Description

If you're a fan of cookies, this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookie recipe is bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon and the rich creaminess of cream cheese, these cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and spice. The dough is made with cream cheese, which adds a subtle tang and a wonderfully soft, almost cake-like texture to the cookies. Each dough ball is rolled in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking, giving the cookies a beautifully spiced exterior. These cookies are a must-bake, especially during the fall when you're craving something warm and cozy. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, a sweet treat after dinner, or even as a gift for friends and family.

The experience of biting into one of these cookies is like a warm hug on a chilly day. The outside is slightly crisp from the cinnamon-sugar coating, while the inside remains soft and tender, with a subtle richness from the cream cheese. If you love snickerdoodles, you'll appreciate these cookies, though the texture is quite different. They rise more than snickerdoodles and have a pillowy softness that makes them unique.

With just the right amount of sweetness and spice, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe is simple to follow and yields consistently delicious results. Happy baking!

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 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cup flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Preparation Method

Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature butter and cream cheese. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl, and continue mixing until the dough is smooth and well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and that the cookies have a consistent texture.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Chill the Dough:

Once the dough is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 60 minutes. Chilling the dough helps to solidify the butter and cream cheese, which will prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Prepare for Baking:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Mix well to create the cinnamon-sugar coating.
Shape and Coat the Cookies:

Scoop out portions of the chilled dough and roll them into balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring all sides are evenly coated.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread slightly during baking, so give them enough room.
Bake:

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are set. The cookies will still be soft when you remove them from the oven, but they will firm up as they cool.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:

For an extra touch of decadence, consider adding a drizzle of cream cheese glaze over the cooled cookies. To make the glaze, simply mix together 2 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and a few tablespoons of milk until you reach the desired consistency. This glaze adds a lovely finishing touch and enhances the cream cheese flavor in the cookies.

Conclusion:

These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the richness of cream cheese in a soft, pillowy cookie. Their slightly crisp exterior contrasts perfectly with the tender interior, creating a cookie that's as comforting as it is delicious. Whether you're baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy fall afternoon, or just because, these cookies are sure to impress. They’re easy to make, require simple ingredients, and deliver a taste that’s anything but ordinary. Once you try them, you'll understand why they deserve a permanent spot in your cookie collection. Happy baking!