Name: Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened; 4 ounces cream cheese softened; 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 egg; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract; pinch kosher salt; 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 18 reviews

Let me tell you, this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is an absolute game-changer in my cookie repertoire. Soft, tender, and just the right amount of cinnamon-sugar crunch on the outside—these cookies are the kind of treat you’ll want to bake again and again. Whether you’re craving a cozy afternoon snack or need an easy dessert to impress, this recipe has got your back. Grab your mixer, and let’s dive in because you’re going to love how effortlessly delicious these cookies come together!

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Why This Recipe Works

Cream Cheese Magic: It adds a rich, tender texture that makes these cookies melt in your mouth.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: The perfect crisp contrast to the soft center, giving a delightful snap on the outside.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together to create something that tastes fancy but is easy to nail every time.
Chilling Time: Letting the dough rest prevents spread and builds flavor for the best cookie texture.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe uses simple, familiar ingredients that combine for an irresistible cookie experience. I always remind friends to use good-quality cream cheese and fresh cinnamon—it really makes a difference!

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Unsalted butter: Softened for easy creaming, it brings richness and helps achieve that perfect soft texture.
Cream cheese: Adds moisture and tenderness, making these cookies uniquely creamy compared to your standard sugar cookie.
Powdered sugar: Blends smoothly into the dough, ensuring a delicate sweetness without grit.
Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture for a soft crumb.
Baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle lift without making them cakey.
Vanilla bean paste or extract: Enhances the flavor with warm, aromatic notes – vanilla bean paste feels extra special here.
Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and elevates all the other flavors.
All-purpose flour: The base that provides structure but not too much toughness.
Granulated sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for the classic coating that crisps up beautifully during baking.
Ground cinnamon: Gives the signature warm spice punch every bite should have.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe my own by playing around with cinnamon levels and even mixing in a little nutmeg or cardamom for a cozy twist. You can totally customize it to fit your flavor cravings!

Extra Cinnamon: I sometimes up the cinnamon in the sugar coating for an ultra-spiced cookie, and trust me, it’s heaven.
Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts folded in add delightful crunch and texture.
Dietary Swap: For a dairy-free version, try vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives, but watch chilling time—they might need a bit longer to firm up.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled cookies for a fancy finish I adore serving at parties.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese Until Silky Smooth

This is where magic begins. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until the mix looks smooth and creamy – no lumps, please. This step ensures your dough is luscious and sets the stage for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Gradually Add Powdered Sugar and Other Wet Ingredients

Next, slowly mix in the powdered sugar until fully combined—take your time to avoid flour clouds! Then add the egg, baking powder, vanilla, and a pinch of kosher salt. Mix everything just until combined; overmixing can toughen the dough, and that’s not what we want here.

Step 3: Gently Fold in the Flour

With patience, add the flour bit by bit to the mixture, scraping the bowl’s sides to incorporate every last bit evenly. The dough will be soft but firm enough to roll. If you’re tempted to speed this up, resist — the gradual folding keeps your cookies tender.

Step 4: Chill the Dough for One Hour

This is a non-negotiable step. Wrap or cover your dough tightly and let it rest in the fridge for at least an hour. Chilling solidifies the fats, helps the dough set, and prevents spreading during baking, which means perfectly shaped cookies every time.

Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating and Roll Dough Balls

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and granulated sugar. When dough is ready, scoop out tablespoon-sized balls (about 2 teaspoons of dough works great), then roll each ball generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture for that signature spicy crunch.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Arrange the coated dough balls on your baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-9 minutes—watch for the cookies to puff up slightly but not brown. This recipe fools a lot of bakers because it’s not golden; it’s just set and ready. Let them cool on the sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. These steps make sure they hold their delicate shape and texture.

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Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Always soften your butter and cream cheese well; cold or too warm can mess with your dough texture.
Don’t Skip Chilling: This makes a huge difference in cookie shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
Use Parchment or Silpat: Baking on lined sheets avoids sticking and burning—plus it’s easier to clean up.
Watch Your Oven Time: These cookies don’t brown, so trust the timing and look for puffiness; overbaking dries them out.

How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

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Garnishes

I keep it simple by dusting a little extra cinnamon sugar on top right after baking for an added sparkle and spice. Sometimes, I’ll sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt for a delightful sweet-salty combo that just feels fancy but easy.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cup of chai tea, a glass of cold milk, or a warm latte for the ultimate cozy snack session. I also love serving them alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of vanilla yogurt during brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange these cookies on a tiered stand mixed with cinnamon sticks and star anise pods for a rustic, holiday vibe. Drizzling melted chocolate or sprinkling chopped nuts on top before baking can also elevate their look and flavor in an instant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. I find layering them between sheets of parchment paper keeps them from sticking and preserves that lovely cinnamon sugar crunch on the outside.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. I like to freeze the dough balls on a tray first, then transfer them to a sealed zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and proceed with the cinnamon sugar coating and baking as usual.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy these cookies warm, microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven for about 3-4 minutes to regain that soft texture with a lightly crisp outside. Just don’t overdo it or they can dry out quickly!

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese for this recipe?

Yes, regular cream cheese works perfectly as long as it’s softened and not too cold. Avoid flavored or low-fat versions to maintain the best texture and taste.
Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling relaxes the dough, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and helps build flavor. Skipping this can lead to flat, greasy cookies.
Can I substitute vanilla bean paste with extract?

Absolutely! Vanilla extract works just fine if you don’t have vanilla bean paste. The paste just adds a touch of extra vanilla flavor and those lovely vanilla flecks.
How do I know when the cookies are done?

Look for puffed-up cookies that appear set but aren’t golden. They will still be soft to the touch—overbaking will dry them out, so timing is everything here.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

You can try replacing the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. However, results can vary, so chilling time and dough consistency might need adjustment.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe enough. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a little hug in cookie form—comforting, reliable, and just downright delicious. Every time I bake these, friends and family ask for seconds (and thirds!). So go ahead, try this recipe out like a friend sharing their best kept baking secret. I’m confident these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your home, too.