Name: Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Picture this: freshly baked cookies with a golden exterior, a pillow-soft center, and the unbeatable pairing of cinnamon and cream cheese in every bite. That’s what you get with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies—an irresistible treat that brings warmth and nostalgia together in the most comforting way. These cookies are delightfully tender, kissed with cinnamon sugar on top, and burst with flavor that’s equal parts homey and enchanting. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just need a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe will instantly earn a permanent spot in your favorites folder.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the loveliest parts about Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies is how approachable the ingredient list is. Every item plays an important role, working together to create cookies that are tender inside, just crisp at the edges, and full of soul-soothing cinnamon flavor.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds a rich depth and gives the cookies their irresistible tender crumb.
Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The not-so-secret ingredient that brings creaminess and a signature soft texture to every cookie.
Granulated sugar (1 cup for dough, 1/4 cup for rolling): Sweetens the cookies while helping create those lovely golden edges and the sparkling top.
Egg (1 large): Acts as both a binder and a lifter, supporting that perfectly soft and chewy bite.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and warmth that enhances the cream cheese and cinnamon flavors.
All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Provides the right structure so your cookies hold their shape but still stay tender.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a little lift and helps keep the cookies light.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings all the flavors into harmony.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon for dough, 1 teaspoon for rolling): The star spice for warmth and unmistakable coziness.

How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

Start by beating together your softened butter and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. The goal is to get it light, super creamy, and totally lump-free—this base sets the foundation for unbelievably soft cookies.

Step 2: Mix in Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla

Add your granulated sugar and beat until the mixture is fluffy and a shade lighter. Toss in the egg and vanilla extract, blending until everything’s beautifully combined. This is where that lovely vanilla undertone starts to shine.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This mix ensures every bite has cinnamon running through it and the perfect rise in the oven.

Step 4: Make the Dough

Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing—gentle hands mean fluffier cookies. Finish with a quick chill (at least an hour) to make the dough easier to handle and to intensify those flavors.

Step 5: Shape and Roll in Cinnamon Sugar

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment. Mix together the remaining sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each one generously in the cinnamon sugar. This is what gives Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies their signature sparkle and crunch.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the dough balls 2 inches apart and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are golden and the centers look set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes (so they don’t fall apart), then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, try a light dusting of extra cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze once the cookies are cool. Both options add a little extra flair and sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors of the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with something that complements their coziness—hot chocolate, chai latte, or a classic glass of cold milk are dreamy choices. If you’re entertaining, set out a bowl of berries or a plate of mild cheese for a fun sweet-savory mix.

Creative Ways to Present

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies look lovely when stacked sky-high on a festive plate or tucked into a pretty box for gifting. You can also use them to top a bowl of vanilla ice cream for an unexpected dessert, or sandwich a layer of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for an extra-special treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightful for up to 4 days—just be sure to layer them with parchment to prevent sticking.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! You can freeze baked cookies in a zip-top bag with parchment between layers for up to 2 months. Alternatively, freeze the raw cookie dough balls (without rolling in cinnamon sugar) and bake them straight from the freezer, rolling in the sugar mixture just before baking.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven taste, pop a cookie in the microwave for 8 to 10 seconds. If you’re reheating a whole batch, a few minutes in a 300°F oven returns the cookies to their just-baked soft perfection.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese in Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies?

You can, but full-fat cream cheese is highly recommended for the richest taste and best texture. Low-fat varieties might make the cookies less soft and flavorful.

Why does the dough need to be chilled?

Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape in the oven and intensifies their flavors. It also makes the dough much easier to handle when rolling out and coating in cinnamon sugar.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch, and raisins or even mini chocolate chips can make these cookies your own signature creation.

How will I know when the cookies are done?

Look for lightly golden edges and set centers—the cookies will continue to set as they cool, so don’t overbake. Ten to twelve minutes is usually perfect.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance. Just keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge until you’re ready to shape and bake.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a cookie that’s soft, flavorful, and utterly comforting, you can’t go wrong with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies. Bake a batch, share them with someone you love (or just savor them all yourself), and discover why these are destined to be a year-round favorite. Happy baking!

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 30 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of these soft and aromatic Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies. With a perfect balance of cream cheese richness and cinnamon warmth, these cookies are a must-have for any dessert lover.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For rolling:

1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Cover and chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
Preheat and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and coat each in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
Cool and Serve: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.