If you adore melt-in-your-mouth cookies that perfectly balance buttery tenderness and a sweet, cinnamon-kissed aroma, you’re in for a real treat with these Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies. Each bite reveals a delicate crinkle top, a soft and pillowy center, and an irresistible swirl of cinnamon sugar flavor—which makes them just as comforting with a cup of tea as they are dazzling on a holiday cookie platter. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, family gathering, or simply craving a cozy treat to brighten your day, these cookies deliver the magic every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for these Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are delightfully simple yet each one plays a starring role. Cream cheese brings signature softness, while cinnamon infuses warmth and sweetness through every bite. Let’s take a closer look at why you shouldn’t skip a single ingredient:
- Unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich base and helps create that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Cream cheese, softened: The secret weapon for keeping the cookies ultra-soft and tender, never dry.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve just the right creamy crumb.
- Large egg: Brings everything together, binding ingredients for the ideal consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and a classic comforting fragrance to every bite.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the cookies without making them dense.
- Baking powder: Creates a little lift, giving these cookies their signature puff and crackly tops.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness perfectly balanced.
- Ground cinnamon: The heart and soul of the recipe; use fresh cinnamon for maximum aroma.
- Extra granulated sugar & cinnamon (for rolling): This simple coating delivers those irresistible cinnamon-sugar sparkles and the chewy signature edge.
How to Make Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets
Set yourself up for baking success by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also helps the cookies bake evenly with soft bottoms. A minute here will make cleanup so much easier later!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, beat your softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and luscious. Aim for a creamy, lump-free mixture—this duo is what gives Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies their legendary soft texture, so take your time with this step!
Step 3: Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, pour in the granulated sugar and beat until the mixture gets lighter in color and fluffy. Crack in your egg, add the vanilla extract, and blend again. This step infuses the dough with sweetness and a lovely aroma, ensuring every cookie is perfectly flavored from the inside out.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This little step ensures the cinnamon and leavening get spread evenly throughout the dough so that you never find a bite lacking in spice or lift.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently just until everything is combined. Take care not to overmix here—stop as soon as you see the dough come together for extra soft cookies!
Step 6: Make Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This fragrant mixture is the magic touch that delivers that classic snickerdoodle-style coating—simple, sparkly, and oh-so aromatic.
Step 7: Scoop, Roll, and Coat
Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough and roll them into smooth balls using your hands. This is a fun, hands-on step, especially if little bakers want to help! Next, roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mix, ensuring every bit is delightfully covered.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place your dough balls about 2 inches apart on the lined baking sheets—these cookies puff up and spread a little as they bake. Pop them into the oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and the tops develop those irresistible signature cracks. Let the cookies cool on the pan for at least 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
How to Serve Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
Garnishes
The simplest and most elegant way to serve Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies is to give them a final dusting of cinnamon sugar right out of the oven. For extra flair, a drizzle of cream cheese glaze or a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a festive—and delicious—finish. You can even top with a pinch of nutmeg for a seasonal twist.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a mug of hot apple cider, a cozy chai latte, or classic hot cocoa. If you’re serving a dessert spread, try pairing them with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Their gentle spice profile makes them a lovely complement to sharper cheeses or tart fruits too.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies high on a pretty tiered platter for a classic tea party look, or tuck them into small cellophane bags tied with ribbon for heartfelt homemade gifts. They’re also wonderful on a holiday cookie tray mixed with gingerbread, chocolate bark, and festive candies for a dazzling effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies keep remarkably well, staying soft and tender for up to five days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Stack them with a bit of parchment between each layer to keep them picture-perfect and prevent sticking.
Freezing
If you’re baking ahead, you can freeze the cookie dough balls (before baking and coating with cinnamon sugar) for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw slightly, coat in cinnamon sugar, and bake as usual. Baked cookies can also be frozen in a single layer, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to two months—just let them thaw at room temperature when the craving hits.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven magic, simply pop a cookie in the microwave for 8-10 seconds. This softens them up to their original, pillowy best. If you’ve frozen baked cookies, let them thaw completely before giving them a quick warm-up.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
You can use low-fat cream cheese, but for the best texture and flavor, I highly recommend using full-fat. The richness and softness in Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies really come from full-fat cream cheese.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
The recipe works beautifully without chilling, making it a great option when you want cookies fast! However, if your kitchen is very warm, a quick 20-minute chill can help the cookies hold their shape even better.
Can I double the recipe for a large batch?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles like a dream. Just be sure to mix gently and avoid overmixing the dough to keep your Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies super tender.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Cookies may spread if the butter or cream cheese was too soft (or partially melted) when mixed. Make sure they’re softened but not runny. If needed, chill the dough briefly before baking.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The cookies will still turn out wonderfully soft and flavorful—just check that your blend contains xanthan gum or add a pinch for best results.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience just how easy and delightful it is to bake a batch of Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies. They’re full of comforting flavor and so soft that everyone who tries one will ask for the recipe. Whether it’s for a holiday, a little everyday cheer, or to share with loved ones, these cookies are destined to become your new favorites. Happy baking and enjoy every delicious, cinnamon-swirled bite!
Print
Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, flavorful treats that are perfect for the holiday season. The creamy texture from the cream cheese keeps them moist and delicious. Coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, these cookies are a delightful addition to any dessert table.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces 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 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Rolling:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla; mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Roll the dough: Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Shape tablespoon-sized dough into balls, coat in the sugar-cinnamon mixture, and place on baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set. Cool on the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies stay soft due to the cream cheese content.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For a festive touch, add nutmeg or a cream cheese glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
