Name: Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 4 oz cream cheese (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s plush, cozy, and brimming with sweet spice, you’ll absolutely adore these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies. Each bite is a dreamy blend of rich cream cheese, buttery goodness, and a hint of cinnamon warmth, all wrapped in a crackly cinnamon-sugar coat. These cookies are soft and pillowy in the center, lightly crisp on the edges, and so easy to make that they’re destined to become your new go-to treat for sharing, gifting, or simply savoring alongside your favorite cup of tea.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies lies in their simplicity—every ingredient plays a starring role in creating that irresistibly soft texture and signature tang. Don’t skip a thing; each item brings something special to the table, from the chewy crumb to the toasty aroma.

Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps whip the dough into a fluffy base.
Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The secret to an extra-tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a subtle tang.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps create that perfect crackly top.
Large egg (1): Binds everything together and gives the cookies their soft, chewy structure.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor with a comforting, aromatic note.
All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups): Provides the foundation for the cookies, keeping them tender yet sturdy.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives the cookies a gentle lift so they’re never dense.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens all the flavors.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dough with cozy, aromatic spice throughout.
Granulated sugar (¼ cup, for rolling): Creates a sparkling, sweet exterior.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon, for rolling): Adds a final punch of spice to the cookie coating.

How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Getting everything ready before you start mixing is the secret to a smooth baking experience!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until they’re silky smooth and fluffy. This step is key for that luxurious, soft cookie crumb—don’t rush it!

Step 3: Sweeten and Flavor

Add the granulated sugar to the bowl, then continue beating until the mixture is light and airy. Next, blend in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and the dough smells heavenly.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Combining these separately ensures even distribution, so every bite of your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies has just the right texture and flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix; you want a soft, tender dough, not a tough cookie!

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, stir together the ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This fragrant blend will give your cookies their beautiful crackled finish and a final hit of spice.

Step 7: Shape and Coat the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls with your hands. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated, then arrange them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the tops are lightly crackled. For extra-soft cookies, err on the side of underbaking—remember, they’ll continue to set as they cool.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This brief rest helps them set up perfectly while staying delightfully tender.

How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, dust your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies with a pinch of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon. If you’re feeling festive, a drizzle of simple icing or a few white chocolate chips on top makes them pop for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a frothy latte, hot chai, or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort snack. They’re also wonderful alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re creating a cozy dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them in a pretty tin for holiday gifts, arrange them on a cake stand for a party, or even sandwich a bit of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a decadent twist. Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are as versatile as they are delicious, perfect for any occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and irresistible for up to five days—if they last that long!

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then move them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls (before rolling in sugar), then thaw, coat, and bake whenever a cookie craving strikes.

Reheating

If you love a warm cookie, just pop a few in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. This restores that just-baked softness and makes the cinnamon aroma bloom all over again.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese in these cookies?

Full-fat cream cheese is best for maximum flavor and softness, but you can use low-fat in a pinch. Just keep in mind the cookies might be slightly less rich and tender.

Can I make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and double-check all your ingredients for any hidden gluten. The cookies may be a touch more delicate, but still delicious.

Do I have to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling isn’t required, but if you prefer a puffier cookie, 30 minutes in the fridge will do the trick. It also makes the dough easier to handle on warm days.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges should be just set and the tops should have a light crackle. Avoid overbaking—pull them out when they still look a little soft in the center for the best texture.

Can I double the recipe for a big batch?

Yes! This recipe doubles beautifully, making it perfect for bake sales, parties, or holiday cookie swaps. Just be sure to use multiple baking sheets and rotate them if needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with a new favorite, give these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies a try. Their soft, cinnamon-kissed centers and sweet crackly tops are impossible to resist—and trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can bake another batch!

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these soft and flavorful Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies, featuring a perfect balance of creamy richness and warm cinnamon spice. These easy-to-make cookies are ideal for holiday baking or any time you crave a tender, melt-in-your-mouth treat with a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
4 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Rolling Mixture

¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which creates the creamy base for the cookies.
Add Sugar and Beat: Add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the bowl and continue beating until the mixture appears lightened and fluffy, providing sweetness and texture.
Mix in Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the wet mixture, beating until well combined for added flavor and moisture.
Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spice.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is incorporated to avoid overworking the dough.
Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to create the rolling mixture that will coat the cookies and enhance flavor.
Form and Roll Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then roll each ball evenly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat thoroughly.
Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the cinnamon-sugar coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the tops show a slight crackle, indicating perfect doneness.
Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the best texture.

Notes

For extra soft cookies, avoid overbaking as residual heat continues cooking after removal from the oven.
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can yield puffier, thicker cookies.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
To extend shelf life, freeze the cookies for longer storage and thaw before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American