CINNAMON CREAM CHEESE COOKIES

Are you ready for a cookie that melts in your mouth and wraps you in a warm hug of flavor? These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are pure comfort in every bite. Soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced, they’re an absolute dream for any sweet craving!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

These delightful cinnamon cream cheese cookies aren’t just a treat; they’re an experience! They bring together classic flavors with an irresistible texture that will make them a new favorite.

• Incredibly Soft Texture: The cream cheese creates an unbelievably tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
• Rich Cinnamon Flavor: Warm, aromatic cinnamon shines through, perfectly balanced with sweet notes.
• Simple to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve cookie perfection.
• Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: These cookies vanish quickly at gatherings, potlucks, and bake sales.
• Perfectly Sweet: Just the right amount of sweetness, enhanced by a delightful powdered sugar coating.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for dessert, a midday snack, or a thoughtful homemade gift.

Ingredients Needed for Your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Crafting these heavenly cinnamon cream cheese cookies requires a few pantry staples, but each plays a crucial role in developing their signature taste and texture. Always start with good quality ingredients for the best results.

• Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (200g), softened to room temperature for smooth creaming.
• Cream Cheese: 4 ounces (113g), also softened. Full-fat cream cheese yields the best flavor and texture.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g), for sweetness and to help tenderize the dough.
• Large Egg: 1, essential for binding and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml), use pure vanilla for the richest aroma.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 cups (300g), spooned and leveled for accurate measurement.
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon (5g), for a delicate lift.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1g), to balance the sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons (4g), for that irresistible spice. Choose fresh, fragrant cinnamon.
• Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g) for rolling, giving these cookies their distinct, sweet finish.

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Essential Equipment

You won’t need a professional bakery setup for these cookies, but having the right tools makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

• • Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Crucial for creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Large Mixing Bowls: For wet and dry ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient ratios.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

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• Baking Sheets: Essential for even baking.
• Wire Rack: For cooling cookies completely.

Recipe Overview

These cinnamon cream cheese cookies are surprisingly quick to put together, making them perfect for a spontaneous baking session.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 40 cookies
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Follow these simple steps to create a batch of incredibly soft and flavorful cinnamon cream cheese cookies that everyone will adore.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure it’s fully preheated for even baking.
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes transferring cookies easy.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

2. In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar. Cream them together using a stand mixer or hand mixer until the mixture is visibly light and fluffy. This can take 2-3 minutes; ensure no lumps remain.
3. Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until they are fully incorporated and the mixture is well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything mixes evenly.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

4. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks of flour remain.

Step 4: Roll and Bake

6. Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls. Your hands are the best tool here; gently roll each portion.
7. Roll each ball completely in powdered sugar, ensuring a generous coating. This creates a beautiful crackled appearance and adds an extra layer of sweetness.
8. Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Give them space to spread slightly.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch for the edges to be lightly golden and the centers to appear set. Be mindful not to overbake, as these cookies are best when soft. If your cookies seem too pale after 10 minutes, give them another minute or two, but avoid dark edges.

Step 5: Cool and Store

9. Let the baked cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This helps them firm up and prevents breakage.
10. Once completely cooled on the wire racks, store your delicious cinnamon cream cheese cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay wonderfully soft!

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Expert Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Achieve bakery-quality results with these insider tips for your cinnamon cream cheese cookies:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and cream cheese are perfectly softened for a smooth, uniform dough.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined to keep cookies tender.
• Even Scoops: Use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing, ensuring all cookies bake evenly.
• Generous Powdered Sugar: Roll balls thoroughly; this creates that signature soft, crinkled look.
• Watch the Oven: Bake until edges are lightly golden and centers are set, but still soft. Overbaking leads to dry cookies.

Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to customize your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum.
• Extra Spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon for a deeper flavor profile.
• Citrus Zest: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest into the dough for a bright twist.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla instead of rolling in powdered sugar.

Serving Suggestions

These delightful cookies are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments.

• Warm Beverages: Enjoy with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or a comforting glass of warm milk.
• Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Fruit Platter: Offer with fresh berries or sliced apples for a balanced snack.
• Dessert Spread: Add them to a holiday cookie platter or a dessert buffet.

Health Benefits

While primarily a treat, these cookies offer some nutritional elements to appreciate in moderation.

Each cookie provides a small amount of protein and fats necessary for energy. Cinnamon itself is known for its antioxidant properties. Enjoying these cookies as part of a balanced diet allows for a delightful indulgence.

Storage & Reheating

Proper storage ensures your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. They maintain their soft texture beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about baking these incredible cinnamon cream cheese cookies? We’ve got answers!

Are cinnamon cream cheese cookies supposed to be soft?

Yes, absolutely! The cream cheese in the dough is specifically what gives these cookies their signature soft, tender, and slightly chewy texture. Avoid overbaking to maintain this quality.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Certainly! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 2-3 days. Let it come to room temperature slightly before scooping and rolling.

Why do my cookies spread too much?

This can happen if your butter or cream cheese was too warm, if you used too little flour, or if your baking sheets were warm. Ensure ingredients are cool-room temperature and baking sheets are cooled between batches.

Can I add nuts to these cookies?

Yes! Finely chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition. Fold them into the dough after the dry ingredients are just combined.

What if I don’t have powdered sugar for rolling?

While the powdered sugar gives them their classic look and taste, you can roll them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture (granulated sugar + cinnamon) for a different but equally delicious finish.

More Delicious Dishes

If you loved these cinnamon cream cheese cookies, you’ll definitely want to try these other delectable treats!

• Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe for Cozy Days – Capture the essence of your favorite breakfast pastry in a tender cookie.
• Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies – Experience the magic of cinnamon and sugar in every soft, delightful bite.
• Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip – A luscious, easy dip that brings together the best of cream cheese and caramel.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a simple joy, a sweet escape, and a guaranteed hit. Bake a batch today and savor the soft, spiced perfection. Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more delightful recipes!

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