Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

If you love the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon paired with the rich, tangy taste of cream cheese, then you’re going to adore these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies. These soft and chewy cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to the addition of cream cheese, and they’re packed with just the right amount of cinnamon spice. The dough is simple to make and perfect for holiday cookie platters, afternoon snacks, or even as a cozy dessert served with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ready to bake some delicious cinnamon-spiced cookies? Read on to learn how to make these easy and flavorful cookies!

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What Are Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies?

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are buttery, soft cookies made with cream cheese for extra richness and tenderness. They have a slight tang from the cream cheese and are spiced with cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor. The combination of cinnamon and cream cheese makes for a perfectly balanced cookie that is soft on the inside with just a bit of crisp on the edges. These cookies are simple to prepare but taste like they took much more effort, making them a great go-to for any occasion.

Ingredients List for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious cookies:

For the Cookies:

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

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating (Optional):

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Substitutions and Variations

You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of the all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Version: Replace the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, such as vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese.
• Spice Variation: If you want more spice, consider adding ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg or ground cloves to the dough for a spiced variation of these cookies.
• Add-Ins: You can add white chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or even raisins for extra texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies:

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set them aside.
2. Cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2–3 minutes. Add the granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
4. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
6. Form the cookies: Scoop out tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls using your hands. If using the cinnamon sugar coating, mix ¼ cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
7. Place on the baking sheet: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use the bottom of a glass or your palm to gently flatten each cookie slightly.
8. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cookies soft and tender.
• Overbaking: These cookies should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will firm up as they cool. Overbaking can result in dry, hard cookies.
• Not Softening the Butter and Cream Cheese: Make sure both the butter and cream cheese are fully softened to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth dough and helps create a tender cookie.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can take them up a notch with a little extra presentation:

How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies:

• Serve with warm drinks: These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced tea. The warmth of the cinnamon complements these cozy beverages perfectly.
• Add a drizzle: For an extra special touch, drizzle the cookies with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate.

Presentation Ideas for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies:

• Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar: Even if you don’t roll the dough balls in cinnamon sugar, you can sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top of the cookies just before baking for a festive look.
• Serve on a holiday platter: These cookies are a great addition to any holiday cookie platter or as a gift. Wrap them up in cellophane with a decorative ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade treat.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe Tips

• Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough is too soft or sticky, you can chill it in the fridge for about 20–30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just be sure to let it soften slightly at room temperature before scooping and baking.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Freeze Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies?

Yes! You can freeze both the baked cookies and the cookie dough. To freeze the cookie dough, roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw for about 15 minutes before baking as directed. Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

How Do I Know When the Cookies Are Done?

The cookies are done when the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers should still be soft and slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I Make These Cookies Without Cinnamon?

Yes! If you prefer, you can omit the cinnamon for a classic cream cheese cookie. You can also substitute the cinnamon with other spices, such as nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom, for a different flavor twist.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are a delicious, comforting treat that’s perfect for any time of year. The soft, chewy texture and warm cinnamon flavor, combined with the slight tanginess of the cream cheese, make them an irresistible addition to your cookie repertoire. Whether you’re making them for a holiday cookie exchange, an afternoon snack, or just because, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

Ready to bake up some soft, cinnamon-spiced goodness? Happy baking!

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