Name: Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
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 extract; Pinch kosher salt; 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are a game-changer for your cookie repertoire! Perfectly soft with a tender crumb, these treats blend the tanginess of cream cheese with warm cinnamon spice for an irresistible flavor combination. They come together in just 20 minutes of active time and deliver bakery-quality results right from your kitchen. Whether for holiday cookie exchanges, afternoon treats, or satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies hit all the right notes with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Soft Texture: The cream cheese creates an unbelievably tender cookie that practically melts in your mouth.
Quick Preparation: The dough comes together in minutes, making this perfect for those times when you need a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
Perfect Balance: The tangy cream cheese offsets the sweetness and pairs beautifully with the warm cinnamon coating for a cookie that’s not too sweet but completely satisfying.
Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies disappear fast at gatherings – their unique flavor and texture make them stand out from standard chocolate chip or sugar cookies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich base for the cookies; make sure it’s properly softened for easy creaming.
Cream Cheese: The secret ingredient that gives these cookies their distinctive texture and slight tanginess; also helps keep them moist.
Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness while incorporating smoothly into the dough without graininess.
Egg: Binds everything together and adds structure to the cookies.
Baking Powder: Just enough to give a slight lift without making them cakey.
Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract: Adds depth of flavor and warmth; vanilla bean paste gives beautiful flecks throughout the cookie.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cookie structure; measure carefully for consistent results.
Granulated Sugar: Combined with cinnamon for the coating that gives these cookies their signature finish.
Ground Cinnamon: Provides that warm, aromatic spice that makes these cookies irresistible; use fresh cinnamon for best flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on these delightful cookies? Here are some fantastic variations to try:

Orange-Cinnamon: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the dough for a bright citrus note that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
Chocolate Swirl: Fold in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips for a chocolate-cinnamon combination that’s absolutely divine.
Nutty Version: Add 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough, or roll the cookies in a mixture of cinnamon-sugar and finely chopped nuts.
Cardamom Twist: Substitute half the cinnamon with ground cardamom for a more complex, slightly floral spice profile.
Maple Enhancement: Replace the vanilla with maple extract and add a tablespoon of pure maple syrup to the dough for a fall-inspired treat.

How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese with a hand mixer until completely smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined and creamy.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, baking powder, vanilla, and salt to your butter mixture. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Incorporate Flour

Gradually add the flour, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix or your cookies might become tough. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for one hour. This step is crucial as it firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and preventing excessive spreading during baking.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for coating.

Step 6: Shape and Coat Cookies

Take the chilled dough and roll it into 1-inch balls (about 2 teaspoons of dough each). Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until completely coated, then place on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 8-9 minutes until the cookies are just set. These cookies won’t brown much, so be careful not to overbake them. They should look slightly puffy and just set in the center.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps them set up properly.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Temperature Matters: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are properly softened but not melted. This creates the perfect creamy base for your cookies.
Don’t Skip the Chilling: The hour in the refrigerator is non-negotiable! Chilled dough prevents spreading and helps maintain that perfect cookie shape.
Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniformly sized cookies that bake evenly, a small cookie scoop works wonders.
Watch Carefully While Baking: These cookies don’t visibly brown like traditional cookies, so keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking. They should look set but still soft.
Proper Measuring: For best results, measure your flour by spooning it into measuring cups and leveling off, rather than scooping directly from the container.
Double the Cinnamon-Sugar: If you like a more prominent cinnamon coating, double-roll the cookies in the cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking.

How to Serve

These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are versatile treats that can be enjoyed in numerous ways:

Perfect Pairings:

Serve with a glass of cold milk for the classic cookie experience.
Pair with hot coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.
For an elegant dessert, sandwich vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies.

Serving Occasions:

Include these on holiday cookie platters for a unique option among traditional favorites.
Package in decorative bags or tins for homemade gifts.
Serve slightly warm for an extra-special after-dinner treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer freshness, add a slice of bread to the container to keep the cookies soft.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Freeze baked cookies in single layers with parchment paper between them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Alternatively, freeze the cookie dough balls (before rolling in cinnamon sugar) for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then roll in cinnamon sugar and bake as directed.

Make-Ahead Options

Prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep refrigerated until ready to bake. You can also roll the balls and coat them in cinnamon sugar, then refrigerate on a baking sheet for up to 24 hours before baking.

FAQs

Why did my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much during baking, the dough likely wasn’t chilled enough. Make sure to refrigerate for a full hour, and if your kitchen is very warm, you might need even longer. Also, check that your butter and cream cheese weren’t too soft or melted when making the dough.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
While full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and flavor, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel) with decent results. Avoid fat-free cream cheese as it contains more water and will affect the cookie structure.

How do I know when these cookies are done since they don’t brown?
Look for cookies that have puffed slightly and appear set on top. The bottoms should be just barely golden when you lift one to check. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake.

Can I add different spices to these cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies are wonderful with additions like nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom mixed into the cinnamon-sugar coating. Start with small amounts (1/4 teaspoon) of these stronger spices and adjust to your taste.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies bring something truly special to your cookie jar. With their pillowy texture, subtle tanginess, and warm cinnamon hug, they manage to be both comforting and sophisticated at the same time. They’re my go-to when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, and I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t fall in love with them at first bite. Give them a try – they might just become your new signature cookie!