Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are the perfect blend of creamy, soft, and spiced. The cream cheese gives them a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the cinnamon sugar coating adds a delightful crunch. They’re easy to make, require no chilling, and bake up beautifully every time. Ideal for cinnamon lovers or anyone looking for a comforting homemade cookie with a hint of sophistication.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Cream cheese, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

For rolling:

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the extra sugar and cinnamon for rolling.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
8. Place on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are set.
10. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 12 minutes per batch
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: approximately 40 minutes

Variations

• Cinnamon Sugar Glaze: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon for extra sweetness.
• Stuffed Version: Add a small dollop of cream cheese filling to the center of each cookie before baking.
• Spiced Upgrade: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for deeper flavor.
• Chocolate Twist: Add mini white chocolate chips or drizzle with melted chocolate after baking.
• Holiday Version: Roll in red or green colored sugar for a festive touch.

Storage/Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. If frozen, thaw at room temperature before serving. Warm them briefly in the microwave (about 10 seconds) for a fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, but full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor. Avoid whipped or spreadable varieties.

2. Do I need to chill the dough?

No, chilling isn’t required for this recipe, though 15–20 minutes in the fridge can help if your dough is too soft.

3. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Simply double all the ingredients—these cookies freeze well, making them great for gifting or batch baking.

4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is preferred for flavor and texture, but margarine can work in a pinch.

5. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened, not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough.

6. Can I make these cookies without cinnamon?

Yes, but cinnamon is the star flavor. You could substitute it with pumpkin spice or cardamom for variation.

7. Why are my cookies dry?

Overbaking is usually the cause. Remove them when the edges are just golden for soft, moist cookies.

8. Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies?

Yes, freeze the dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

9. What kind of sugar is best for rolling?

Granulated sugar gives the best texture and sparkle when mixed with cinnamon.

10. Can I add a cream cheese frosting?

Yes, a light layer of cream cheese frosting turns these into decadent dessert cookies.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are a soft, flavorful twist on traditional sugar cookies, bringing together the best of creamy and spiced. With their delicate texture and warm cinnamon finish, they’re a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain or dressed up with glaze, these cookies will quickly become a family favorite.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Soft, pillowy cookies infused with warm cinnamon and the rich tang of cream cheese. These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are tender inside, lightly crisp outside, and irresistibly comforting.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For rolling: 1/4 cup granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add egg and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
6. In a small bowl, combine the rolling sugar and cinnamon.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
8. Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and tops are set.
10. Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor.
• If dough is too soft, chill for 15–20 minutes before baking.
• Do not overbake—remove cookies when edges are just golden for a soft center.
• Store cookies with a slice of bread to keep them soft.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg