A Friendly Welcome to Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
These cinnamon cream cheese cookies are soft, slightly tangy, and dusted with warm cinnamon sugar. They bake fast and make a great snack or dessert. If you like sweet treats with a soft center, you’ll enjoy these. For another cream-cheese twist on quick breads, you might also like this hummingbird bread with cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
Why You’ll Want to Bake These Today
These cookies are simple and reliable. The cream cheese keeps them tender and gives a mild tang that balances the sugar and cinnamon. They come together with pantry staples and give you a bakery-style cookie at home. They’re great for cookie swaps, school lunches, or a cozy coffee break.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
Follow the steps below. Read through first so you know the flow, then bake.
What You Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup sugar for rolling
If you want tips on working with cream cheese in cookie recipes, this pumpkin cookie recipe can be a helpful reference: Pumpkin sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar for rolling.
- Scoop dough balls and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Best Ways to Serve These Cookies
Serve warm or at room temperature. They pair well with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. If you bring cookies to a family gathering, place them on a simple platter and let people help themselves. For a fun dessert plate, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to Store Your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
- To keep them soft, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- If refrigerated, let them come to room temperature before serving so they soften.
Pro Tips for Flawless Cookies
- Use softened (not melted) butter and cream cheese for the best texture.
- Don’t overmix after adding flour — stop when the dough just comes together.
- Chill the dough 15–20 minutes if it feels very soft; this helps them hold shape.
- Roll evenly so baking is consistent.
- Bake on the middle rack for even browning.
Easy Variations to Try
- Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for crunch.
- Stir in 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries for chew and flavor.
- Swap 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for a fall flavor.
Nutrition Snapshot (Approximate)
Per cookie (estimate):
- Calories: ~140
- Fat: ~7 g
- Carbs: ~18 g
- Protein: ~2 g
These values are rough estimates and will vary by cookie size.
Serving Ideas for Family
- Pack a few in lunchboxes with fruit for a sweet treat.
- Offer them at a casual family gathering with coffee or hot chocolate.
- Make a cookie plate with other treats for holidays. For a richer dessert spread, consider pairing with a dense bar like blackberry cream cheese brownies.
What Pairs Well With These Cookies
- Drinks: Coffee, chai tea, hot cocoa, or cold milk.
- Other sweets: Vanilla ice cream, simple shortbread, or a fruit tart.
- Savory balance: Cheese plates with mild cheeses can be a surprising, nice contrast.
Common Questions
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: Yes, you can, but the cookies may be slightly less rich and a bit less tender.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes. Chill the dough for up to 24 hours, then scoop and bake. You can also freeze scooped dough balls and bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two.
Q: How do I keep the cookies soft longer?
A: Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a damp paper towel (sealed so it won’t wet the cookies). The bread helps keep them moist.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: You can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but texture may change. Check package instructions for substitutions.
Conclusion
For more recipes and ideas, check these helpful guides: Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe, Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies | 12 Tomatoes, and Cinnamon-Sugar Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe | The Kitchn.
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Use softened, not melted.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened Use softened, not melted.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For Rolling
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup sugar For rolling the cookie dough balls.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar for rolling.
- Scoop dough balls and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart.
Baking
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Allow to cool before serving.
