Craving something sweet with a bit of spice? These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are the perfect solution! Soft, chewy, and slightly tangy thanks to the addition of cream cheese, these cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. With a warm cinnamon sugar coating and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are ideal for holiday baking, afternoon tea, or a cozy treat any time of year. Whether you’re a cookie enthusiast or new to baking, this easy recipe will have you hooked. Ready to bake up a batch of these irresistibly soft cookies? Read on for the full recipe and expert tips!
What Are Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies?
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, slightly tangy cookies with a rich and creamy texture thanks to the addition of cream cheese. They’re rolled in a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking, which gives them a sweet and spiced coating similar to snickerdoodles. These cookies are the perfect combination of creamy and cinnamon-spiced flavor, making them an ideal treat for fall and winter, or whenever you crave something cozy and comforting. With their tender crumb and delightful flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.
Ingredients List for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (half a standard 8-oz package)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
These simple ingredients come together to create soft, pillowy cookies with a delicious cinnamon flavor and the rich tang of cream cheese.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Coating
To create the cinnamon-sugar coating, you’ll need the following:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
This mixture is what gives the cookies their classic cinnamon-sugar exterior, adding a sweet and spicy crunch to every bite.
Substitutions and Variations
There are plenty of ways to tweak this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookie recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some popular substitutions and variations:
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder and baking soda are also gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Version: Replace the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives. Vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese work well in this recipe without sacrificing the texture or flavor of the cookies.
- Spice it Up: If you love spices, try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to the cookie dough for an extra layer of warmth.
- Add Chocolate: For a fun twist, add mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough. The combination of cream cheese, cinnamon, and chocolate is unexpected but delicious.
- Sugar Alternatives: If you're watching your sugar intake, you can use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol for the dough and cinnamon-sugar coating.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be smooth and well-combined.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla Extract
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and slightly creamy.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Once the dough forms, stop mixing.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much during baking.
Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to make the cinnamon-sugar coating.
Step 7: Shape the Dough
Once the dough has chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls using your hands. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press each ball down slightly to flatten it. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked.
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Cook Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the Oven: Always start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your cookies are.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until fluffy, then add the egg and vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Mix Together: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients to form your cookie dough.
- Chill Dough: Let the dough chill for 30 minutes in the fridge to firm up.
- Shape and Roll: Roll the dough into balls, coat them in cinnamon sugar, and flatten them slightly on the baking sheet.
- Bake and Cool: Bake for 10-12 minutes, then cool before enjoying your cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Softening the Butter and Cream Cheese Properly: Make sure both the butter and cream cheese are fully softened before creaming. Cold ingredients won’t mix as well, which can affect the texture of the cookies.
- Skipping the Chilling Step: Don’t skip chilling the dough! If the dough isn’t chilled, the cookies can spread too much in the oven and lose their shape.
- Overmixing the Dough: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Overbaking: These cookies should remain soft in the center. Baking them too long will make them dry and hard. Remove them from the oven once the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
Serving and Presentation Tips
- Add a Drizzle: For an extra special touch, drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple powdered sugar glaze. You can make it by mixing powdered sugar with a little milk or cream and a splash of vanilla extract.
- Serve with a Hot Drink: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or a cozy mug of hot chocolate. The cinnamon flavor complements warm beverages perfectly.
- Gift Giving: Pack these cookies in a decorative tin or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
These cookies are best served at room temperature, allowing their soft, tender texture to shine. Whether you enjoy them with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. These cookies are also perfect for sharing at parties, holiday gatherings, or as an after-dinner treat.
Presentation Ideas for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
- Holiday Vibes: These cookies are perfect for the holiday season! Add some festive flair by decorating with holiday-themed sprinkles after rolling them in cinnamon sugar.
- Cookie Stack: Stack the cookies in a neat pile and tie them with a decorative ribbon for a rustic and charming presentation.
- Cookie Tray: Arrange them on a beautiful platter alongside other holiday cookies like gingerbread, snickerdoodles, and sugar cookies.
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookie Recipe Tips
- Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For the best texture and flavor, use full-fat cream cheese. Reduced-fat cream cheese can lead to a slightly different texture.
- Make-Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you're ready to bake, just roll the dough in cinnamon sugar and bake as directed.
- Freeze the Dough: This dough freezes well! You can roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a zip-top bag for long-term storage. When you’re ready to bake, roll the frozen dough balls in cinnamon sugar and bake—no need to thaw!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Alternatively, freeze the dough as mentioned above and bake whenever you're ready.
Q: How do I store Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies?
A: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5
days. They also stay fresh for about a week if kept in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled to make a larger batch for parties or gift-giving.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful fusion of creamy, tangy, and spicy-sweet flavors. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays or as a special treat for yourself, they’re sure to impress with their soft texture and irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating. With easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Try them out today and enjoy a cookie that’s as cozy as it is delicious!
PrintCinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies recipe combines the rich creaminess of cream cheese with a warm cinnamon spice for a soft, chewy cookie that’s perfect for fall or anytime you crave something comforting. With simple ingredients and easy steps, these cookies are a delightful treat for family gatherings or cozy afternoons.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a dough forms.
- In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for rolling.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place on the baking sheet and gently flatten each ball slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are set. Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened for easier mixing.
- Add more cinnamon to the dough if you prefer a stronger spice flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
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