These Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies strike the ultimate balance of soft, chewy, and flavorful in every bite! Each cookie bursts with a warm cinnamon hug, is blissfully tender thanks to real cream cheese, and has a sparkling, sugary coating that’ll remind you of a classic snickerdoodle with an irresistible twist. They’re easy enough for weekday baking, yet special enough to steal the show at any holiday cookie swap. Once you’ve tasted these, you’ll see why the Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies always disappear first from the cookie jar!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baking magic happens with just a handful of kitchen staples, and every ingredient here earns its place. Creamy richness, sugar sparkle, gentle spice, and perfect texture combine to create the unmistakable flavor of the Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies!
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): The secret to ultimate softness and delightful tang!
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup plus 1/4 cup for rolling): Sweetens the dough and gives a sparkling finish when rolled.
- Large Egg (1): Binds everything together and contributes to the cookies’ soft centers.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and rounds out the cinnamon flavor perfectly.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 3/4 cups): Forms the cookie’s structure without overwhelming the tender crumb.
- Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives just the right light lift so cookies puff gently.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors—never skip it!
- Ground Cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons plus 1 teaspoon for rolling): The unmistakable star—layered in the dough and rolling sugar for double cinnamon goodness.
How to Make Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, making sure it gets nice and even for a perfect bake. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this ensures your Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies release cleanly with golden bottoms every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Grab a large mixing bowl, toss in the softened butter and cream cheese, and beat them together until fluffy and smooth. This step unlocks the extra soft texture that makes these cookies so dreamy.
Step 3: Mix in Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla
Add the granulated sugar to your creamy base and beat until it’s all incorporated and silky-looking. Crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract, mixing until the dough is shiny and slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon so these get evenly distributed. This is key for making sure every cookie is perfectly spiced and puffed just right.
Step 5: Mix it All Together
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, blending gently until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as the streaks of flour disappear for the ultimate soft chew.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Pop your dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling makes it so much easier to roll, and helps the cookies keep their pretty, puffy shape in the oven.
Step 7: Shape and Coat
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll each one into a ball. Toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they’re glistening and covered. This step gives every Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookie its signature sparkle and spicy kick!
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving room for each to spread. Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool on the pan for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The result: puffy, pillowy perfection that stays soft for days!
How to Serve Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, lightly dust your cookies with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar once they’re out of the oven. You can also add a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze, or top with a pinch of sea salt to enhance their rich, sweet notes.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine on their own but pair delightfully with a cozy mug of hot cocoa, chai tea, or even an herbal latte. For a dessert spread, serve alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream—the warmth of the Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies nicely complements cool, fruity sides!
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies in a tall glass jar, tying it with twine for a homemade gift, or arranging them on a pretty plate with a cinnamon stick as a finishing touch. For parties, present them on a tiered stand amid other holiday treats—their sugar sparkle and spiced scent make them the instant star of any dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for several days—if you can manage not to eat them all the first day!
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Just layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature whenever a cinnamon craving strikes.
Reheating
If you love a warm cookie, pop a few in the microwave for about 10–12 seconds. This revives their fresh-from-the-oven softness and makes the cinnamon aroma even cozier.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough up to 48 hours ahead, wrap it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop, roll, and enjoy freshly baked Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies on demand.
What’s the best way to soften butter and cream cheese quickly?
Cut both into small cubes and let them sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes. In a pinch, you can microwave them separately for 10 seconds each—just enough to soften, not melt.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely! This recipe easily doubles for parties, cookie swaps, or gifting. Just make sure to chill the dough in two separate bowls for even cooling, and bake in batches.
How can I make these gluten-free?
Swap in your favorite measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. The cookies may spread a bit more, but they’ll stay delicious and chewy.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling isn’t strictly required, but it makes the dough easier to handle and ensures your Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies bake up nice and thick with that signature texture. Even a quick 20-minute chill makes a difference!
Final Thoughts
With their perfect balance of creamy, cinnamon-spiced goodness and cloud-like texture, these Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are destined to become a cherished favorite in your home. Grab your mixing bowl and treat yourself—you deserve the sweetest kind of comfort right from your own oven!
Print
Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of these Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies that are soft, chewy, and packed with cinnamon goodness. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet treat!
Ingredients
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 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For Rolling:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- Shape and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, coat in the cinnamon sugar mixture, and place on baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes until set. Cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies stay soft for days and freeze well for up to 2 months.
- For extra cinnamon flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough and rolling sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
