Easy Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

The Dreamiest Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe Ever

Delicate cinnamon cream cheese cookies offer a sweet whisper of warmth that dances across your taste buds.

Soft and pillowy textures promise pure comfort in every single bite.

Childhood memories of grandmother’s kitchen swirl through these delightful treats.

Creamy cheese mingles with aromatic spices, creating an irresistible harmony of flavors.

Simple ingredients come together in a magical blend that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Rich and indulgent, these cookies demand nothing more than a moment of pure enjoyment.

You’ll want to savor each delectable morsel and share the love with everyone around you.

Why Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Are So Tempting

  • Simplify Baking: Perfect for novice bakers with straightforward steps and minimal kitchen equipment, making cookie creation a breeze for everyone.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Cinnamon and cream cheese combine to create an irresistible sweet treat that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteed to disappear quickly at gatherings.
  • Versatile Dessert Delight: Ideal for multiple occasions like potlucks, family celebrations, school events, or casual weekend snacking, these cookies bring instant joy to any setting.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires common pantry staples, allowing home bakers to craft delicious cookies without complicated shopping or expensive ingredients.

Ingredients List for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Main Ingredients:
  • Butter: The base fat that provides richness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds moisture and a tangy flavor to the cookie, creating a soft and creamy consistency.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cookie's golden-brown color and crisp edges.
  • Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the cookies their shape and texture.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the cookie dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
Spice and Seasoning:
  • Cinnamon, Salt, Baking Powder: These ingredients work together to add flavor, balance sweetness, and help the cookies rise and develop a perfect texture.
Coating:
  • Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates a sweet and spicy outer layer that adds extra flavor and a beautiful finish to the cookies.

How to Bake Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Softened butter
  • Cream cheese
  • Sugar

Mix until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and completely smooth.

Step 3: Add Moisture and Flavor

Incorporate the wet ingredients into the creamy base:
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Blend thoroughly until all components are well combined.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.

Mix until a soft, cohesive dough forms.

Step 6: Create Cinnamon Coating

In a small bowl, mix:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

This will be used to roll the cookie dough.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Gently roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 8: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet. Slightly flatten each ball with your palm for even baking.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. The cookies will firm up as they cool, creating a delightful texture.

Expert Tips for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

  • Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother, more even mixing and better cookie texture.
  • Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense cookies; stop mixing once ingredients are just combined.
  • Use fresh, high-quality ground cinnamon for a more intense, vibrant flavor that enhances the cookie's taste.
  • Experiment with different sugar coatings like powdered sugar or adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for variety.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft, delicate texture.

Flavorful Twists for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a celiac-friendly version of the classic cookie.
  • Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or almonds into the dough for added texture and rich, toasted flavor.
  • Chocolate Swirl: Mix in dark chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies for a decadent upgrade.
  • Maple Spice: Substitute white sugar with maple sugar and add a dash of nutmeg for a warm, autumnal profile.

Serving Ideas for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

  • Cozy Coffee Companion: Pair these soft, spiced cookies with a steaming mug of rich espresso or cappuccino for a delightful afternoon treat that warms both hands and heart.
  • Holiday Gift Delight: Package these cookies in cute mason jars or festive tins, tied with ribbons, for a homemade gift that spreads sweet cheer during Christmas or birthdays.
  • Dessert Plate Star: Arrange cookies on a beautiful ceramic plate with a light dusting of extra cinnamon sugar, creating an elegant presentation that makes them irresistible at potlucks or family gatherings.
  • Ice Cream Sandwich Magic: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies for a decadent summer dessert that combines creamy and crisp textures perfectly.

Storage Recommendations for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Refrigerate cookies in a sealed container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, lasting up to 7 days.
  • Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating each layer for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat refrigerated or frozen cookies by placing them on a baking sheet and warming in a preheated 300F oven for 3-5 minutes until slightly crisp and warm.

FAQs

  • What makes the texture of these cookies unique?

The cream cheese in the recipe creates a soft, tender cookie with a rich, velvety texture that’s different from traditional butter-based cookies.

  • Can I use different types of sugar?

Granulated white sugar works best, but you can experiment with light brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor profile that complements the cinnamon.

  • Is the cinnamon flavor strong in these cookies?

The cinnamon is balanced – noticeable but not overpowering, providing a warm, subtle spice that enhances the sweetness of the cookie without being too intense.

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

Look for slightly golden edges and a set center. The cookies should look slightly underbaked in the middle, as they’ll continue to firm up while cooling on the wire rack.

Print
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Easy Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Easy Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Homemade cinnamon cream cheese cookies deliver a sweet southern comfort with rich, buttery notes. Delicate spice and creamy texture invite warm moments of pure cookie bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened

Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spice and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Rolling Mixture:

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare workspace by heating oven to 350F and lining baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Blend softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until achieving a smooth, airy consistency.
  3. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until fully integrated.
  4. Separately combine flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt in a clean mixing bowl.
  5. Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until cohesive dough develops.
  6. Create coating mixture by whisking together granulated sugar and additional ground cinnamon.
  7. Shape dough into uniform 1-inch spheres, then generously coat each ball in cinnamon-sugar blend.
  8. Arrange cookie balls on prepared baking sheet, gently pressing down to slightly flatten surface.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges and set texture.
  10. Transfer cookies to wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature before serving.

Notes

  • Softening cream cheese and butter at room temperature ensures smooth, creamy cookie dough without lumps.
  • Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling helps prevent spreading and maintains the cookies’ shape during baking.
  • For gluten-free options, swap wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend, which adds a nutty undertone to the cookies.
  • Customize the spice level by adjusting cinnamon quantity – less for subtle warmth, more for intense cinnamon flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 172 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 55 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 23 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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