If you’re craving a cozy treat that blends softness, sweetness, and a hint of spice, this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies come out perfectly tender and lightly crackled on top, delivering a buttery, tangy cream cheese flavor paired with the warm embrace of cinnamon sugar on the outside. It’s incredible how just a few simple ingredients come together to create such a memorable and comforting cookie that feels like a homemade hug with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to bake these delectable cookies is delightfully straightforward. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the rich taste and tender texture that make this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe a standout. From the creaminess of the softened butter and cream cheese to the gentle spice of cinnamon in the sugar coating, these essentials come together seamlessly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and contributes to that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Gives the cookies their signature creamy texture and subtle tang.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create the light, fluffy base.
- 1 large egg yolk: Binds ingredients for structure while keeping cookies soft.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation providing body and shaping the cookie.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a delicate crumb.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- For cinnamon sugar coating: 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon combined to create a crunchy, aromatic crust.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Begin by beating the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This careful step ensures the cookies will have that irresistible tender texture.
Step 2: Incorporate Sugar, Egg Yolk, and Vanilla
Add the granulated sugar to the creamy mixture and beat until it’s light and fluffy, which is key for a soft cookie. Then, stir in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, which help enrich and flavor the dough.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning throughout the dough for consistent texture and taste.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies dense, so a gentle hand keeps them tender.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, stir together the sugar and cinnamon. This fragrant blend will coat each cookie, giving it a sweet and spicy crunch that makes every bite delightful.
Step 6: Shape and Coat the Dough Balls
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into neat balls. Then, roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture so they’re generously coated, ready to bake into cinnamon-sprinkled gems.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Arrange the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are set and tops show those classic gentle cracks that promise soft centers.
Step 8: Cool Fully
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them finish setting and develop that perfect chewiness.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, dust your cinnamon cream cheese cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a hint of milk. These garnishes enhance the cookie’s sweetness and make them look beautiful for sharing.
Side Dishes
Pair these soft cookies with a warm cup of chai tea or a glass of cold milk. The creamy, spiced flavors complement each other, turning a simple snack into a cozy ritual that feels like a little celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack several cookies on a decorative plate tied with a rustic ribbon for gifting or serve them alongside seasonal fresh fruit for a lovely dessert platter. If you’re feeling adventurous, sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of cinnamon-spiced cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and moist. They remain delicious for up to five days, making them a perfect cookie to bake in advance for gatherings or just weekday treats.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Or freeze baked cookies separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. Both methods preserve freshness and flavor for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds. This revives their soft texture and enhances the cream cheese and cinnamon aroma beautifully.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese is essential for that signature tangy flavor and soft texture in this recipe. While you might try Greek yogurt or mascarpone, results will vary, and the texture may not be as tender.
Why do these cookies crack on top when they bake?
The gentle cracks on top are a lovely sign of the cookies’ soft centers expanding and setting just right. This happens because of the cream cheese moisture and the baking powder’s leavening action creating a delicate surface.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
It’s best to use unsalted butter to have full control over the saltiness in your cookies. Using salted butter will increase the salt content and may affect the balance of flavors slightly.
What’s the best way to measure flour for these cookies?
For accurate results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can pack the flour and cause dense cookies.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes isn’t required but will help firm it up for easier rolling and may produce a slightly chewier texture. It’s a nice trick if you prefer a bit more control over cookie shape and texture.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe cookies are an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. Their elegant simplicity and comforting flavors make them perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on a quiet afternoon. Dive in, bake a batch, and get ready to fall in love with this irresistibly soft and sweet cinnamon treat!
Print
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
Delight in these soft and creamy Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies, perfectly spiced with cinnamon sugar and boasting a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to cream cheese and butter. Ideal for holiday treats or any time you crave a tender, flavorful cookie.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overdeveloping the gluten which would toughen the cookies.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to create the coating that will give the cookies their signature warm, spiced flavor.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Roll each dough ball thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat the surface evenly.
- Bake: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops show slight cracks, signaling they are done.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set properly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for optimal texture and flavor.
Notes
- For enhanced texture, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
