Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
These Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful treat that will melt in your mouth. Their soft and tender texture, combined with a warm cinnamon sugar coating, makes them perfect for holidays, cookie exchanges, or any time you crave a sweet bite. Easy to prepare and deeply satisfying, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture: The addition of cream cheese creates cookies that are incredibly soft and tender.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can enjoy success.
- Versatile for occasions: Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or just a cozy night in.
- Delicious cinnamon flavor: The sweet cinnamon sugar coating adds warmth and comfort to every bite.
- Freezing option: You can easily freeze dough or baked cookies for later enjoyment.
Tools and Preparation
Before getting started with the Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.
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 bowl allows ample space for mixing ingredients without spills.
- Electric mixer: This tool ensures smooth cream cheese and butter blends quickly and thoroughly.
- Baking sheets: Helps in even baking; using multiple sheets can speed up the process.
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 the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, 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 Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Mix well until everything is blended.
Step 4: Mix in Flour
Gradually add the flour while mixing. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure full incorporation.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for 1 hour. Chilling prevents spreading during baking.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for rolling the cookies.
Step 8: Form Cookie Balls
Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls (approximately 2 teaspoons each). Coat each ball in cinnamon sugar before placing them on the baking sheet.
Step 9: Bake
Arrange cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8–9 minutes until just set; they should puff but not brown.
Step 10: Cool Cookies
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these delightful Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies fresh out of the oven or save them for later!
How to Serve Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your cinnamon cream cheese cookie experience.
With a Warm Beverage
- Coffee: Pairing these cookies with a fresh cup of coffee enhances their flavor and provides a comforting start to your day.
- Tea: A soothing herbal or black tea complements the sweetness of the cookies, making for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Hot Chocolate: The rich flavors of hot chocolate contrast beautifully with the soft texture of the cookies.
As a Dessert Platter
- Cookie Assortment: Include other cookies like snickerdoodles or chocolate chip for variety. This creates an inviting dessert spread.
- Fruit Garnish: Fresh fruits such as strawberries or raspberries add color and freshness to your serving tray.
For Holiday Celebrations
- Gift Boxes: Package these cookies in decorative boxes for thoughtful gifts during holidays. They make excellent homemade presents.
- Cookie Exchange Parties: Bring these cookies to share at cookie exchanges; they’re sure to impress fellow bakers!
How to Perfect Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
To ensure your best cinnamon cream cheese cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider the following tips:
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when they are just set; they will continue to cook slightly while cooling on the baking sheet.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Using fresh cream cheese and pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of your cookies.
- Experiment with Spices: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can provide a unique twist on traditional cinnamon flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
These cinnamon cream cheese cookies can stand alone, but pairing them with complementary sides can create an even more delightful experience. Here are some fantastic side dish ideas:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances the sweetness and adds a delightful chill.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the cookies creates an indulgent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream makes for an easy and elegant garnish that enhances any dessert presentation.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers freshness and contrasts nicely with the richness of the cookies, making for a balanced dessert plate.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses pairs well with sweet treats, adding depth to your dessert offerings.
- Nuts and Dried Fruits: A bowl of mixed nuts and dried fruits provides crunchy textures and earthy flavors that complement sweet cookies beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Not chilling the dough: Failing to refrigerate the dough leads to cookies that spread too much during baking. Chill the dough for at least an hour to maintain shape.
- Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold butter or cream cheese can prevent proper mixing. Ensure both are softened for a smooth cookie batter.
- Over-measuring flour: Adding too much flour results in dry cookies. Use a spoon to fluff up the flour before measuring, or weigh it for accuracy.
- Skipping parchment paper: Baking directly on the sheet can cause sticking and uneven baking. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper for best results.
- Not checking oven temperature: An inaccurate oven can lead to overbaking or underbaking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your temperature is spot on.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1–2 hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Warm cookies for about 5 minutes until soft.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a covered skillet over low heat for just a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies soft?
The inclusion of cream cheese in the recipe adds moisture and richness, making these cookies soft and tender.
Can I substitute other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use mascarpone or ricotta as alternatives, but they may alter the flavor slightly.
How do I customize the flavor of these cookies?
You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for additional flavors and textures.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! The Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies freeze well and maintain their taste and texture after thawing.
Final Thoughts
These Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile. Perfect for holidays or any sweet craving, they can be easily customized with various add-ins. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the warm, cozy flavors that will surely impress everyone!
Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies, a delightful treat that melts in your mouth. These cookies boast a soft, tender texture thanks to the addition of cream cheese, complemented by a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, they are easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers will find success. Plus, the option to freeze dough or baked cookies means you can enjoy these treats anytime!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Cream together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until combined.
- Incorporate the egg, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt; blend well.
- Mix in the flour gradually until fully incorporated.
- Chill the dough for at least one hour to prevent spreading during baking.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl for rolling.
- Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls and coat each in cinnamon sugar before placing on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 8–9 minutes until set; cool on racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (22g)
- Calories: 99
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: <0.5g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
