We can’t resist the warm, spicy allure of cinnamon cream cheese cookies, a delightful twist on classic baked treats that blend creamy richness with a comforting cinnamon kick. Originating from simple home baking traditions, these cookies offer a perfect balance of soft texture and bold flavors that make them irresistible for any gathering.
As food enthusiasts, we’ve perfected this recipe to be easy and foolproof, ensuring you’ll create batches that vanish in no time. Whether it’s for holidays or everyday indulgence, dive into this cozy favorite and elevate your baking game.
Ingredients
For our Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies recipe, we gather simple yet flavorful ingredients that blend creamy textures with warm spices. Below, we list them in the order they are typically used, with prep specifics noted for accuracy.
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- Cream cheese: 8 ounces (1 package), softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), also softened, to ensure a smooth base.
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness that balances the spices.
- Light brown sugar: ½ cup, packed, to add depth and moisture.
- Large eggs: 2, at room temperature, to help bind the dough.
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons, pure variety for authentic flavor enhancement.
- All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups, sifted, to provide structure without weighing down the cookies.
- *Ground cinnamon: 2 tablespoons, freshly ground if possible, for that signature warm spice.
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon, to give the cookies a light rise.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, to enhance overall taste.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cookie) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Total Fat (g) | 9 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 16 |
| Protein (g) | 2 |
| Sugar (g) | 10 |
Equipment Needed
Before we dive into preparing our irresistible Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies, let’s ensure we have the right tools on hand. Having the proper equipment makes the baking process smooth and efficient, allowing us to achieve that perfect creamy texture and warm spice without any hitches.
We recommend the following essential items, organized by their role in the recipe:
- Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls—one for dry ingredients and one for wet—to keep everything organized. Opt for stainless steel or glass for easy mixing and cleaning.
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: A hand-held electric mixer or stand mixer with beaters for creaming the butter and cream cheese. This ensures a fluffy dough, which is key to the cookies’ tender crumb.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of standard measuring cups (1 cup, ½ cup, ⅓ cup, ¼ cup) and spoons (1 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, etc.) for accurate measurements of flour, sugar, and spices. Precision here prevents inconsistencies in flavor and texture.
- Baking Sheets: At least two rimmed baking sheets to hold the cookie dough. Line them with parchment paper for even baking and easy cleanup.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A flexible silicone spatula for folding ingredients and scraping bowl sides, or a sturdy wooden spoon as an alternative. This tool helps incorporate the cinnamon and other flavors seamlessly.
- Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon: A 1.5-inch cookie scoop for uniform dough portions, ensuring all cookies bake evenly. If unavailable, use a tablespoon to portion out dough by hand.
- Oven and Timer: A standard oven preheated to the required temperature, paired with a reliable kitchen timer to monitor baking time. Baking sheets should be placed in the middle rack for optimal heat distribution.
- Cooling Rack: A wire rack to cool the cookies after baking, preventing sogginess. This step locks in the cookies’ signature crisp edges and soft centers.
With these tools ready, we’re set to move forward and transform our ingredients into delicious Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies.
Instructions
With our ingredients measured and equipment at the ready, we’re excited to guide you through baking these irresistible cinnamon cream cheese cookies, ensuring each step delivers a warm, spicy aroma and creamy texture that will delight your senses.
Prepare the Dough
First, we start by creaming the wet ingredients to build that signature creamy base. In a medium mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes—this creates the rich, velvety foundation that makes these cookies stand out.
Next, we add the sugars and eggs for depth and structure. Gradually incorporate 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, mixing on medium speed until fully combined and the mixture turns light and airy. Then, crack in 2 large eggs one at a time, followed by 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and beat until everything is well blended, resulting in a batter with a sweet, aromatic scent that hints at the cinnamon to come.
Finally, we fold in the dry ingredients to form the dough. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined—overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as the dough comes together into a soft, cohesive ball.
