Master the Sweet Charm: Irresistible Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Sweet and tender cinnamon cream cheese cookies melt hearts with their warm, comforting aroma.

These delightful treats combine classic baking magic with a touch of creamy richness.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of soft texture and gentle spice.

Cinnamon swirls through the dough, creating a subtle warmth that lingers on the palate.

Home bakers adore this simple yet elegant recipe that comes together effortlessly.

The cream cheese adds a luxurious smoothness that elevates these cookies beyond ordinary sweet snacks.

You’ll want to share these delectable morsels with everyone you know.

How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Shine

• Whip Up the Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and blend softened butter with cream cheese until silky smooth. Pour in sugar and beat until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing thoroughly to create a dreamy foundation.

• Mix Dry Components

In another bowl, blend flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, creating a soft, pillowy dough.

• Chill and Rest

Wrap the dough in plastic and let it relax in the refrigerator for half an hour. This crucial pause helps the cookies hold their shape and develop a richer flavor profile.

• Shape and Coat

Heat the oven to 350F. Roll dough into small balls and give them a luxurious spin in a cinnamon-sugar dance, ensuring each cookie gets a delightful sweet-spicy exterior.

• Bake to Perfection

Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each treat. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden and centers look set. Let them cool briefly on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

• Savor and Store

Enjoy these heavenly treats fresh from the oven. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days, if they last that long!

Notes for Smooth Cream Cheese and Bold Cinnamon Flavor

• Refrigerate the dough for better texture and easier shaping, preventing cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Replace cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives like vegan cream cheese and coconut oil for a lactose-free version.
• Enhance the cookies by adding chopped nuts, dark chocolate chips, or a drizzle of caramel for extra excitement and crunch.
• Prepare cookie dough balls in advance and freeze them for up to 3 months, allowing quick baking whenever sweet cravings hit.
• Swap wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend to make these delightful cookies accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.

Presenting These Cookies for Holidays or Snacking

• Holiday Cookie Platter: Arrange the cinnamon cream cheese cookies alongside other festive treats like gingerbread men and sugar cookies for a stunning seasonal display that will wow your guests.
• Dessert Pairing Power: Serve these cookies with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or hot chocolate to complement their rich cinnamon flavor and create a cozy, comforting experience.
• Ice Cream Sandwich Delight: Transform these cookies into decadent ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cooled cookies for an indulgent summer treat.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Bundle a few cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine or festive ribbons, making them a perfect homemade gift for teachers, neighbors, or holiday hosts.

Best Way to Keep Cinnamon Cookies Fresh

• Place cookies in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for maximum freshness up to one week.
• Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe bags. Frozen cookies maintain perfect taste and texture for three months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Store cookies in sealed ceramic or glass containers away from direct sunlight. Room temperature storage works best for soft, delicate textures. Consume within 4-5 days for optimal taste and quality.
• Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking. Alternatively, shape unbaked dough into balls, freeze on baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen state, adding extra 2-3 minutes to baking time.

FAQs

• Why should I chill the cookie dough before baking?

Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking, creates a better texture, and allows the flavors to meld together. It also makes the dough easier to handle and roll into balls.

• Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?

Regular full-fat cream cheese works best for these cookies. Low-fat versions might change the texture and richness of the final cookie. Stick to full-fat cream cheese for the most delicious results.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly golden edges and set centers. The cookies should look soft but not raw. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so avoid overbaking.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough balls for up to a month, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 25

Ingredients for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation for cookie texture and depth of flavor. Select high-quality unsalted butter for consistent results.
• Cream Cheese: Adds tangy smoothness and moisture to cookies. Choose full-fat block cream cheese for best consistency.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps create crispy cookie edges. Use granulated white sugar for classic smooth texture.

• Egg: Helps bind ingredients and creates structure. Select fresh, room-temperature eggs for even mixing.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity. Use pure vanilla extract for authentic taste.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates cookie structure and texture. Sift flour to prevent lumps and ensure smooth dough.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light. Check expiration date for maximum effectiveness.
• Baking Soda: Supports even browning and helps cookies spread. Ensure it's fresh for proper leavening.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavors. Use fine table salt for even distribution.
• Ground Cinnamon: Delivers warm, spicy undertone. Choose freshly ground cinnamon for most potent flavor.

• Cinnamon Sugar: Provides sweet, spicy exterior crunch. Mix fine sugar with ground cinnamon for best coverage.

What You’ll Need to Bake These Sweet Cinnamon Rounds

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining wet ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Essential for beating butter, cream cheese, and creating fluffy texture.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending dry ingredients evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Baking sheet: Needed for baking cookies perfectly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Wire cooling rack: Helps cookies cool evenly and maintain crispness.
• Plastic wrap: Used for chilling dough and keeping it fresh.
• Tablespoon or cookie scoop: Helps create uniform cookie sizes.

Irresistible Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

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• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Homemade cinnamon cream cheese cookies blend creamy richness with warm spice. Rich Pennsylvania Dutch traditions inspire these sweet treats that invite bakers to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 grams) granulated sugar
• 4 oz (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar (for topping)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Cream Preparation: Whip softened butter and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy, creating a luxurious base for the cookies.
2. Sweetening and Binding: Vigorously blend sugar into the mixture until light and fluffy. Integrate egg and vanilla extract, ensuring a uniform consistency that binds all ingredients together.
3. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl, whisking to eliminate any potential lumps and distribute spices evenly.
4. Dough Formation: Gently combine dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stirring until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Avoid excessive mixing to preserve the cookies’ tender texture.
5. Chilling Phase: Encase dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to develop and preventing excessive spreading during baking.
6. Oven Preparation: Heat oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
7. Coating and Shaping: Roll chilled dough into tablespoon-sized spheres, generously coating each in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to create a tantalizing exterior.
8. Baking Process: Arrange cookie balls on the prepared sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden and centers appear set.
9. Cooling and Storage: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet briefly to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, store in an airtight container for optimal freshness.

Notes

Soften Butter Properly: Ensure butter is at room temperature, soft enough to indent with a finger but not melting, for optimal cream cheese blending and smooth cookie texture.

Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigeration is crucial – minimum 30 minutes helps prevent cookie spread, concentrates flavors, and creates a more stable dough structure for perfect shape retention.

Measure Cinnamon Carefully: Use fresh ground cinnamon and measure precisely to balance flavor without overwhelming the delicate cream cheese base, preventing bitter or overpowering taste notes.

Avoid Overmixing Technique: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stopping just when combined to maintain tender, light cookie crumb and prevent developing tough, dense texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg