Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
Buttery, cinnamon-scented cream cheese cookies with a crisp sugar coating, perfect for sweet snacks or special occasions, appealing to those who love rich, flavorful treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, cream cheese, and sugar until combined.
- Cover and refrigerate the dough for 1 to 2 hours until firm enough to shape.
- To prepare the topping, stir together sugar and cinnamon in a custard cup.
- Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch diameter balls.
- Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat lightly.
- Place the coated balls on prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each.
- Bake one sheet at a time at 350°F for 10 to 14 minutes until bottoms are very lightly browned.
- Remove the baking sheet to a wire rack and cool for about 3 minutes.
- Using a metal spatula, transfer cookies to the rack and cool completely.
- Repeat with remaining dough.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon directly to the dough along with the dry ingredients. If you're out of cream cheese, mascarpone or ricotta can serve as suitable substitutes, though they may slightly alter the texture. Experimenting with flavored extracts like almond or lemon can also elevate the cookies. For even distribution of flavors, make sure to mix the butter and sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
These cinnamon cream cheese cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For an extra indulgence, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They make a wonderful addition to holiday cookie platters or as a sweet treat during gatherings. For more delicious dessert ideas, browse more American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to preserve their freshness longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to two weeks. To reheat, pop them in a microwave for a few seconds or warm them in an oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to restore their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies contains roughly 73 calories, with 1g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these cookies for later?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough or baked cookies. If freezing the dough, shape it into balls, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. Baked cookies can be stored in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator before enjoying or bake the frozen dough directly, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of granulated sugar?
You can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor and slightly chewier texture. Coconut sugar is another option for a more natural sweetener, though it may alter the color of your cookies. For a sugar-free alternative, consider using erythritol or a stevia blend, adjusting to taste, as these sweeteners can vary in sweetness.
How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are set and very lightly browned, while the centers may still appear soft. They will firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking them. To check, gently touch the center; if it springs back, they are ready. Keeping a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking will help achieve the perfect texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).