Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies: A Cozy Delight

There’s something irresistibly comforting about cookies, especially when they feature rich, velvety cream cheese and the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon. These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are a perfect example of a classic cookie recipe with a delightful twist. Combining the smooth texture of cream cheese with a sweet and spiced cinnamon coating, these cookies are not only delicious but also a cozy treat that’s ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re gearing up for fall baking or simply want a sweet indulgence, these cookies will undoubtedly become a favorite.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup butter (1 stick), room temperature
• 4 oz cream cheese (½ block), room temperature
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature butter and cream cheese. Beat until the mixture is light and smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until well combined.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter and cream cheese mixture. Mix until smooth and fully blended.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending until just combined.
4. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to handle.
5. Preheat and Prepare: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
6. Cinnamon Coating: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This will be used to coat the cookie dough.
7. Form the Cookies: Scoop out dough and roll it into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring all sides are coated.
8. Bake: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
9. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Bonus Tip: For an extra touch of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies just before baking. This contrast enhances the sweetness and adds a delightful complexity to each bite.

Conclusion: These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies offer a wonderful blend of soft, cake-like texture with a delicious cinnamon-sugar coating. They are perfect for cozy gatherings, fall celebrations, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea or coffee. With their rich flavor and tender crumb, they’re sure to become a staple in your cookie recipe collection. Happy baking!