Shape the Cookies
Now that our dough is ready, we shape it into perfect portions for even baking. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls, which yields about 24 cookies and ensures uniform size for consistent results.
Gently roll each ball in your hands to smooth any rough edges, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. For added texture and flavor, we recommend lightly pressing each ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers—this step enhances the cookies’ golden, crinkled tops that release a burst of cinnamon spice when baked.
Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F to achieve that ideal golden bake. Once hot, slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown and the centers remain soft, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma of warm cinnamon and cream cheese.
We monitor closely during the last few minutes to prevent overbaking, as this preserves the cookies’ chewy interior and creamy undertones. Remove the sheet from the oven and let the cookies rest on it for 5 minutes—the heat will continue to set them perfectly.
Cool and Store
Transfer the baked cookies to a cooling rack immediately after their brief rest on the sheet, allowing them to cool completely for about 10-15 minutes—this step locks in that moist, tender texture and prevents sogginess.
For storage, we keep these treats fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain their soft, spicy flavor. If freezing, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months—thaw at room temperature for the best results.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best features of our Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies is how easily they adapt to busy schedules. We love preparing these cookies in advance to preserve their warm, spicy cinnamon flavor and creamy texture, ensuring they remain fresh and ready for any occasion. Below, we outline step-by-step methods for making the dough or baked cookies ahead, so you can enjoy hassle-free baking.
Preparing the Dough Ahead
To save time, we recommend making the dough up to 2 days in advance. Follow these steps for optimal results:
- After mixing the dough as described in our earlier steps, shape it into balls as instructed.
- Place the shaped dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching.
- Cover the sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. This chilling step enhances the cookies’ flavor development, allowing the cinnamon and cream cheese to meld perfectly.
When you’re ready to bake:
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly.
- Proceed with baking at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, as per the original instructions.
Freezing the Dough or Baked Cookies
Freezing is a game-changer for our Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies, extending their shelf life while locking in that irresistible, buttery softness. We suggest freezing in portions for easy access.
For unbaked dough:
- Shape the dough into balls, then arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours).
- Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container, labeling with the date. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
- To bake from frozen, place the dough balls on a prepared baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 12-14 minutes, adding 2 extra minutes to account for the chill.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a rack after baking.
- Layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours or microwave individual cookies for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up. This method keeps the cookies’ spicy aroma and tender crumb intact, making them taste freshly baked.
| Make-Ahead Option | Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unbaked Dough | Refrigerate | Up to 2 days | Chill to enhance flavors |
| Unbaked Dough | Freeze | Up to 3 months | Bake directly from frozen |
| Baked Cookies | Freeze | Up to 3 months | Thaw before serving for best texture |
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this cinnamon cream cheese cookies recipe with you. It’s a simple way to add warmth and joy to any gathering.
These treats bring people together and make baking feel effortless. Give them a try and make them part of your go-to collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for cinnamon cream cheese cookies?
The key ingredients include cream cheese, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, large eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Each is measured precisely for a foolproof recipe, creating a warm, spicy, and creamy treat.
How do I make cinnamon cream cheese cookies?
Start by creaming cream cheese and butter, then mix in sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Add dry ingredients like flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt to form dough. Shape into balls, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until golden. Cool on a rack for the best texture.
What equipment is needed to bake these cookies?
You’ll need mixing bowls, an electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets lined with parchment paper, and a cooling rack. These tools ensure a smooth process and perfect results for your cinnamon cream cheese cookies.
What is the nutritional information per cookie?
Each cookie has about 150 calories, 9 grams of total fat, 16 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of protein, and 10 grams of sugar. This makes them a moderately indulgent treat to enjoy in moderation.
Can I make the dough or cookies ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it to enhance flavors. For freezing, shape dough balls or bake cookies first, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and bake or enjoy as needed for fresh results.
How should I store cinnamon cream cheese cookies?
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for 2-3 months to maintain flavor and texture—just thaw at room temperature before serving.