Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies: A Sweet, Creamy Delight
When it comes to baking, there’s something uniquely comforting about the combination of cinnamon, cream cheese, and butter. This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies recipe blends these ingredients into a delicious treat that will quickly become a family favorite. Soft, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to cozy afternoons with a cup of tea.
In this article, we’ll explore the recipe in-depth, break down the ingredients, and offer tips and tricks to make these cookies even more special. By the end, you’ll not only know how to bake these irresistible cookies but also how to elevate them to the next level.
Why Choose Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies?
Cinnamon and cream cheese are a pairing that many people love because of their complementary flavors. The cinnamon gives a warm, spicy kick, while the cream cheese provides a rich and creamy texture. Together, these ingredients create a soft and chewy cookie that is both light and indulgent. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe is straightforward and yields fantastic results.
These cookies are also incredibly versatile. You can serve them for holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving, pack them up for a bake sale, or simply enjoy them as a sweet snack with a cup of coffee. No matter when you choose to bake them, they are sure to impress.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup butter (1 stick), room temperature: The base of many cookie recipes, butter provides the essential fat for a rich, soft texture.
- 4 oz cream cheese (½ block), room temperature: Cream cheese adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture that enhances the dough.
- 1 egg: The egg binds the dough together, helping to create a soft yet stable cookie.
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: A key flavoring that complements the richness of the cream cheese and butter.
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The main dry ingredient that provides structure to the cookie.
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder: This helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: A small amount of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
For Rolling the Dough:
- ¼ cup sugar: A basic ingredient used to roll the cookie dough balls in before baking.
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon: Cinnamon adds the signature warm, spicy flavor to these cookies, making them a perfect treat for cooler months.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
Making these cookies is straightforward and fun, even for beginner bakers. Below, we’ll walk you through the process step by step.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming together the butter and cream cheese in a large bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to beat the ingredients until they become light, smooth, and creamy. This step is crucial for ensuring that your dough has the perfect consistency and that the flavors meld well.
Next, add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until fully combined. The powdered sugar helps to sweeten the dough without altering the texture too much, as it dissolves quickly.
After the sugar is incorporated, add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth. The egg will help bind the ingredients together, while the vanilla extract adds a nice aromatic sweetness.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and that there are no lumps. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky, which is just what you want.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Once your dough is ready, cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Chilling the dough for at least 60 minutes allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to roll the dough into balls. If you’re in a hurry, you can chill the dough for a shorter time, but the longer it chills, the better the texture and flavor will be.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
After the dough has chilled, it’s time to form the cookies. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon to make the coating for the dough balls. Use a spoon or your hands to scoop out about 1-inch balls of dough. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated on all sides.
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. They will spread slightly as they bake, so make sure there is room for them to expand.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as they can go from perfect to overdone quickly. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool completely before serving. They will firm up a little as they cool, resulting in soft and chewy cookies with a hint of crunch on the outside.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This allows them to blend together more easily, resulting in a smooth dough.
- Don’t Skip the Chilling: Chilling the dough is key to getting the right texture. It helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and prevents them from spreading too much.
- Customize the Cinnamon Sugar: If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can adjust the cinnamon-to-sugar ratio to your liking. You could also add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure easy cleanup.
- Check for Doneness: Since every oven is different, make sure to check your cookies around the 8-minute mark to avoid overbaking them.
Nutritional Information
These cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without being too heavy. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per cookie (based on 24 cookies):
- Calories: 120 per cookie
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
Please note that the calorie count may vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use, but this provides a general idea.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the dough! After chilling the dough for an hour, divide it into balls, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls into an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply place the dough balls on a baking sheet and bake them as usual, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
2. How do I store leftover cookies?
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also refrigerate them if you prefer, but they may lose some of their softness. For long-term storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months.
3. Can I make these cookies without cream cheese?
While cream cheese is an essential part of the recipe, you can substitute it with sour cream for a slightly different flavor. However, the texture and taste may change slightly, so the cookies may not be as creamy as with cream cheese.
4. What can I pair these cookies with?
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot drink like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also make an excellent addition to a holiday dessert spread or a snack alongside a bowl of fresh fruit.
5. Can I add other ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes! You can customize the cookies to your taste by adding chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or chocolate chips. Just fold them into the dough after it’s mixed.
6. How can I make the cookies more festive?
To make these cookies even more festive, you can add colorful sprinkles to the cinnamon-sugar mixture or top the cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful treat that’s both simple to make and full of flavor. With their soft, chewy texture and the warm combination of cinnamon and cream cheese, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just treating yourself, they offer the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. So go ahead—get baking, and enjoy every bite of these irresistible cookies!