Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Are you looking for a cookie recipe that combines a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and spicy flavors? Look no further than Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies! These soft, chewy cookies have a tangy cream cheese base complemented by the warmth of cinnamon—making them irresistible to both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a holiday, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Keep reading for the full recipe, including variations, tips, and expert advice to make your cookies perfect every time.

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What are Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies?

Cinnamon cream cheese cookies are soft and tender cookies with a rich, buttery texture. The cream cheese adds a slight tang that balances out the sweetness, while cinnamon provides a warm, spicy kick. These cookies are often dusted with cinnamon sugar before baking, which gives them an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful finish. The combination of cream cheese and cinnamon makes these cookies unique and incredibly satisfying.

Whether enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or tea, these cookies are a delightful treat for any time of day. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, even if you’re not an experienced baker. Let's dive into the ingredients and steps to create this wonderful dessert!

Ingredients List for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

To make the best cinnamon cream cheese cookies, you will need the following ingredients. Make sure to have everything on hand before you start:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for the dough)
• ¼ cup cinnamon sugar mixture (for rolling the cookies)

These basic ingredients are pantry staples, but the combination of cream cheese and cinnamon sets these cookies apart from traditional sugar cookies. Now that you have the ingredients ready, let’s look at the equipment and substitutions you might need.

Equipment List for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

In addition to the ingredients, gather the following kitchen tools and equipment:

• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer with paddle attachment)
• Baking sheets (lined with parchment paper)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Whisk
• Rolling pin (optional, if you want to flatten the cookies)
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon (for even-sized cookies)
• Cooling rack

Having the right tools on hand will ensure your baking process is smooth and efficient. Now, let’s move on to substitutions and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this cinnamon cream cheese cookie recipe is its versatility. If you’re looking to make adjustments due to dietary needs or simply want to experiment with different flavors, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

1. Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum to help with the texture.
2. Low-Sugar Option: Substitute half of the granulated sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. You can also reduce the sugar in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
3. Add-ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or chocolate chips to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
4. Spices: If you want to increase the spice factor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg, ground cloves, or cardamom to complement the cinnamon.
5. Frosting or Drizzle: For an extra sweet touch, top the cookies with a cream cheese glaze or a simple powdered sugar drizzle once they’ve cooled.
6. Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free cream cheese. Replace the eggs with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).

With these options, you can cater to different preferences or dietary restrictions while still achieving delicious results. Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these cookies.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get started? Follow these easy steps to make your cinnamon cream cheese cookies:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start mixing, make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature. This ensures that they will blend smoothly into the dough.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract and mix well.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll into balls and ensuring the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 8: Form the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat it evenly.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them when making cinnamon cream cheese cookies:

1. Not Softening the Butter and Cream Cheese: Make sure both are at room temperature to avoid lumpy dough and ensure proper creaming.
2. Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing the flour into the wet ingredients can result in dense, tough cookies. Mix just until combined.
3. Skipping the Chill Time: Chilling the dough is crucial for cookies that hold their shape. Skipping this step can result in flat, spread-out cookies.
4. Overbaking: Watch the cookies carefully and remove them from the oven when they are just set. Overbaking will lead to dry, crumbly cookies.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your cinnamon cream cheese cookies can elevate them from a simple treat to a stunning dessert. Here are some ideas:

• Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a wintery, festive look, lightly dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
• Stack on a Cookie Stand: Stack the cookies on a tiered cookie stand for a beautiful display at parties or gatherings.
• Serve with Coffee or Hot Chocolate: These cookies pair perfectly with a hot beverage, so offer them alongside coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
• Gift Boxes: These cookies make a great homemade gift. Place them in a decorative tin or gift box lined with parchment paper and tie with a ribbon.

How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

You can serve these cookies warm, at room temperature, or even chilled for a firmer texture. They are perfect for:

• Holiday parties: Add them to your holiday cookie platter alongside other festive treats.
• Tea time: Serve them with tea for a simple yet indulgent afternoon snack.
• Dessert tables: Include these cookies in your dessert spread for any celebration or gathering.

Presentation Ideas for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

When presenting these cookies, consider adding a bit of flair:

• Holiday Theme: Use cookie cutters to shape the dough into seasonal figures (like stars or trees) and decorate with colored sugar.
• Drizzled Glaze: A light glaze made of powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk can be drizzled over the top for added sweetness and shine.
• Cookie Gift Jars: Layer the dry ingredients in a jar with a cute tag, so friends can make their own cinnamon cream cheese cookies at home.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookie Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure that your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before starting.
• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps keep the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in the fridge, tightly wrapped in plastic, and bake when ready.

2. Can I freeze the cookies?

Absolutely! These cookies freeze well. After baking and cooling, store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

3. What if I don’t have cream cheese?

Cream cheese is essential for the unique texture and flavor of these cookies. If you don’t have cream cheese, you could try substituting with mascarpone, but the taste will be slightly different.

4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is preferred for the rich flavor and texture it provides, but margarine can work in a pinch. Just note that the cookies may spread more with margarine.

Conclusion

There you have it—an easy-to-follow recipe for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies that’s sure to impress your friends and family. The combination of rich cream cheese, warm cinnamon, and soft, chewy texture makes these cookies a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing them for the holidays, a party, or a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and tips provided to make these cookies your own! Happy baking!

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