Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
These Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are delightful treats that melt in your mouth. Coated in warm cinnamon sugar, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a cookie exchange, or simply when you’re craving something sweet and cozy. The combination of cream cheese and cinnamon makes these cookies exceptionally soft and tender, creating a unique flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up these cookies quickly.
- Soft and Tender Texture: The addition of cream cheese ensures a delightful softness that sets these cookies apart.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Christmas or a casual get-together, these cookies fit right in.
- Versatile Flavor: The warm cinnamon sugar coating complements the creaminess of the cookie, making them irresistible.
- Make Ahead Option: You can refrigerate or freeze the dough ahead of time for easy baking later.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make it more enjoyable.
Grab This Chef Knife Now - Almost Gone!
- Stays Razor-Sharp: Ice-hardened blade keeps its edge longer than ordinary knives
- Superior Grip Control: Unique finger hole design gives you perfect balance and safety
- Built to Last a Lifetime: Premium stainless steel blade with elegant beech wood handle
Customer Reviews ★★★★★
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spilling.
- Electric mixer or whisk: This tool helps achieve a smooth texture by thoroughly creaming the butter and cream cheese.
- Baking sheets: These provide a flat surface for even baking and cooling of your cookies.
Ingredients
To create the Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- pinch kosher salt
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar
Slowly add the powdered sugar to the mixture. Mix until fully combined.
Step 3: Incorporate Remaining Ingredients
Add in the egg, baking powder, vanilla bean paste (or extract), and a pinch of kosher salt. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
Step 4: Gradually Add Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture. Mix until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides as needed.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading during baking.
Step 6: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Step 8: Roll Dough into Balls
Scoop out chilled dough (about 2 teaspoons each) and roll into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat thoroughly.
Step 9: Bake Cookies
Place coated balls on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8–9 minutes until just set; they should puff but not brown.
Step 10: Cool Your Cookies
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your freshly baked Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies! They’re sure to be a hit!
How to Serve Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
These Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are delightful on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of treats and beverages to enhance your experience. Here are some serving suggestions to enjoy these soft, tender cookies.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pairing with milk enhances the cookie’s creaminess and balances the sweetness. A cold glass of whole or almond milk is perfect.
Enjoy with Coffee or Tea
- The warm spices in these cookies complement the rich flavors of coffee or tea. Try them with a spiced chai or a dark roast coffee.
Add a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The melting ice cream blends beautifully with the cinnamon sugar.
Create a Cookie Sandwich
- Spread a layer of frosting or whipped cream between two cookies for a delicious cookie sandwich. This adds extra sweetness and creaminess.
Garnish with Fresh Fruit
- Fresh berries or sliced apples add a fruity twist that pairs nicely with the rich flavors of the cookies.
How to Perfect Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
To make sure your Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these tips:
- Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough before baking helps prevent spreading, ensuring your cookies maintain their shape.
- Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately, avoiding dense cookies.
- Don’t overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven when they are just set; they should not brown much.
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and spices are fresh for maximum flavor and rise.
- Experiment with flavors: Add nuts or chocolate chips to customize your cookies according to your taste preferences.
- Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness.
Best Side Dishes for Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
These Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some great options:
-
Vanilla Yogurt
A creamy yogurt serves as a light contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, providing a refreshing balance. -
Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and acidity that pairs well with the rich flavors of cinnamon and cream cheese. -
Cheese Platter
Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese on your platter, which can provide a savory contrast to sweet cookies. -
Chocolate Fondue
Melted chocolate creates an interactive dessert experience where you can dip cookie pieces into warm chocolate. -
Nut Mix
A simple bowl of mixed nuts adds crunch and saltiness, balancing out the sweet profile of the cookies. -
Hot Chocolate
A cozy cup of hot chocolate complements the warm spices in the cookies beautifully, making for a comforting treat. -
Caramel Sauce
Drizzling caramel sauce over cookies offers an added layer of sweetness that many will love. -
Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Set up an ice cream sundae bar where guests can top their ice cream with crumbled cookie pieces for added texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies can be a rewarding experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold butter or cream cheese can result in a lumpy dough. Always soften these ingredients for a smooth mixture.
- Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping the chilling step can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Remember to refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Incorrect Measurements: Using too much flour or sugar can alter the texture and taste. Always measure accurately using proper measuring cups.
- Overbaking: Baking cookies too long can make them dry and hard. Keep an eye on them and take them out when they are just set for a soft, tender cookie.
- Skipping Parchment Paper: Not lining your baking sheet can cause cookies to stick and lose their shape. Use parchment paper or silicone mats for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Freezing Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
- Freeze the cookies in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies:
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used, but it may change the texture slightly.
How do I customize these cookies?
Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
The Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are not just delicious; they offer comfort with every bite. Their soft texture combined with a sweet cinnamon coating makes them perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins or adjusting the spices. Don’t hesitate—try making this delightful treat today!
Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of baking with the Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies. These melt-in-your-mouth treats combine the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese with the warm, cozy flavor of cinnamon, making them perfect for any occasion—from holiday gatherings to casual snack time. Coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar blend, these cookies are not only easy to make but also offer a tender bite that keeps everyone coming back for more. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in no time and enjoy a treat that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- Pinch kosher salt
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add egg, baking powder, vanilla, and salt; mix until combined.
- Slowly incorporate flour until the mixture is well blended.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading during baking.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll chilled dough into balls, coat in cinnamon-sugar mixture, and place on baking sheets.
- Bake for 8–9 minutes or until just set; cool on wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approximately 20g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
