Imagine a cookie that’s wonderfully soft and tender, with a subtle tang from cream cheese, and generously spiced with warm, inviting cinnamon. That’s exactly what you get with our Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies recipe! These delightful treats are a harmonious blend of classic comfort and sophisticated flavor, making them utterly irresistible for any occasion. They’re easy enough for a casual bake day but elegant enough to grace any holiday platter.

Why I Love This Recipe

What makes these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies truly special is their unique texture and balanced flavor profile. The addition of cream cheese in the dough is the secret to their incredible tenderness and chewiness, ensuring they stay soft for days. It also introduces a slight tangy note that beautifully complements the sweetness and warmth of the cinnamon. Unlike some overly sweet cookies, these strike a perfect balance, allowing the aromatic spice to truly shine. The simple yet effective cinnamon-sugar coating on the outside adds an extra layer of crunch and flavor that makes each bite a multi-sensory delight. They’re comforting, nostalgic, and always a crowd-pleaser, making them a personal favorite for cozy evenings or sharing with loved ones.

List of Ingredients

To bake these delectable Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies, gather the following:

For the Cookies:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

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

Swaps and Notes

• Butter & Cream Cheese: Ensure both are truly softened to room temperature. This is crucial for a smooth, lump-free dough and proper texture. Cold ingredients will result in a clumpy batter.
• Sugar (Cookie Dough): Granulated sugar gives these cookies their signature chewiness. You can use light brown sugar for a slightly chewier, more molasses-like flavor.
• Egg: A large egg helps bind the dough and adds moisture. Room temperature is best for emulsification.
• Vanilla Extract: Don’t skip this! It enhances all the other flavors.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly. Measure by spooning into the measuring cup and leveling off, rather than scooping directly from the bag, to avoid adding too much flour.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: The combination provides the perfect lift and spread.
• Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Adjust the ratio of sugar to cinnamon to your preference. For a stronger cinnamon kick, add a bit more. For a milder one, use slightly less. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for added spice complexity.
• Optional Add-ins: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough, or a teaspoon of orange zest for a bright citrus note.

List of Steps for the Recipe

Making these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies is straightforward and fun!

1. Preheat Oven and Prep Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350∘F (175∘C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a small, shallow bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for the coating. Set aside.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and softened cream cheese together on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla: Add the 3/4 cup granulated sugar to the creamed mixture and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg until just combined, then stir in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
7. Chill Dough (Optional, but Recommended): While not strictly necessary, chilling the dough for 30 minutes in the refrigerator can make it easier to handle and results in a slightly thicker, chewier cookie.
8. Form and Coat Cookies: Scoop the cookie dough by rounded tablespoons. Roll each portion into a ball (about 1-inch diameter).
   • Roll each cookie dough ball generously in the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
   • Place the coated cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake: Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers appear set (they may still look slightly soft). Do not overbake, as this will result in a dry cookie.
10. Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: This is the most important tip for achieving a smooth, well-combined dough and the perfect cookie texture. Plan ahead!
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough, dry cookies. Mix just until the flour streaks disappear.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the “spoon and level” method for flour: spoon flour into your measuring cup, then level it off with a straight edge. Don’t scoop directly from the bag, as this compacts the flour and adds too much.
• Generous Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Don’t be shy when rolling the dough balls in the coating. A good layer adds flavor and a lovely texture.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies are meant to be soft and chewy. They may still look a little “underdone” in the center when you pull them out, but they will continue to set as they cool on the hot baking sheet.
• Space Cookies: Give the cookies enough room to spread on the baking sheet (about 2 inches apart) to ensure even baking.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are delightful on their own, but here are some ideas for serving:

• With Coffee or Tea: Their warm, spicy notes make them a perfect companion for your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
• After-Dinner Treat: A lovely, not-too-heavy dessert after any meal.
• Holiday Cookie Platter: Their festive look and flavor make them ideal for Christmas or other holiday cookie assortments.
• Ice Cream Sandwich: Sandwich some vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies for an extra decadent treat.
• Milk: A classic pairing – nothing beats a soft cookie with a cold glass of milk!

Nutritional Information

A single Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookie (approximately 1/24th of the recipe) contains:

• Calories: Approximately 120−150 calories
• Fat: Approximately 6−8g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 15−20g
• Protein: Approximately 1−2g
• Fiber: Approximately <1g
• Sodium: Approximately 80−120mg

Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific brands of ingredients, precise measurements, and the exact size of your cookies.

Storage and Leftover Tips

These cookies hold up wonderfully, staying soft for days!

• Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper if stacking to prevent sticking.
• Freezing Dough: You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls. Roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2-4 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Baked and cooled cookies can also be frozen for up to 1 month. Place them in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts

These Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are truly a joy to bake and even more of a joy to eat. Their unique soft texture, combined with the comforting warmth of cinnamon and the subtle tang of cream cheese, creates an incredibly satisfying treat that’s sure to become a beloved recipe in your home. They’re simple, elegant, and perfectly delicious.

We’d love to hear how these delightful cookies turn out for you! Share your thoughts, photos, and any creative twists you add in the comments section below. And be sure to follow Chefmaniac.com for more tempting cookie recipes and baking inspiration!