Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Heavenly Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Sweet and pillowy, these cinnamon cream cheese cookies dance with warmth and comfort in every delectable bite.

Soft edges hint at the tender interior waiting to melt on your palate.

Delicate swirls of ground cinnamon weave through cream cheese dough, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Baking these treats becomes a delightful afternoon adventure of mixing, rolling, and anticipating pure deliciousness.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical with just a few careful steps.

Colleagues and neighbors will beg you to share this cherished recipe after experiencing one incredible cookie.

You won’t be able to resist these little rounds of pure joy.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Bursting With Spice

  • Capture Comfort: Indulge in a delightful cookie experience that wraps you in warm, nostalgic flavors reminiscent of home-baked goodness.
  • Simple Sophistication: Create bakery-quality treats with minimal culinary skills, perfect for both novice and experienced home bakers who want impressive results.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, holiday parties, or casual weekend dessert cravings, these cookies appeal to all age groups with their rich, creamy texture and classic cinnamon sweetness.
  • No-Fuss Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a stress-free baking adventure, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade cookies without complicated techniques.

Full Ingredient List for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Base Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: A rich and creamy foundation that provides tenderness and flavor to the cookies.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds a smooth texture and tangy depth to the cookie dough.
  • Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and provides structure to the cookies.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient that gives the cookies their structure and texture.
Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:
  • Confectioners' Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, delicate cookie texture.
  • Vanilla Bean Paste, Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor to enhance the overall taste of the cookies.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light, tender crumb.
  • Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates a sweet and spicy exterior that adds a delightful crunch and warmth to the cookies.

Clear Instructions for Baking Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Step 1: Blend Butter and Cream Cheese

Grab your mixing bowl and electric mixer. Whip the unsalted butter and cream cheese together until they become super smooth and creamy.

You want zero lumps in this mixture!

Step 2: Sweeten the Blend

Sprinkle in the confectioners’ sugar gradually.

Mix until everything looks perfectly combined and silky.

Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters

Toss in these delightful ingredients:
  • Egg
  • Baking powder
  • Vanilla bean paste
  • Kosher salt

Stir everything until it’s completely mixed and looks wonderfully uniform.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour

Gently fold in the all-purpose flour. Make sure to scrape down the bowl’s sides so no flour gets left behind.

Once mixed, pop the dough into the refrigerator for one hour.

Step 5: Prepare the Oven

Heat up your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Get ready for cookie magic!

Step 6: Create Cinnamon Coating

In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.

This will be your magical cookie dust.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Balls

Pull out the chilled dough and roll into small balls about 1 inch wide.

Give each ball a luxurious roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 8: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

Keep them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the sheet into the oven.

Bake for 8-9 minutes. These cookies won’t turn golden brown, so don’t wait for that classic color change.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Your delicious cinnamon cream cheese cookies are ready to devour!

Tips That Elevate Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Baking

  • Chill the dough for at least an hour to enhance flavor development and prevent spreading during baking.
  • Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for smoother, more even mixing and better cookie texture.
  • Avoid overbaking these delicate cookies; they should look set but not brown to maintain their soft, tender consistency.
  • Roll cookies in cinnamon-sugar coating just before baking to ensure the sugar doesn't dissolve and creates a perfect crispy exterior.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.

Flavorful Variations for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Nutty Cream Cheese Cookies: Add finely chopped pecans or almonds to the dough for extra crunch and a rich, nutty flavor profile.
  • Chocolate-Dipped Cinnamon Cookies: After cooling, dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with additional cinnamon for an indulgent variation.
  • Maple Cream Cheese Cookies: Substitute vanilla extract with pure maple syrup and add a touch of maple extract to create a warm, autumnal flavor twist.

Best Pairings for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

  • The spicy, aromatic notes of chai perfectly complement the cinnamon's warmth, creating a cozy flavor harmony that elevates the cookie's creamy texture.
  • The rich, smooth vanilla undertones blend seamlessly with the cookie's delicate cream cheese base, offering a luxurious coffee-dessert experience.
  • The sweet-tart apple and rich caramel notes provide a delightful contrast to the cookie's soft, cinnamon-sugared profile, balancing each bite with refreshing complexity.

Smart Storage Ideas for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

  • Refrigeration: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keeps fresh for up to 5 days when refrigerated at 40°F or below.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container, and store for maximum 3 months. Label container with date and contents.
  • Counter Storage: Keep cookies in sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Ensure container is completely dry to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Reheating: Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore soft texture and enhance cinnamon flavor.

FAQs

  • Why are these cookies different from regular sugar cookies?

These cinnamon cream cheese cookies have a rich, tangy flavor from cream cheese and a warm spice profile from ground cinnamon, making them more complex and interesting than traditional sugar cookies.

  • Can I make these cookies without an electric mixer?

Yes, you can use a wooden spoon and some arm strength to cream the butter and cream cheese. Just ensure the mixture is smooth and well-blended before adding other ingredients.

  • How do I know the cookies are done if they don't turn golden brown?

The cookies are ready when they appear set and no longer look wet or glossy. They will maintain a pale color, so avoid overbaking by watching them closely during the last few minutes of baking.

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Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe


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4.9 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 29 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Homemade cinnamon cream cheese cookies blend sweet warmth with rich tang. Delicate crumbles melt perfectly on palates, inviting you to savor each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 egg, at room temperature
  • 1 & 3/4 cup (220 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 & 1/2 cup (180 g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or high-quality vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 pinch kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Whip unsalted butter and cream cheese in a large bowl using an electric mixer until achieving a silky, homogeneous texture without lumps.
  2. Gradually incorporate confectioners’ sugar into the butter-cream cheese mixture, mixing thoroughly to create a consistent blend.
  3. Add egg, baking powder, vanilla bean paste, and kosher salt to the mixture, stirring until ingredients are evenly distributed.
  4. Gently fold all-purpose flour into the dough, carefully scraping bowl sides to ensure complete integration. Refrigerate the dough for 60 minutes at 40°F.
  5. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F while the dough chills.
  6. Create a coating mixture by combining granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl.
  7. Extract chilled dough and form 1-inch spherical portions. Roll each ball completely in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring full coverage.
  8. Position coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart to allow proper expansion during baking.
  9. Bake for 8-9 minutes until cookies appear set. Note that these cookies will remain pale and should not be overcooked.
  10. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling to room temperature.

Notes

  • Softening butter and cream cheese at room temperature helps achieve a smoother, more evenly mixed dough without lumps.
  • Chilling the dough for an hour allows the flavors to meld and prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking.
  • Using parchment paper ensures easy cookie removal and prevents sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Rolling cookies in cinnamon-sugar mixture creates a delightful crispy exterior and adds an extra layer of sweet, spicy flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 9 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 110 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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