dough is something I tried on a whim and it was a hit at my last party.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make it friendly for all without sacrificing texture.
• Sweetness Level: I often cut down the outer cinnamon sugar coating a bit if I’m serving kids who prefer less sugar.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese Until Silky Smooth

Start by making sure your butter and cream cheese are soft—leave them out at room temperature for at least an hour. Using a hand mixer, beat them together in a large bowl until silky and combined. This step is crucial because lumps here lead to uneven dough texture. I sometimes scrape down the bowl halfway through to mix everything evenly.

Step 2: Incorporate Powdered Sugar Gradually

Slowly add the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. The dough will start to thicken and take on that soft, creamy feel. If you add the sugar too quickly, you risk a grainy texture, so keep it gentle and steady.

Step 3: Mix in Egg, Baking Powder, Vanilla & Salt

Next, add the egg, baking powder, vanilla bean paste or extract, and a pinch of kosher salt. Mix just until everything is combined; over-mixing can make the cookies tough. The vanilla brings a lovely aroma that pairs perfectly with cinnamon—don’t skip it!

Step 4: Slowly Fold In the Flour

Add your flour a little at a time, mixing gently between additions. Scrape the sides with a spatula so you don’t miss any pockets of flour. This slow approach helps keep the dough tender rather than dense.

Step 5: Chill the Dough for an Hour

This part is non-negotiable. Wrap your dough bowl or cover tightly with plastic wrap, then chill in the fridge for at least 60 minutes. It helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and preventing your cookies from spreading too much when baking.

Step 6: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a small bowl, stir together granulated sugar and cinnamon. Scoop out 2 teaspoons of dough, roll it into balls, and then roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar. Place them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheets.

Bake the cookies for 8-9 minutes until they puff up but don’t get golden brown. That’s the tricky part—don’t overbake! The cookies will look slightly underdone but will set as they cool. Let them sit on the sheet for 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a tiny bit of extra cinnamon sugar on top right after baking for that extra sparkle and crunch. For a festive touch, dust them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with a cream cheese glaze if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

These cookies are wonderful with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a rich hot chocolate. I often serve them alongside fresh fruit or whipped cream when I want to turn dessert into a little party spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday or special occasion, try stacking these cookies in a tall glass jar decorated with cinnamon sticks and tied with a ribbon. Another fun idea—serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle for an irresistible treat that wows friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay soft and fresh if you layer them between sheets of wax paper. If my kitchen is humid, I pop them in the fridge to keep that perfect texture longer.

Freezing

These cookies freeze really well! I freeze the dough balls on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time. It’s a game-changer for a quick fresh batch anytime.

Reheating

To warm up a cookie, I pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or heat gently in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This revives the softness and gives you that fresh-baked feel all over again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe has become my go-to when I want to bake something comforting that everyone adores. The blend of cream cheese with butter delivers a cookie that’s soft, tender, and just sweet enough with that cinnamony crunch on the outside. I really think once you try this recipe, it’ll become a favorite in your home too—perfect for sharing over coffee or gifting to friends. So go ahead, give it a try and tell me how it turns out!

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