Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Soft, buttery, and infused with warm cinnamon spice, these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful treat that will melt in your mouth. The addition of cream cheese gives the cookies a rich, tender crumb, making them incredibly soft and flavorful. Perfect for fall or winter baking, holiday cookie trays, or just to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee, these cookies are simple to make but taste wonderfully indulgent. Let’s dive into the recipe so you can bake a batch of these irresistible cinnamon cookies!

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What are Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies?

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are buttery, soft cookies made with cream cheese for added richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. They’re flavored with cinnamon, giving them a warm, comforting taste, reminiscent of snickerdoodles but with a softer, creamier twist. Rolled in cinnamon-sugar before baking, each bite delivers a perfectly spiced sweetness that’s ideal for any time of year, but especially during cooler months.

Ingredients List for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

For the Cookie Dough:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Substitutions and Variations

1. Flour Alternatives:
   If you’d like a lighter texture, you can substitute ½ cup of all-purpose flour with cake flour. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour mix.
2. Dairy-Free Option:
   Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives to make these cookies dairy-free. Plant-based products work just as well for a soft, flavorful cookie.
3. Add-ins:
   Consider folding in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture. White chocolate chips or butterscotch chips also complement the cinnamon flavor beautifully.
4. Flavor Variations:
   Swap the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor twist, or add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra spice kick.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
4. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix—the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

1. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating. Mix until evenly combined.

Step 4: Shape and Coat the Cookies

1. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls.
2. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring each one is evenly coated.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

1. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly puffed. The cookies should be soft in the center.
3. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies is simple. You start by creaming together softened butter and cream cheese to create a rich, smooth base. After mixing in the sugar and eggs, you gently fold in the dry ingredients, ensuring not to overmix for a tender texture. Each dough ball is then rolled in cinnamon-sugar for a sweet and spiced coating. Finally, the cookies are baked until just set, creating a soft, pillowy texture with a hint of cinnamon warmth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Dough:
   Be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the flour. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
2. Using Cold Butter or Cream Cheese:
   For the best texture, make sure both your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before starting. Cold ingredients won’t mix properly and can lead to uneven cookies.
3. Overbaking the Cookies:
   These cookies are meant to be soft, so avoid overbaking. They should be set on the edges but still slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

These cookies are delicious warm or at room temperature. Serve them with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of milk. They’re perfect for holiday cookie trays, casual get-togethers, or as an afternoon snack. For a festive touch, you can dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

Presentation Ideas for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

• Gift Giving: Wrap a few cookies in parchment paper or a decorative box tied with ribbon for a lovely homemade gift.
• Holiday Decor: Serve the cookies on a platter lined with a cinnamon stick or two and sprinkle the tops with a little extra cinnamon sugar before serving.
• Drizzle Icing: For a bit of extra sweetness, drizzle the cookies with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe Tips

• Chill the Dough for Easier Shaping:
  If your dough is too soft or sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before rolling into balls. This will make shaping much easier.
• Store Properly:
  Keep your cookies soft by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; just thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Enhance the Cinnamon Flavor:
  For an even stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in the dough to 1 teaspoon and add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
   Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough after rolling it into balls. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, roll the frozen dough balls in cinnamon-sugar and bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
2. How do I store leftover cookies?
   Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Be sure all other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free.
4. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
   Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the richest flavor and softest texture, but you can use low-fat cream cheese if you prefer. Just note that the texture may be slightly different.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful combination of rich, buttery flavor and the warmth of cinnamon. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet, spiced coating, these cookies are perfect for cozy days, holiday baking, or any time you're craving a soft and flavorful treat. Easy to make and fun to share, this recipe is a must-try for any cookie lover. Give them a try, and enjoy the deliciousness with family and friends!

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