Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

If you’re a fan of cookies that are soft, creamy, and bursting with a warm, comforting flavor, then this cinnamon cream cheese cookies recipe is perfect for you. These cookies combine the tangy richness of cream cheese with the subtle spice of cinnamon, creating a treat that’s impossible to resist. Whether you're preparing for a holiday gathering or simply craving a delightful dessert, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about making these cookies, along with tips, tricks, and common mistakes to avoid. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the knowledge to bake up the perfect batch!

What Are Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies?

Cinnamon cream cheese cookies are a soft and flavorful cookie made primarily with cream cheese, butter, sugar, and cinnamon. They have a smooth, creamy texture thanks to the cream cheese and a warm, spicy flavor from the cinnamon. These cookies are perfect for anyone who enjoys a less-sweet dessert that focuses on texture and subtle flavors. The addition of cream cheese makes them extra moist, while the cinnamon provides that cozy, fall-inspired warmth. They’re great for holiday cookie trays or an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.

Ingredients List for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients. Make sure everything is at room temperature to ensure a smooth dough and the best possible texture.

1. Cream Cheese (8 oz) – Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for a rich, creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature.
2. Butter (½ cup) – Unsalted butter, softened. This adds flavor and richness to the cookies.
3. Granulated Sugar (1 cup) – This sweetens the cookies without overpowering the cinnamon flavor.
4. Egg (1 large) – Helps bind the ingredients together.
5. Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Adds depth and enhances the other flavors.
6. All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups) – Provides structure to the cookies.
7. Baking Powder (1 tsp) – Ensures the cookies rise slightly and are soft and tender.
8. Cinnamon (2 tsp) – The star spice, providing warmth and flavor.
9. Salt (¼ tsp) – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

Additional Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Coating (Optional)

To add an extra layer of flavor, you can coat your cookies in a cinnamon-sugar mix before baking.

1. Granulated Sugar (¼ cup)
2. Cinnamon (1 tsp)

Substitutions and Variations

Don’t worry if you’re missing an ingredient or want to switch things up. Here are some substitutions and variations to try:

1. Substitute Cream Cheese: If you don’t have cream cheese, you can try using mascarpone, though the texture may be slightly different. It will still give the cookies a creamy flavor.
2. Vegan/Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitute to make these cookies vegan-friendly.
3. Spice Variation: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon for a more complex spice flavor.
4. Add-ins: For extra texture, consider adding finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or mix in white chocolate chips for added sweetness.
5. Gluten-Free Version: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option. Be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to start baking. Follow this step-by-step guide to make perfectly soft and flavorful cinnamon cream cheese cookies.

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

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps.
3. Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will take another 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Crack the egg into the bowl and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
5. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
7. Chill the Dough (Optional): For best results, cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
8. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: While the dough chills, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
9. Form the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, scoop out balls of dough and roll them between your hands. If you want, roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
10. Bake the Cookies: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden but the centers are still soft.
11. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Dough: Be sure not to overmix the dough after adding the flour, as this can lead to dense, tough cookies. Mix just until the flour is incorporated.
2. Not Softening the Butter and Cream Cheese: If your butter and cream cheese aren’t softened, they won’t cream together properly, leading to lumpy dough and uneven texture.
3. Skipping the Chill Time: If you skip chilling the dough, your cookies may spread too much in the oven, resulting in thin, crispy cookies instead of soft, thick ones.
4. Overbaking: Be careful not to overbake these cookies. They should still be soft in the center when you take them out of the oven, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Cinnamon cream cheese cookies are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas for how to serve and present these delightful cookies.

How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

1. Warm with Coffee or Tea: These cookies are perfect alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. Serve them warm for an extra-soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
2. Holiday Cookie Trays: Add these cookies to your holiday cookie trays for a treat that’s different from the usual sugar cookies and gingerbread. They’re sure to be a hit!
3. With a Glass of Milk: The classic cookie-and-milk pairing works wonderfully with these cinnamon cream cheese cookies. The richness of the cookies complements the milk perfectly.

Presentation Ideas for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

1. Drizzle with Icing: For a more decorative touch, drizzle the cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little milk. You can even add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the glaze for extra flavor.
2. Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar before serving gives the cookies a more elegant, bakery-style look.
3. Gift Packaging: Wrap a batch of cookies in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a beautiful homemade gift.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are properly softened for the best texture. Cold ingredients won’t blend together smoothly.
2. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps to prevent spreading during baking and results in thicker, chewier cookies.
3. Don’t Overbake: The cookies may look underbaked when you first take them out of the oven, but they will continue to cook and set as they cool.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap.

Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking, or freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I add other spices to this recipe?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with adding spices like nutmeg, allspice, or ginger for a more complex flavor profile.

Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
A: This could be due to not chilling the dough long enough. Be sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Conclusion

Cinnamon cream cheese cookies are the perfect blend of soft, creamy, and flavorful. They offer a comforting balance of sweetness and spice, making them a versatile dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just because, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With the tips and step-by-step guide provided, you’re well on your way to creating the most delicious cinnamon cream cheese cookies. So go ahead, preheat that oven, and get baking! Your taste buds will thank you.

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