Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
Table of Contents
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of cinnamon wafting through the house, isn’t there? It reminds me of childhood afternoons spent in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, where love was the secret ingredient in every dish. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that brings those cherished memories flooding back — Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies. This delightful treat from Easy Peasy Recipes is not only delicious but also embodies the heartwarming simplicity of homemade cooking.
These cookies are like a warm hug in edible form. They’re soft, buttery, and have just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, these cookies are a wonderful way to fill your kitchen with joy and your home with the comforting scent of cinnamon.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
There are a few reasons why these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies should become a staple in your baking repertoire.
First, the combination of cream cheese and cinnamon creates a rich, tangy flavor with a warm, spicy undertone that’s simply irresistible. The cream cheese adds a depth of flavor that balances the sweetness, creating a sophisticated taste profile that feels indulgent yet comforting. Second, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family gathering or treating yourself to a quiet moment of indulgence. These cookies are versatile enough to grace a holiday tray or be enjoyed as an everyday treat with your evening tea.
Third, these cookies are a fantastic way to involve the whole family in the kitchen — little hands will love rolling the dough in cinnamon sugar! This activity not only makes baking a fun family event but also helps to teach kids about measurements and following instructions. Fourth, they store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead option for busy weeks. With a batch of these cookies on hand, you’ll always be ready for unexpected guests or a sudden craving for something sweet.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
To whip up these delightful cookies with ease, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools:
- A large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: This will make creaming the butter and cream cheese a breeze.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure perfect cookies every time.
- A small bowl for the cinnamon sugar mixture: Ideal for rolling the cookie dough.
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper: Helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.
- A wire rack for cooling: Allows the cookies to cool down without becoming soggy.
With these tools on hand, you’ll be all set to create this nostalgic dessert in no time. Having the right equipment makes the process not only efficient but also enjoyable.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
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 of kosher salt
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS
Cream the butter and cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth in a large bowl. The mixture should be light and fluffy, ensuring that the cookies will be tender.
Slowly add the powdered sugar until combined. Mixing slowly prevents the sugar from puffing up and creating a mess.
Add the egg, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Mix to combine. The egg helps to bind the ingredients, while the baking powder gives the cookies a little lift.
Add the flour slowly until fully incorporated, scraping the sides as needed. This ensures an even dough without any flour pockets.
Cover and place in the fridge for one hour to rest. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to handle and enhancing the flavors.
Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Preheating ensures that the cookies start baking immediately, giving them a nice texture.
In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar. Set aside. This will be the coating that gives the cookies their signature flavor.
Roll dough into 1-inch-sized balls, about 2 teaspoons of dough. This size ensures even baking and the perfect bite.
Roll in the bowl with the cinnamon sugar until well coated. This step is where the magic happens, adding a beautiful crust.
Place on a prepared cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies room to spread slightly.
Bake for 8-9 minutes until just set. Do not overbake. The cookies should be soft and chewy, not hard and crunchy.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on the sheet allows them to firm up slightly before transferring.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 9 minutes • Total Time: 24 minutes • Calories: 120 per serving • Servings: 24
Note: If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, feel free to increase the cinnamon in the coating mixture. A little experimentation can lead to a personalized version of these cookies that suits your palate perfectly.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
Each ingredient in these cookies plays a special role, not only in flavor but also in nutrition. The cream cheese adds a lovely tanginess and creaminess, while also providing a small dose of calcium, which is essential for bone health. Cinnamon, known for its antioxidant properties, brings warmth and a comforting aroma that’s both uplifting and soothing. In addition to its flavor, cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels, making these cookies a more balanced treat.
Using unsalted butter allows you to control the sodium content, ensuring these cookies are as wholesome as they are delicious. Unsalted butter is also fresher, as salt can be used to mask flavors that develop as butter ages. The vanilla bean paste or extract adds a floral sweetness that elevates the overall flavor profile of these cookies.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
These cookies are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages and desserts. Enjoy them with a steaming cup of coffee or a frothy cappuccino for a delightful morning treat. The robust flavor of coffee complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully. If you’re serving them at a gathering, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creaminess of the ice cream or whipped cream enhances the texture of the cookies.
For a truly nostalgic experience, serve them with a glass of cold milk — a classic combination that never fails to please! The milk softens the cookies slightly, making each bite melt in your mouth. You could also serve them alongside a warm apple cider or a spiced chai tea for a comforting autumnal experience.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
To store these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature before enjoying. This makes them an excellent option for preparing in advance, ensuring you always have a sweet treat ready for any occasion.
Leftover cookies make a fantastic base for a cookie crumble topping on desserts like apple crisp or vanilla ice cream. Just crumble them over your chosen dessert for added texture and flavor. Or, get creative and turn them into a cookie crust for your favorite cheesecake recipe. Simply crush the cookies, mix with a bit of melted butter, and press into a pan for a delicious twist on a classic graham cracker crust.
There’s truly nothing like a homemade cookie to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. Baking these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies is a delightful way to connect with the nostalgia of home-cooked meals and create new memories with your loved ones. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or savor them one by one over a week, these cookies are sure to become a beloved part of your kitchen repertoire.
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Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream the butter and cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth in a large bowl.
- Slowly add the powdered sugar until combined.
- Add the egg, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Mix to combine.
- Add the flour slowly until fully incorporated, scraping the sides as needed.
- Cover and place in the fridge for one hour to rest.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar. Set aside.
- Roll dough into 1-inch-sized balls, which is about 2 teaspoons of dough.
- Roll in the bowl with the cinnamon sugar until well coated.
- Place on a prepared cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-9 minutes, until just set. Do not overbake; the cookies will puff up but won’t get golden brown.
- Let cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool completely.
