Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

If you love cookies that melt in your mouth, you're in for a treat! This cinnamon cream cheese cookie recipe is a delightful combination of creamy, tangy cream cheese and warm cinnamon spice, perfect for any time of year. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through making delicious cookies that are sure to impress your family and friends. Let's dive in to learn everything you need to know to bake these scrumptious cookies from scratch, and be sure to read through for helpful tips and serving suggestions that will make your cinnamon cream cheese cookies irresistible!

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What are Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies?

Cinnamon cream cheese cookies are soft, chewy cookies that combine the rich flavor of cream cheese with the sweet, aromatic taste of cinnamon. The cream cheese gives the cookies a moist and tender texture, while the cinnamon adds a warm, comforting flavor that makes these cookies perfect for the fall or winter months. These cookies are often made with a basic cookie dough that includes butter, sugar, flour, and cream cheese, with cinnamon mixed in to elevate the flavor. The result is a cookie that is both slightly tangy from the cream cheese and sweetly spiced from the cinnamon.

Ingredients List for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Before you start baking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cinnamon cream cheese cookies:

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (plus extra for dusting)
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra spice)

These ingredients are easy to find and come together to create a batch of 20-24 cookies depending on the size you choose to make. Be sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for the best results when mixing.

Substitutions and Variations

If you need to make adjustments based on dietary preferences or availability of ingredients, there are some simple substitutions and variations you can try. For instance:

• Butter: You can use margarine or plant-based butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
• Sugar: If you prefer a slightly healthier version, you can swap out granulated sugar for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia.
• Flour: Whole wheat flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, though this will make the cookies slightly denser.
• Cream Cheese: If you don't have regular cream cheese, you can use low-fat or even dairy-free cream cheese for a lighter version.
• Spices: Want to experiment with other flavors? Try adding a bit of ginger or cloves for a more spiced cookie, or swap the cinnamon for pumpkin spice for a fall-themed treat.

These simple adjustments won’t drastically change the overall taste but will allow you to customize the recipe based on your dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making cinnamon cream cheese cookies is a straightforward process that takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you bake these delicious treats:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
5. Chill the dough: Place the dough in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This will make the dough easier to handle and help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
6. Shape the cookies: Once chilled, scoop out about 1-2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into balls. You can use a cookie scoop to make this easier and to ensure uniform-sized cookies. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one.
7. Flatten and dust with cinnamon: Using the bottom of a glass or your fingers, gently flatten each dough ball to about ½ inch thick. Lightly dust the tops with a bit of extra ground cinnamon for added flavor and a beautiful finish.
8. Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still look slightly soft, which is perfect for a chewy texture.
9. Cool and serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Cook Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

The magic of these cookies lies in the perfect combination of ingredients and the technique used. Softening the butter and cream cheese before mixing ensures a smooth, lump-free batter. By chilling the dough, you’re helping the cookies maintain their shape and avoid overspreading in the oven. And don't forget to keep an eye on the bake time! Overbaking can result in dry cookies, while underbaking keeps them soft and chewy. Follow the steps carefully, and you’ll have perfect cinnamon cream cheese cookies every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a straightforward recipe, there are a few common mistakes that can prevent you from achieving cookie perfection. Here are some things to watch out for:

1. Not softening the butter and cream cheese: Cold butter and cream cheese can result in a lumpy dough that doesn't blend well. Make sure both are softened before starting.
2. Overmixing the dough: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
3. Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. If you skip this step, you might end up with flat cookies.
4. Overbaking the cookies: These cookies should have slightly soft centers when you take them out of the oven. Overbaking will make them too crispy and dry.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Now that your cookies are baked and cooled, it's time to think about how to serve them. These cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various settings, from casual get-togethers to holiday parties.

How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. They also make a delightful addition to a holiday cookie platter, especially when paired with other seasonal treats like gingerbread cookies or sugar cookies. For a fancier presentation, serve them alongside whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Presentation Ideas for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

If you’re gifting these cookies or presenting them at a party, here are some ideas to make them look as good as they taste:

• Dust with powdered sugar: For an elegant touch, lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar just before serving.
• Drizzle with icing: A simple powdered sugar glaze or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can add a beautiful finish to the cookies.
• Use festive plates or boxes: If you’re giving them as gifts, place the cookies in a decorative tin or wrap them in parchment paper with a ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade gift.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe Tips

For the best results, always use high-quality ingredients. Fresh cinnamon and real vanilla extract will elevate the flavor of your cookies. Also, keep in mind that baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so it's a good idea to start checking your cookies a minute or two before the recommended bake time. If you're making a large batch, remember that chilling the dough between batches helps maintain the shape of your cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough after shaping it into balls. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container. When ready to bake, you can bake the dough directly from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

How long will the cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I add other flavors to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add a variety of flavors to this basic recipe. For example, you could mix in chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even chocolate chips for an extra twist.

Do I have to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much and become thin.

Conclusion

Cinnamon cream cheese cookies are the perfect blend of soft, creamy, and spicy flavors. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you'll be able to create a delicious treat that's sure to become a household favorite. Whether you're baking for yourself or preparing a batch for a special occasion, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the process, experiment with variations, and most importantly, have fun baking!

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