Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

If you’re a fan of cinnamon and cream cheese, then this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies recipe is just what you need to satisfy your sweet cravings. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with warm cinnamon spice, with a delightful tang from the cream cheese that makes them truly irresistible. Perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or whenever you’re in the mood for a comforting homemade cookie, these treats are sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe!

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What Are Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies?

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that combine the rich creaminess of cream cheese with the warm, spicy flavor of cinnamon. The cream cheese in the dough gives these cookies a tender, chewy texture, while the cinnamon adds that cozy, warm flavor. They’re perfect for serving with a cup of coffee, hot tea, or even as part of your holiday cookie platter.

Ingredients List for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Gather the following ingredients for these delicious Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies. You likely already have most of these in your pantry!

For the Cookie Dough:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz (half a block) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for a nutty texture)
• ¼ cup raisins or currants (for a chewy, fruity twist)
• ½ cup white chocolate chips (for added sweetness)

Substitutions and Variations

Feel free to experiment with this recipe by making some substitutions or variations:

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives like coconut-based cream cheese and plant-based butter.
• Sugar Alternatives: For a lower-sugar option, replace the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
• Cinnamon Variations: For a twist on the traditional cinnamon flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth and spice.
• Filling Options: You can make a thumbprint in each cookie and fill it with a dollop of cream cheese frosting or jam before baking for an extra burst of flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get to baking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.

2. Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy.

3. Add the Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well incorporated. Be sure the egg is at room temperature so it blends more smoothly with the butter and cream cheese mixture.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough for a uniform texture.

5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.

6. Chill the Dough

For the best results, cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This will make it easier to shape the dough and will prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

7. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the dough is chilling, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This will be used to roll the cookie dough balls before baking, giving the cookies a delicious cinnamon-sugar crust.

8. Shape the Cookies

Once the dough is chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into smooth balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

9. Bake the Cookies

Place the coated cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press each ball down with the back of a spoon or the palm of your hand to flatten slightly.

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked. The cookies will still be soft in the center, but they will firm up as they cool.

10. Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea!

How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the essential steps for making these soft and chewy Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F and prepare your baking sheets.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: Beat together butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
6. Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm up.
7. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Mix cinnamon and sugar for coating.
8. Shape and Coat Cookies: Roll dough into balls, coat in cinnamon sugar, and flatten slightly.
9. Bake and Cool: Bake for 10-12 minutes and let cool before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though these cookies are simple to make, here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Not Softening the Butter and Cream Cheese: Make sure both the butter and cream cheese are properly softened before creaming them. Cold butter or cream cheese can result in a lumpy dough.
• Overmixing the Dough: Once the dry ingredients are added, be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
• Skipping the Chill Time: Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape during baking. If you skip this step, the cookies may spread too much in the oven.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These cookies are delicious on their own, but if you want to dress them up for a special occasion or gift-giving, here are a few ideas:

• Drizzle with Icing: Add a light drizzle of cream cheese glaze or vanilla icing over the top for extra sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
• Sandwich Cookies: Turn these into sandwich cookies by spreading cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a decadent treat.
• Holiday-Ready: Dust the tops with powdered sugar for a festive touch, especially around the holidays.

How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

These cookies are perfect for serving with a hot beverage like coffee, tea, or a cozy mug of hot chocolate. They’re soft and chewy with just the right amount of cinnamon spice, making them great for a snack, dessert, or even as part of a holiday cookie platter.

Presentation Ideas for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

To make your cookies stand out, try some of these creative presentation ideas:

• Stacked Cookies: Stack a few cookies and tie them with a ribbon or place them in decorative gift bags for a lovely homemade gift.
• Festive Display: Arrange the cookies on a colorful plate or festive tray, dust them with powdered sugar, and add cinnamon sticks for a beautiful, holiday-inspired presentation.
• Cookie Box: If giving as a gift, place the cookies in a cute tin or box lined with parchment paper, and add a small packet of tea or coffee for an extra thoughtful touch.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, cream cheese, and egg are all at room temperature before mixing for a smoother dough.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies are best when they are slightly underbaked and soft in the middle. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, which can result in a less chewy texture.
• Freeze for Later: You can freeze the cookie dough balls (without the cinnamon-sugar coating) for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge, coat in cinnamon sugar, and bake when you’re ready.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies?
A: Yes! You can freeze the unbaked dough balls (before coating in cinnamon sugar) for up to 3 months.

When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge, roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture, and bake as usual.

Q: How long will these cookies last?
A: These cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week for a slightly firmer texture.

Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: While you can use low-fat cream cheese, full-fat cream cheese will give you the best texture and flavor. Low-fat versions may result in a less creamy, slightly less rich cookie.

Q: Can I add mix-ins to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts, raisins, white chocolate chips, or even dried cranberries to the dough for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are the perfect combination of soft, chewy, and full of warm cinnamon flavor. They’re incredibly easy to make and a wonderful treat for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to an everyday sweet snack. Follow this recipe, add your own creative twists, and enjoy a batch of these comforting cookies with family and friends. Happy baking!

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