Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Are you a fan of soft, chewy cookies with a delightful hint of spice? If so, you’re in for a treat! Cinnamon cream cheese cookies combine the richness of cream cheese with the warming spice of cinnamon to create a cookie that melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether you're making them for a cozy evening in, a holiday gathering, or just because you're craving something sweet, this recipe is sure to impress. Read on to discover the perfect recipe for these irresistible cookies, and don’t forget to try out the substitutions and variations to make them uniquely yours!

What Are Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies?

Cinnamon cream cheese cookies are a decadent blend of creamy, tangy cream cheese and aromatic cinnamon, baked into soft, pillowy cookies. The texture is somewhere between a soft sugar cookie and a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread, with a beautiful balance of sweetness and spice. These cookies are easy to make and perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday trays, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth at home. With cream cheese in the mix, they stay moist and tender for days, making them an ideal make-ahead treat.

Ingredients List for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

To create these delicious cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients. This list is designed to be simple, using common pantry staples that you likely already have on hand.

Basic Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cookies, ensuring they hold together well.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a soft, chewy texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor by balancing sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – The star ingredient, lending a warm and spicy note to the cookies.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) – Adds richness and moisture, resulting in a tender crumb.
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened) – Gives the cookies a creamy texture and slight tang.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.
• 1 large egg – Helps bind the ingredients together, while also adding moisture and richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth to the overall flavor of the cookies.

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness and creates a crispy coating.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Pairs perfectly with sugar to enhance the flavor of the cookies.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about baking is the flexibility to make substitutions and variations to fit your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few ideas for changing up your cinnamon cream cheese cookies:

1. Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to help with structure.
2. Vegan Option: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter. Swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free variety, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of the egg.
3. Sugar Substitutes: If you want to cut down on sugar, try using a granulated sugar alternative like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol. Just be sure to check the conversion ratio, as some sugar substitutes are sweeter than regular sugar.
4. Spice Variations: While cinnamon is classic, you could mix in other spices such as nutmeg, ginger, or allspice to give the cookies a more complex flavor. A pumpkin spice blend would also be delicious for a fall-themed variation.
5. Add-ins: Feel free to stir in some extras like chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work great), chocolate chips, or even raisins for added texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients and considered possible variations, it’s time to start baking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the perfect batch of cinnamon cream cheese cookies.

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for later.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the granulated sugar and continue mixing for another 2 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla Extract

Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until incorporated, making sure there are no streaks of egg remaining.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, about ⅓ at a time, mixing on low speed. Continue mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in dense cookies.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape and preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix together the ¼ cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for the coating.

Step 7: Shape and Coat the Cookies

Once the dough is firm, use a tablespoon to scoop out portions of dough. Roll each portion into a ball, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Place the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked. The cookies should still be soft in the center, as they will continue to cook slightly as they cool.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making cinnamon cream cheese cookies, there are a few common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your cookies turn out just right:

1. Not Softening the Butter and Cream Cheese: If your butter or cream cheese is too cold, it won’t blend smoothly, leading to lumpy dough. Be sure to let both ingredients come to room temperature before starting.
2. Overmixing the Dough: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense cookies.
3. Skipping the Chilling Step: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking. Don’t skip this step!
4. Overbaking: Cinnamon cream cheese cookies should be soft and slightly chewy. If you bake them for too long, they can become dry. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Cookies may be a simple dessert, but with a little attention to detail, you can elevate their presentation to make them look as good as they taste. Here are some serving and presentation tips for cinnamon cream cheese cookies:

How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Serve these cookies warm from the oven with a tall glass of milk, or alongside a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon snack. If you’re hosting a party or gathering, arrange the cookies on a decorative plate or tiered dessert stand for an eye-catching display.

Presentation Ideas for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

To make your cookies extra special, consider drizzling them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a festive touch. If you're gifting these cookies, package them in a decorative tin or wrap them in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade touch.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before baking. Just be sure to let it soften slightly before shaping and baking.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Simply store the baked cookies in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the oven for a few minutes to warm up.
• Double the Batch: This recipe makes about 24 cookies, but it’s easy to double if you’re baking for a crowd or want extras to freeze for later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw slightly and then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking.

2. How long do cinnamon cream cheese cookies last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.

3. Can I add other spices to the dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with adding nutmeg, ginger, or allspice to the dough for a more complex flavor profile.

4. What if I don’t have cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese, you can try using mascarpone as a substitute. It will give a slightly different texture, but the cookies will still be delicious.

5. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar for white sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor, but it may affect the texture slightly, making the cookies chewier.

Conclusion

Cinnamon cream cheese cookies are the perfect blend of creamy richness and warm spice, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and yields consistently delicious results. So why wait? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy a batch of these delectable cookies today! Don't forget to experiment with variations to make them your own, and share them with friends and family for a sweet moment everyone will love.

Print