Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Looking for a cookie recipe that’s both creamy and perfectly spiced? These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are the ideal blend of soft, buttery dough and warm cinnamon sugar. Whether you’re planning a holiday baking session or just craving something sweet, this recipe will become one of your go-to favorites. With its delicate texture and rich flavor, these cookies are perfect for anyone who loves the taste of cinnamon combined with a melt-in-your-mouth softness. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring these delightful treats to life!

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed any time of the year. The tanginess of the cream cheese complements the sweetness of the sugar, while the cinnamon adds a comforting warmth. Here are a few reasons you’ll love making these cookies:

• Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making this an easy-to-make recipe.
• Perfect Texture: Soft, tender, and slightly chewy – just the right bite every time.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Adds a beautiful sweet-spicy flavor that’s irresistible.
• Crowd Pleaser: Ideal for cookie swaps, bake sales, or family gatherings.

Key Ingredients for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Here’s a closer look at the ingredients that make these cookies so special:

• Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides richness and helps create a tender texture.
• Cream Cheese (4 ounces, softened): Adds creaminess and a subtle tang to the cookies.
• Powdered Sugar (1 & 1/2 cups): Sweetens the dough while keeping it light and fluffy.
• Egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and helps with the cookie structure.
• Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the cookies a slight lift without making them too puffy.
• Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the cookies with a rich vanilla flavor.
• Kosher Salt (Pinch): Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 & 3/4 cups): Provides structure to the cookie dough.
• Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Used in the cinnamon-sugar coating for a crisp, sweet exterior.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star of the cinnamon-sugar coating, giving the cookies their signature flavor.

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make these cookies, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

• Mixing bowls (one large, one small)
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets
• Cooling rack
• Wire whisk or fork (to mix the cinnamon-sugar coating)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

1. Preparing the Cookie Dough

Start by creaming the butter and cream cheese together in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer to blend the two ingredients until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial as it ensures a uniform texture in your cookies. Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until everything is well incorporated.

Next, add the egg, baking powder, vanilla, and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Mix until the ingredients are fully combined, ensuring there are no lumps. Slowly incorporate the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed to avoid overworking the dough. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally with a spatula to make sure everything is evenly mixed.

2. Chilling the Dough: A Crucial Step

Once the dough is ready, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to roll into balls. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

3. Rolling in Cinnamon Sugar

While the dough is chilling, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating by mixing 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. After the dough has rested, scoop out about 2 teaspoons of dough per cookie and roll them into 1-inch sized balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.

4. Baking the Cookies: Tips to Avoid Overbaking

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the dough balls about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake the cookies for 8-9 minutes. It’s important to watch them closely—they should be set, but they won’t turn golden brown. Overbaking can dry them out, so remove them when they’re just slightly puffy.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the chilling step: Chilled dough is much easier to handle and prevents excessive spreading.
• Overbaking: These cookies won’t turn golden brown, so keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they puff up slightly.
• Not using softened butter and cream cheese: If these ingredients are too cold, the dough will be difficult to mix smoothly.

Recipe Variations and Swaps

• Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a holiday twist.
• Chocolate Cinnamon Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.

How to Store Leftover Cookies

Once fully cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas

These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are delicious on their own but can be enhanced with simple presentation ideas:

• Holiday Treats: Serve them on a festive platter with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
• Gift Idea: Stack them in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon as a sweet gift.
• Tea Time: Pair them with a warm cup of tea or a cinnamon-flavored hot chocolate for the perfect cozy afternoon snack.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese as a substitute for a slightly sweeter taste, but cream cheese gives the best tangy flavor.

Why didn’t my cookies spread?
If your cookies didn’t spread, it’s possible that the dough was too cold. Try letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to chill the dough well and give each cookie enough space on the baking sheet to spread.

Conclusion

Now that you have the ultimate recipe for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies, it’s time to give it a try! Whether you’re baking for a party, a cookie exchange, or just treating yourself, these cookies will be a hit with anyone who takes a bite. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and subscribe to the blog for more delicious and easy-to-make recipes!

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