Craving a sweet treat that combines the comforting warmth of cinnamon with the creamy tang of cream cheese? These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion! They are soft, chewy, and bursting with a cinnamon-sugar flavor that is bound to have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting, follow this recipe to make cookies that will impress your family and friends. Read on for a complete guide on how to make these delicious cookies and tips to perfect them!

What Are Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies?
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, pillowy cookies with a perfect balance of cream cheese and cinnamon flavors. They’re incredibly tender due to the cream cheese in the dough, which adds a unique, creamy texture that melts in your mouth. These cookies are spiced with ground cinnamon, making them an ideal choice for fall and winter gatherings or anytime you’re craving a cozy, spiced treat.
Ingredients List for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Additional Ingredients for Enhanced Flavor
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a warm, spicy depth to complement the cinnamon.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract: A small amount can add an extra layer of flavor to the cookies.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: This gives a slight caramel flavor and enhances the chewiness of the cookies.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Adding cornstarch can make the cookies even softer and give them a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Substitutions and Variations
- Butter Substitution: Use margarine or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
- Cream Cheese Alternative: Substitute with vegan cream cheese for a lactose-free option.
- Sugar Alternatives: For a less sweet option, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup, or use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a different flavor.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment by adding a hint of ginger or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar coating for a unique twist.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

These cookies are simple to make and don’t require any complicated steps or techniques. Here's a complete, easy-to-follow guide to bake the perfect Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies!
How to Cook Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and cream cheese. Using an electric mixer, beat until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Sugar and Egg: Add the granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy, around 2 minutes. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This will make the dough easier to handle and help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar for the coating.
- Form and Coat the Cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
- Bake: Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will set as they cool.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature. Cold ingredients won’t blend properly and can lead to a denser cookie.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing will develop too much gluten in the flour, making the cookies tough.
- Skipping the Chill Time: Chilling the dough helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, giving you thicker, more tender cookies.
- Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately.
Serving and Presentation Tips
The way you serve these cookies can enhance their appeal and make them look as delicious as they taste. Here are some presentation tips for these delightful treats.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
- Warm and Fresh: Serve them slightly warm for a soft, gooey center and a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
- With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: The flavors of cinnamon and cream cheese pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or even a mug of hot chocolate.
- As a Dessert Platter: Arrange them with other spiced cookies, like snickerdoodles or gingerbread, for a festive holiday spread.
Presentation Ideas for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
- Dust with Extra Cinnamon Sugar: Right after baking, sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon sugar on top for an attractive sparkle.
- Add a Drizzle of Icing: Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cookies for a sweet touch and extra visual appeal.
- Gift Packaging: Place cookies in a decorative tin lined with parchment paper. These cookies make an excellent homemade gift for the holidays.
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookie Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or frozen for up to a month. Just let it thaw slightly before rolling and baking.
- Double Batch: This recipe is easy to double if you're making cookies for a large gathering or holiday party.
- Experiment with Coatings: Try rolling the cookies in a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar for a richer flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to a month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw slightly before rolling and coating in cinnamon sugar.
2. How long do these cookies stay fresh? Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them to extend their shelf life by a few more days.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure to use one that has xanthan gum, or add a teaspoon yourself for best results.
4. Do I need to use an electric mixer? An electric mixer makes creaming the butter and cream cheese easier, but you can also mix by hand with a sturdy spatula if you don’t have one.
5. Why are my cookies spreading too much? If your cookies spread too much, the dough may not have been chilled enough. Try chilling for a longer time, or add an extra tablespoon of flour to the dough.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are the ultimate comfort treat, combining the warmth of cinnamon with the creamy richness of cream cheese. They’re perfect for cozy fall afternoons, festive holiday gatherings, or simply as a sweet indulgence with your favorite hot beverage. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can make bakery-quality cookies right at home. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy these irresistible cookies with your loved ones!
PrintCinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Delight in these soft, chewy cinnamon cream cheese cookies, combining sweet, spiced flavors with a creamy texture. Perfect for fall gatherings or a sweet snack, these cookies balance cinnamon warmth with rich cream cheese, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup cinnamon sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract until fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each in cinnamon sugar.
- Place on baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool before serving.
Notes
- For a crispier cookie, bake an extra 2 minutes.
- Dough can be chilled for 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
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