Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Sweet & Buttery Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Sweet and irresistible cinnamon cream cheese cookies dance between comfort and decadence, promising a delightful treat for anyone seeking pure indulgence.

Soft textures blend with warm spices in a symphony of flavor.

Fragrant aromas will fill your kitchen with nostalgic memories.

Delicate ingredients combine effortlessly to create these melt-in-your-mouth delights.

Baking becomes an intimate experience that connects generations through shared culinary joy.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of creamy richness and gentle spice.

You won’t be able to resist these heavenly morsels that make every moment feel special.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Adds rich, tangy flavor and creates a soft, tender cookie texture.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, creamy cookie base.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps with browning.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Gives a warm, classic flavor to the cookies.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates a sweet and spicy exterior that adds depth and warmth to the cookie's flavor profile.

How to Prepare Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for your delicious cookies.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until they’re perfectly combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Base

In a separate large bowl, grab your electric mixer and blend:
  • Cream cheese
  • Softened butter
  • Granulated sugar

Beat these ingredients until they transform into a silky, smooth mixture.

Step 4: Add Moisture And Flavor

Pour in:
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Mix gently until everything is beautifully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold the dry ingredient mixture into the creamy base, stirring until a soft cookie dough forms.

Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon Coating

In a small bowl, mix together:
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Step 7: Shape And Roll Cookies

Scoop out small portions of dough and roll into round balls.

Generously coat each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Place cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Step 9: Cool And Enjoy

Remove from oven and let cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before devouring.

Tips to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Perfect

  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to achieve a smooth, creamy texture that blends easily with other ingredients.
  • Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform cookies that bake evenly and look professionally made.
  • Lightly grease your hands with cooking spray when rolling dough balls to stop the mixture from clinging to your fingers.
  • Gently roll each cookie dough ball in the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum flavor.
  • Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture.

Variation Ideas for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly option that maintains the cookie's soft texture.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream cheese, use plant-based butter, and replace egg with ground flaxseed mixed with water to create a similar binding effect.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener and use reduced-fat cream cheese to create a lighter, less caloric cookie while preserving the cinnamon flavor.
  • Keto-Friendly Modification: Use coconut flour instead of regular flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and add extra cinnamon to boost the warm, comforting taste profile.

Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

  • Cozy Comfort Companion: Pair these warm, spicy cookies with a steaming mug of chai tea or hot apple cider for a delightful autumn afternoon treat.
  • Dessert Decorating Delight: Dust cookies with extra powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate to elevate their presentation and add a touch of elegance.
  • Festive Party Platter: Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh cinnamon sticks and small bowls of whipped cream for a stunning holiday dessert display that will impress guests.
  • Sweet Gifting Option: Package cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with cinnamon-colored ribbon for a homemade gift that spreads warmth and love to friends and family.

How to Store Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

  • Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Seal tightly and freeze for 2-3 months. Separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
  • Remove frozen cookies and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Cookies will return to soft, delicious texture naturally.
  • Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in preheated oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes to restore original freshness and softness.

FAQs

  • Are these cookies difficult to make?

These cookies are beginner-friendly and easy to prepare. Even novice bakers can successfully make them with basic mixing and rolling techniques.

  • Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Regular full-fat cream cheese works best for achieving the right texture and richness. Low-fat versions might make the cookies less creamy and tender.

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

Look for light golden edges and a slightly set center. They should be soft but not wet when you take them out of the oven. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.

  • What makes the cinnamon coating special?

Rolling the cookies in a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a delicious caramelized exterior with a warm, spicy flavor that adds extra depth to the cookie’s taste.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Full of Spice

  • Whip Up Quickly: These cookies come together with minimal preparation, making them perfect for spontaneous baking sessions.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Delight: The irresistible combination of cream cheese and cinnamon creates a flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Simple steps and basic ingredients make this recipe accessible for novice bakers looking to build their confidence in the kitchen.
  • Versatile Treat: Great for casual gatherings, afternoon snacks, or as a sweet gift for friends and family, these cookies adapt to any occasion.
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Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe


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4.5 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 34 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Classic cinnamon cream cheese cookies blend comforting spice with rich cream cheese for an irresistible treat. Warm kitchen aromas promise delightful moments when sharing these simple, elegant cookies with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Coating Ingredient:

  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar (for coating)

Instructions

  1. Prepare workspace by arranging oven rack in middle position and warming oven to 350°F. Cover baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Sift together dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring smooth and even texture.
  3. Using electric mixer, cream together cream cheese, butter, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
  4. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract into cream cheese mixture, blending until completely integrated and smooth.
  5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until cookie dough forms a consistent texture without overmixing.
  6. Create cinnamon coating by thoroughly combining brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
  7. Shape cookie dough into uniform 1-inch round balls using gentle rolling technique.
  8. Completely coat each dough ball in cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring full and even coverage.
  9. Arrange coated cookie balls on prepared baking sheet, spacing approximately 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
  10. Bake in preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, watching for edges to turn light golden brown.
  11. Remove from oven and allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire cooling rack.
  12. Let cookies cool completely before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Choose room temperature cream cheese and butter for smoother, easier mixing and better cookie texture.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and ensure a more compact cookie shape.
  • Use a light hand when coating cookies in cinnamon sugar to avoid overwhelming the delicate cream cheese flavor.
  • For gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cookie’s soft, tender crumb.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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