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· 4.6 from 24 reviews

If you’re anything like me and adore cookies with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture plus a warm cinnamon kick, you’re going to flip for this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe. These cookies aren’t your everyday sugar cookie—they bring together creamy tangy cream cheese and cozy cinnamon sugar in a way that just feels like a big, comforting hug from the inside out. Trust me, once you bake a batch, these will be the cookies everyone asks you to make again and again.

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Why This Recipe Works

Cream Cheese Magic: Adds a rich tang and irresistibly tender texture you won’t get from plain butter cookies.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Provides that classic balance of warmth and sweetness with a delightful crunch on the outside.
No Overbaking Needed: They bake perfectly soft and just set, so no worries about drying them out.
Chill Time Essential: Resting the dough helps control spread, resulting in thick, luscious cookies every time.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies, cinnamon cream cheese cookie recipe, soft cinnamon cookies, cream cheese cookies with cinnamon sugar, easy cinnamon cookies - A black plate filled with a pile of eleven round, soft-looking light beige cookies, each covered with a dusting of fine brown cinnamon powder, creating a slightly rough texture on the surface. Two cinnamon sticks lie on top, crossing over the cookies, adding warm brown tones and a woody texture. Surrounding the plate are festive decorations including glossy, bright red berries on thin brown stems and a large, old-fashioned bronze bell. The scene is set on a white marbled surface that contrasts with the black plate and the warm colors of the cookies and decorations. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is chosen to create that perfect balance of melt-in-your-mouth softness and cinnamon sugar bliss. I always recommend using good quality butter and cream cheese for the best flavor – and keep those ingredients at room temperature so they cream together smoothly.

Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted lets you control the salt level and contributes to that rich, creamy cookie base.
Cream Cheese: This is the secret weapon—adds moisture and a slight tang that makes these cookies uniquely tender.
Powdered Sugar: Blending powdered sugar ensures no grittiness and smooth sweetness throughout.
Egg: Binds everything and adds a little lift so these cookies don’t feel too dense.
Baking Powder: Just enough to help these cookies puff up gently while baking.
Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract: Classic flavor booster that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the sweet and creamy notes without over-salting.
All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base that holds these soft cookies together without being cakey.
Granulated Sugar and Ground Cinnamon: Rolled on the outside for that irresistible crisp cinnamon-sugar coating.

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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” depending on the season or my mood. It’s super forgiving and adapts well, so you can try a few fun twists! Feel free to experiment and make it yours—it’s half the fun!

Variation: Sometimes I toss in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch, especially during the holidays—totally elevates the texture and flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: I took a shot using vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives once, and while the texture was slightly different, it still turned out really tasty.
Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mix can add complexity and warmth.
Make It Mini: Rolling smaller dough balls makes adorable bite-sized treats for parties or kids’ lunchboxes.

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

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese until Super Smooth

Start with room temperature butter and cream cheese in a large bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat them together until you get a luxuriously smooth, creamy base. It’s key to avoid lumps here because it sets the stage for tender cookies. I usually scrape down the sides halfway through to make sure everything is well combined.

Step 2: Gradually Add the Powdered Sugar

Slowly mix in the powdered sugar. This part can look a little messy at first, but keep going until it’s fully combined. The powdered sugar not only sweetens the dough, but also keeps it soft, unlike granulated sugar which can make it grainier.

Step 3: Add Egg, Baking Powder, Vanilla and Salt

Next, add your egg, baking powder, vanilla bean paste or extract, and the pinch of kosher salt. Beat everything together until it’s homogeneous. Vanilla really amps up the flavor here, so don’t skimp on it!

Step 4: Slowly Incorporate the Flour

With the mixer on low, slowly add the flour in batches. This helps prevent flour clouds and keeps your dough perfectly incorporated. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides as needed—you want an even dough that holds together but isn’t too sticky.

Step 5: Chill the Dough for at Least One Hour

Cover the dough and pop it into the fridge. I never skip this step because chilling firms up the fats for better texture and less spreading in the oven. Patience here pays off with thick, luscious cookies instead of flat ones.

Step 6: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Set your oven to 375°F and line cookie sheets with parchment paper or a silpat mat. This prevents sticking and helps keep the cookies’ shape nice and neat.

Step 7: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar and Bake

Mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Then, scoop out one-inch dough balls (about 2 teaspoons each) and roll them in the cinnamon sugar until they’re fully coated. Place on your prepared sheets about 2 inches apart and bake for 8-9 minutes. You’re looking for a cookie that’s puffed up but not browned—if you overbake, they dry out fast.

Step 8: Cool and Transfer

Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 10 minutes—that’s when they finish setting up—then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool fully. This keeps them soft and chewy, just like I like them.

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Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and cream cheese mix better, avoiding lumps and ensuring smooth dough.
Chill Is Key: Don’t skip the fridge time—it helps prevent spreading so cookies come out thick and tender.
Watch the Bake Time: Take them out when just set—not golden—to keep that soft texture; they continue cooking as they cool.
Use Parchment or Silpat: This stops the cookies from spreading too thin and makes cleanup a snap.

How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with this one—freshly baked is the best garnish! But sometimes I add a light dusting of powdered sugar after baking for a snowy, festive look. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of cream cheese glaze made with a little powdered sugar and lemon juice is a delightful upgrade.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cozy cup of chai or coffee. For brunch or teatime, I love serving them alongside spiced apple cider or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

At holiday parties, I arrange these cookies on a tiered stand surrounded by cinnamon sticks and fresh rosemary sprigs—it adds both fragrance and a rustic vibe that guests adore. You could also sandwich two together with a smear of cinnamon cream cheese frosting for a little twist that feels extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The cookies stay soft and flavorful, perfect for a quick grab-and-go snack. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge also works but bring them back to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezing

One of my favorite things about this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is how well the dough freezes. After you form the dough balls and coat them in cinnamon sugar, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple minutes to the bake time. This is a total lifesaver for last-minute cookie cravings!

Reheating

Leftover cookies reheat beautifully in a warm oven (about 300°F for 5 minutes) to regain their soft texture and freshly baked warmth. Just avoid the microwave, or they might get rubbery. Warm cookies with a cup of tea? Pure bliss.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe?

While low-fat cream cheese can work, I’ve found that full-fat cream cheese gives the best flavor and texture. The fat content helps keep the cookies rich and tender, so if you want the ideal result, go for full-fat.
Do I have to chill the dough before baking?

Yes, chilling the dough for at least an hour is a crucial step. It firms up the dough, which stops the cookies from spreading too thin while baking, giving you that thick, soft center everyone loves.
Why don’t the cookies turn golden brown?

This recipe’s cookies are meant to set and puff up without browning much, thanks to the cream cheese and powdered sugar content. They’ll look a bit pale but have a soft center and crisp cinnamon-sugar exterior which is exactly what you want.
Can I double this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is easy to double or halve depending on how many cookies you want to make. Just make sure to chill your doubled dough thoroughly before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe has been one of those delightful staples in my kitchen—I love how easy it is to come together and how warmly it fills the house with cinnamon goodness. If you want a cookie that feels special but isn’t fussed over, this is it. I can say from experience: these cookies will brighten your day, make your coffee breaks sweeter, and probably earn you some cookie-loving fans. Give it a try—you won’t regret it.