Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Introduction

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, taking them to a whole new level of deliciousness. The soft, chewy texture, thanks to the cream cheese, is paired perfectly with the warm, aromatic flavor of cinnamon, making every bite a cozy indulgence. These cookies are incredibly easy to make, and the combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet cinnamon creates the perfect balance—comforting and just a little bit decadent.

I first made these cookies on a chilly fall afternoon, and they immediately became a family favorite. The dough comes together so easily, and the scent of cinnamon filling the house while they bake is absolutely irresistible. When I served them fresh from the oven, the creamy texture was so unique—almost like a soft pillowy cloud of cinnamon goodness. They disappeared within minutes, and I had to make another batch!

These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are perfect for holiday baking, cozy gatherings, or as a sweet snack to enjoy with a hot drink. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring them solo, they’re sure to bring comfort and warmth with every bite. They’re the kind of cookies that make you feel at home, no matter where you are!

Perfect for:

• Holiday baking
• Cookie exchanges
• Special occasions like birthdays or celebrations
• Cinnamon lovers
• When you’re in the mood for a soft, chewy cookie
• Cozy, comforting treats on chilly days

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies will quickly become a favorite:

• Soft and Chewy Texture: The cream cheese adds a moist, tender crumb that makes these cookies incredibly soft and chewy.
• Perfect Cinnamon Flavor: The cinnamon is the star of the show, adding a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances every bite.
• Rich and Creamy: The cream cheese provides a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness and adds richness to the dough.
• Simple and Quick: With just a few ingredients, these cookies come together quickly and easily, making them perfect for last-minute baking.
• Versatile and Customizable: These cookies can be dressed up with icing, sprinkles, or other flavors to suit any occasion.
• Great for Gifting: Pack these cookies in a cute tin or jar to share with friends and family—they make a wonderful homemade gift.
• Easy to Make Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and bake when ready, or freeze the dough for later use.
• Lightly Sweet: These cookies have a subtle sweetness that’s not overpowering, allowing the cinnamon flavor to shine.
• Kid-Friendly: With their soft texture and delicious flavor, these cookies are a hit with kids and adults alike.
• A Family Favorite: The simple, familiar flavors make these cookies a great choice for family gatherings or potlucks.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Servings: 24-30 cookies (depending on size)
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150 calories per cookie
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbohydrates: 22g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Ingredient Highlights

• Cream Cheese: Adds richness, moisture, and a soft texture to the cookies.
• Cinnamon: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that makes these cookies especially comforting.
• Butter: Ensures the cookies are rich and tender.
• Sugar: Sweetens the dough without being overpowering, allowing the cinnamon flavor to stand out.
• Flour: Forms the base of the dough, providing structure and tenderness to the cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies:

Make the Cookie Dough:

1. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This may take about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the Sugar and Vanilla: Mix in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

5. Mix Cinnamon and Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar for the coating. Stir well to combine.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat completely.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the cookies are set.
9. Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are perfect for:

• As a Dessert: Serve these cookies as a simple yet delicious dessert after a meal, alongside coffee or tea.
• Holiday Parties: These cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges, as their cinnamon flavor makes them festive.
• With Milk: Pair these cookies with a glass of milk for the ultimate comfort snack.
• Gift Baskets: Package these cookies in a festive tin or box for a homemade gift that everyone will appreciate.
• For Breakfast: Enjoy them with your morning coffee for a sweet start to your day.
• In Cookie Sandwiches: Use a layer of cream cheese frosting or chocolate spread to create delightful cookie sandwiches.
• On Their Own: These cookies are delicious on their own for a mid-afternoon treat or a cozy snack.
• With Ice Cream: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert.
• With a Hot Beverage: Pair with hot chocolate, tea, or coffee for a warming, cozy snack.
• At Potlucks: Bring these to a potluck or gathering—they’re sure to be a hit!

Additional Tips

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is important to help the cookies keep their shape while baking.
• Use Room Temperature Butter and Cream Cheese: For the best texture, make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: For extra cinnamon flavor, you can roll the cookies in cinnamon sugar twice, once before and once after baking.
• Customize the Coating: For a different twist, try using powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top of the cookies.
• Make Ahead: You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking, or freeze the dough for up to 3 months.
• Don’t Overmix: Be sure to mix the dough just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers should remain soft.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature, or freeze for longer storage.
• Cinnamon Substitution: You can experiment with other warm spices like nutmeg or allspice if you want to change the flavor profile.
• Adjust the Size: For larger or smaller cookies, adjust the baking time accordingly. Larger cookies may need an extra minute or two in the oven.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations to try for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies:

• Add a Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies for added sweetness.
• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for added crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips to give the cookies a sweet contrast to the cinnamon.
• Maple Flavor: Substitute cinnamon with maple extract and add maple syrup to the dough for a fall-inspired treat.
• Nutmeg: Add a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon for a spiced twist.
• Chocolate Dipped: Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate for a deliciously rich finish.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Use the cream cheese frosting as a topping for a more indulgent treat.
• Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy kick that complements the cinnamon.
• Cranberries: Add dried cranberries to the dough for a festive, tart flavor that pairs well with the cinnamon.
• Mini Cookies: Make bite-sized mini cookies for parties or snacking, reducing the baking time to 6-8 minutes.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing the Dough: Freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, roll into balls and bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time.
• Store Cookies in Freezer: Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

special equipment

• Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining the dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing them together.
• Electric Mixer: Speeds up the process of creaming the butter and cream cheese together for a smooth, fluffy dough.
• Cookie Scoop: Helps portion out uniform cookie dough balls, ensuring even-sized cookies that bake evenly.
• Baking Sheet: A flat, sturdy surface for baking the cookies, allowing them to bake evenly and hold their shape.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easy.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without getting soggy, keeping the texture light and crisp.
• Rolling Pin: Useful for rolling out cookie dough if you’re making cut-out shapes or pressing dough into a flat form.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate measurements of ingredients, especially for precise portions of cinnamon, sugar, and cream cheese.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
   Yes, you can substitute with low-fat cream cheese, but it may slightly affect the texture and richness of the cookies.
2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   Yes, the dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
3. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
4. Can I use cinnamon sticks instead of ground cinnamon?
   Ground cinnamon works best, but you could grind cinnamon sticks for a more intense, fresh flavor.
5. Can I substitute the butter for margarine?
   Yes, margarine can be used, but it may affect the texture slightly.
6. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown and the center is just set.
7. Can I double this recipe?
   Yes, you can double the recipe to make more cookies for larger gatherings.
8. What can I use instead of vanilla extract?
   You can use almond extract or maple extract as an alternative to vanilla extract.
9. How should I store leftover cookies?
   Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
10. Can I make these cookies without the cinnamon sugar coating?
    Yes, if you prefer, you can bake the cookies without the cinnamon sugar coating for a less sweet version.

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Conclusion

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are the perfect combination of soft, chewy texture and warm, aromatic cinnamon flavor. With their rich cream cheese base, these cookies offer a delightful balance of sweetness and tang, making each bite an indulgent treat. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special gathering, or just looking for a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

The simple ingredients and easy preparation make these cookies a go-to when you’re craving something cozy and comforting. Their irresistible cinnamon scent fills your kitchen as they bake, creating an inviting atmosphere that makes them even more enjoyable. Give these delicious cookies a try, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of cinnamon perfection!

I can’t wait to see how your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy baking!