Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Who can resist the combination of warm cinnamon and rich cream cheese all wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie? Cinnamon cream cheese cookies are the perfect blend of comfort and flavor, ideal for any occasion from holiday gatherings to simple weekday treats. These cookies are quick and easy to make, and once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your baking rotation. So grab your apron, and read on to discover the secrets to making these irresistible cookies!

What are Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies?

Cinnamon cream cheese cookies are delicious, soft-baked cookies made with a blend of butter, cream cheese, and cinnamon, creating a rich, slightly tangy flavor with a warming spice finish. The cookies have a tender crumb, thanks to the cream cheese, and are often topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, giving them an extra burst of sweetness and spice.

These cookies stand out because they balance the richness of cream cheese with the aromatic warmth of cinnamon, making them an excellent treat for any time of year, but especially during cooler months when you're craving cozy flavors. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is simple to follow and yields fantastic results.

Ingredients List for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s gather everything you need. Here’s a list of ingredients for these delectable cookies:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling the dough)

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (1 block)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

• Cinnamon sugar (for sprinkling on top)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting after baking)

Substitutions and Variations

While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, you can always mix things up to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute some of the granulated sugar with a sugar alternative like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
• Spice Variations: You can add more spices for a deeper flavor, like nutmeg or allspice, which pair well with cinnamon.
• Add-ins: Feel free to mix in extras like chopped nuts, raisins, or even white chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Baking cookies doesn’t need to be complicated. Follow these steps, and you’ll have warm, cinnamon-spiced cookies in no time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
• Set out your butter and cream cheese to soften at room temperature.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
• Set aside for later.

Step 3: Cream Wet Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the granulated sugar and beat for another 2 minutes until fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

• Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, making sure the mixture is smooth and fluffy.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 6: Roll and Coat in Sugar

• Scoop out about 1 ½ tablespoon-sized dough balls and roll them in the reserved granulated sugar. The sugar coating gives the cookies a delicious crunch on the outside while keeping the inside soft.

Step 7: Bake

• Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the tops are slightly cracked.
• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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

To make things even simpler, here’s a quick overview of the essential steps for baking cinnamon cream cheese cookies:

1. Prep the Ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients before starting.
2. Mix the Dough: Cream together the wet ingredients, then incorporate the dry.
3. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into balls, coat in sugar, and space them out on the baking sheets.
4. Bake: Pop them in the oven until golden brown and enjoy the heavenly smell of cinnamon filling your kitchen.
5. Cool and Serve: Once cooled, top with optional cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is straightforward, there are a few common mistakes you should watch out for:

1. Not Softening the Butter and Cream Cheese: Cold butter or cream cheese won’t blend well, which can affect the texture of your cookies. Make sure both are at room temperature before starting.
2. Overmixing the Dough: After you combine the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough cookies.
3. Skipping the Sugar Coating: The extra step of rolling the dough in sugar might seem skippable, but it adds a delightful texture contrast between the crisp outer shell and the soft interior.
4. Underbaking or Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cookies! They should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Now that you’ve baked a batch of these delicious cookies, it’s time to think about presentation and serving. Here are some tips to make your cookies even more irresistible:

How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

• With a Warm Drink: These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a spiced chai latte. Their warmth complements the cookies' cinnamon flavor, making them a perfect snack or dessert.
• As Part of a Dessert Spread: Serve alongside other seasonal treats like pumpkin pie, gingerbread cookies, or snickerdoodles during a holiday gathering.
• Dressed Up for Gifting: Package them in a festive tin or gift box with a ribbon to make a thoughtful homemade gift.

Presentation Ideas for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

• Cinnamon Dusting: Lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar or cinnamon for an elegant touch.
• Cookie Stack: Arrange the cookies in a neat stack and tie them with a ribbon for a decorative display at events or bake sales.
• Cookie Platter: Serve them on a rustic wooden board or a holiday-themed platter for a seasonal presentation.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe Tips

• Chill the Dough: If you find your dough too sticky to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies continue to bake slightly on the cookie sheet after being removed from the oven, so don’t wait for them to turn entirely golden brown.
• Double the Batch: These cookies disappear fast! Double the recipe if you’re baking for a crowd or want to have extras to freeze for later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Just bring it back to room temperature before baking.

Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Absolutely. You can freeze both the cookie dough (before baking) and the baked cookies. For dough, freeze on a tray first, then transfer the dough balls to a sealed container. For baked cookies, place them in an airtight container with parchment between layers.

Q: How long do these cookies stay fresh?
A: Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature or up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

Q: Can I use flavored cream cheese?
A: Yes, but keep in mind it will change the flavor. Plain cream cheese gives the best balanced taste with the cinnamon.

Conclusion

Cinnamon cream cheese cookies are a delightful way to bring together the warmth of cinnamon and the tangy richness of cream cheese. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can bake up a batch of cookies that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or saving some for later, these cookies are bound to become a household favorite.

So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today, and let your home fill with the sweet, comforting aroma of cinnamon cream cheese cookies!

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