Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Are you looking for a cookie that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the tangy richness of cream cheese? Look no further than these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies! Soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced, these cookies are ideal for cozy gatherings, holiday baking, or anytime you need a sweet treat with a little extra comfort. With a delicate cream cheese dough and a dusting of cinnamon sugar, these cookies will melt in your mouth and leave you wanting more. Ready to get baking? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

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What Are Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies?

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, buttery cookies that incorporate the richness of cream cheese into the dough for an extra tender texture. These cookies are flavored with cinnamon, both in the dough and as a sweet, spiced coating that gives them a beautiful cinnamon-sugar finish. The cream cheese adds a slight tang and creaminess, making these cookies uniquely delicious. They’re perfect for serving with a cup of coffee or tea or as part of your holiday cookie platter.

Ingredients List for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a batch of these delightful cookies:

For the Cookie Dough:

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

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Substitutions and Variations

If you'd like to tweak this recipe, here are a few substitution and variation ideas:

• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and margarine.
• Add Nuts: For added texture and flavor, fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the dough for a more complex spice profile.
• Frosted Cookies: Top the baked cookies with a simple cream cheese glaze for extra indulgence.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and 4 oz of softened cream cheese together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

Add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, and beat until light and fluffy, another 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and mix until well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.

Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients into the Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky, but that’s okay.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for the coating.

Step 7: Shape and Coat the Cookies

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball using your hands. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Flatten the Cookies (Optional)

For a flatter, crisper cookie, gently press down on the dough balls with the bottom of a glass or your palm. If you prefer a puffier, chewier cookie, you can skip this step.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers may still look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.

Step 10: Cool the Cookies

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: Cinnamon cream cheese cookies are meant to be soft and chewy, so be sure not to overbake them. They should come out of the oven when the edges are just golden and the centers still look slightly underdone.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are fully softened before starting. Cold butter and cream cheese will result in a lumpy dough and uneven texture.
• Not Measuring Flour Properly: Too much flour can make the cookies dense. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

• Serve Warm: These cookies are delicious when served warm, with their soft centers and crispy edges.
• Pair with Coffee or Tea: The warm, spicy flavors of cinnamon make these cookies perfect for pairing with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.
• Holiday Platter: Include these cookies as part of your holiday cookie spread. They’ll be a hit alongside classics like gingerbread and sugar cookies.

Presentation Ideas for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

• Decorate with Powdered Sugar: For a festive touch, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple glaze.
• Sprinkle with Cinnamon: For an extra pop of cinnamon flavor, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top of the cookies after baking.
• Cookie Sandwiches: Turn these cookies into sandwich cookies by spreading cream cheese frosting or caramel between two cookies.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and egg are at room temperature before you start mixing. This will help ensure a smooth, evenly mixed dough.
• Chill the Dough for Easier Handling: If the dough feels too sticky to roll into balls, you can refrigerate it for about 15-20 minutes to firm it up slightly, making it easier to work with.
• Double the Batch: These cookies disappear quickly! Consider doubling the recipe if you’re baking for a crowd or want extra for later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze both the cookie dough and the baked cookies. To freeze the dough, form it into balls, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and place them on a baking sheet to freeze solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen—just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

To freeze the baked cookies, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

How long do these cookies last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. If you’d like them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Can I use light cream cheese?

Yes, you can use light cream cheese if you prefer, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly less rich and creamy. Avoid using fat-free cream cheese as it doesn’t perform as well in baking.

What if I don’t have cinnamon on hand?

If you don’t have cinnamon, you can substitute another warm spice like nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom, though the flavor will be slightly different. You could also add a touch of vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor.

Why is my dough too sticky to roll?

If your dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This will firm it up and make it easier to roll into balls. You can also lightly dust your hands with flour to prevent the dough from sticking.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are the ultimate combination of warm, spicy cinnamon and rich, creamy sweetness. Their soft, tender texture and comforting flavor make them perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to a cozy snack with a warm beverage. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or get creative with mix-ins and toppings, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy these delightful treats! Happy baking!

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