Baking cookies is a time-honored tradition in many households, and there’s something special about a batch of freshly baked cookies filling the air with their sweet aroma. The recipe I’m sharing today—Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies—is the perfect starting point for beginner bakers. These cookies are easy to make, full of rich flavor, and have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist.
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Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies: A Beginner-Friendly Delight
🍪🎉 Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies – a simple, yet oh-so-delicious dessert for beginners! 😍 With a creamy center and a hint of cinnamon, these cookies are an irresistible treat. 🍬 Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, they’re sure to impress! 💕
#CinnamonPerfection 🍪 #BeginnerBakers 🌟 #CookieMagic 🍬 #CreamCheeseLovers 🧀 #EasyAndDelicious 🧑🍳 #BakingMadeEasy 🧁 #CinnamonDelight 😋 #DessertGoals 💖 #HomemadeTreats 🍰 #SimpleSweets 😍
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 28 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
The butter gives the cookies their rich flavor and helps them stay tender. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing. - 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
Cream cheese is what makes these cookies soft and gives them a light, airy texture. You can substitute with full-fat cream cheese or even a non-dairy version for a dairy-free alternative. - 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) helps to sweeten the cookies without making them grainy, allowing for a smooth texture. - 1 egg
Eggs provide structure and help bind all the ingredients together. If you’re vegan, you could experiment with an egg replacer such as flax egg. - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
This is the leavening agent that gives the cookies a slight rise and a light texture. Do not substitute with baking soda, as it will affect the taste. - 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic flavor to balance the sweetness of the sugar. Vanilla bean paste can offer a richer, more intense flavor, but vanilla extract works just fine. - Pinch kosher salt
A little salt enhances the sweetness of the sugar and balances the flavors. A pinch is all you need! - 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
This is the main dry ingredient in the recipe and provides structure to the cookies. If you want to make them gluten-free, you can experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
This sugar will be mixed with the cinnamon for coating the cookie dough balls. It provides a sweet, crunchy exterior once baked. - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cinnamon is the star of this recipe! It pairs wonderfully with the cream cheese and adds a warm, spiced flavor to the cookies.
Instructions
1. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese:
Start by creaming the softened butter and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this. Beat them together until they are smooth and fully combined. The mixture should look soft and fluffy. If you don’t have a mixer, you can use a wooden spoon and some elbow grease!
2. Add Powdered Sugar:
Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture. Add it in small increments so it’s easier to incorporate. Beat until smooth. The powdered sugar will help give the cookies their delicate sweetness.
3. Add the Egg, Baking Powder, Vanilla, and Salt:
Now, crack the egg into the mixture, and add the baking powder, vanilla, and a pinch of kosher salt. Mix everything together until fully combined. Don’t overmix, as this could affect the texture of your cookies.
4. Incorporate the Flour:
Slowly add the all-purpose flour to the dough. It’s best to do this in small batches to avoid flour flying everywhere! Mix the flour in until just combined. If needed, scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is evenly incorporated.
5. Chill the Dough:
Once the dough is ready, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and prevents them from spreading too much.
6. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets:
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will help the cookies bake evenly and prevent sticking.
7. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This will be the coating for the dough balls.
8. Roll the Dough Into Balls:
Once the dough has chilled, scoop out about 2 teaspoons of dough and roll it into a ball about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it is well coated.
9. Place on Baking Sheet:
Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread slightly while baking.
10. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 8-9 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are just set, and the cookies have puffed up but haven’t yet turned golden brown. Be careful not to overbake them—these cookies don’t get golden, so keep an eye on them!
11. Cool on the Baking Sheet:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. This helps them set properly. Afterward, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
1. How to Tell if the Cookies Are Done:
It can be tricky to tell when these cookies are ready because they won’t turn golden brown. Instead, look for cookies that have puffed up and are set around the edges. If you gently touch them, they should spring back slightly.
2. Dough Too Sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to handle, don’t worry! Simply dust your hands with a little flour or pop the dough back in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.
3. Overbaked Cookies:
If you accidentally overbake the cookies, they may become a little too crunchy. To avoid this, take the cookies out as soon as they look set and puffy.
4. How to Prep Efficiently:
Prep your ingredients first! Measure out everything you’ll need before starting. This will help you stay organized and reduce stress in the kitchen.
5. Substituting Tools:
If you don’t have a hand mixer or stand mixer, a whisk or spoon will work just fine for mixing the dough, though it may take a little more effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Growing up, my family loved making holiday cookies together, especially around Christmas. But one cookie that always stood out was this cinnamon cream cheese cookie. The combination of cream cheese and cinnamon gives these cookies a unique, soft, and rich taste that makes them stand out from regular sugar cookies. This recipe is perfect not only for the holidays but for any time you want to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Beginners
For beginner bakers, the thought of creating perfect cookies can sometimes feel overwhelming. But the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are an excellent choice for several reasons:
- Simple ingredients: You won’t need any fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. Most of what you need is likely already in your kitchen.
- Quick prep and cook time: In just 20 minutes, you can have a batch of cookies ready to enjoy.
- Minimal steps: The recipe is straightforward, so it’s easy to follow and understand. Plus, the resting time in the fridge ensures you don’t have to worry about overworking the dough.
- Room for flexibility: You can adjust ingredients to suit your taste, and the cookies are very forgiving in terms of technique.
If you’re new to baking, this recipe is a great confidence booster and a delicious treat to enjoy with family and friends. Let’s dive into the details and get baking!
Ingredients and Preparation
To get started, here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need. I’ve also included alternative options for some ingredients if you need substitutions or if you want to make the recipe a little more unique.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
The butter gives the cookies their rich flavor and helps them stay tender. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing. - 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
Cream cheese is what makes these cookies soft and gives them a light, airy texture. You can substitute with full-fat cream cheese or even a non-dairy version for a dairy-free alternative. - 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) helps to sweeten the cookies without making them grainy, allowing for a smooth texture. - 1 egg
Eggs provide structure and help bind all the ingredients together. If you’re vegan, you could experiment with an egg replacer such as flax egg. - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
This is the leavening agent that gives the cookies a slight rise and a light texture. Do not substitute with baking soda, as it will affect the taste. - 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic flavor to balance the sweetness of the sugar. Vanilla bean paste can offer a richer, more intense flavor, but vanilla extract works just fine. - Pinch kosher salt
A little salt enhances the sweetness of the sugar and balances the flavors. A pinch is all you need! - 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
This is the main dry ingredient in the recipe and provides structure to the cookies. If you want to make them gluten-free, you can experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
This sugar will be mixed with the cinnamon for coating the cookie dough balls. It provides a sweet, crunchy exterior once baked. - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cinnamon is the star of this recipe! It pairs wonderfully with the cream cheese and adds a warm, spiced flavor to the cookies.
Preparation Tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened before you begin. This helps them blend together more easily and ensures a smooth dough.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is all about precision. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, especially when measuring flour and sugar.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of perfect Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies in no time!
1. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese:
Start by creaming the softened butter and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this. Beat them together until they are smooth and fully combined. The mixture should look soft and fluffy. If you don’t have a mixer, you can use a wooden spoon and some elbow grease!
2. Add Powdered Sugar:
Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture. Add it in small increments so it’s easier to incorporate. Beat until smooth. The powdered sugar will help give the cookies their delicate sweetness.
3. Add the Egg, Baking Powder, Vanilla, and Salt:
Now, crack the egg into the mixture, and add the baking powder, vanilla, and a pinch of kosher salt. Mix everything together until fully combined. Don’t overmix, as this could affect the texture of your cookies.
4. Incorporate the Flour:
Slowly add the all-purpose flour to the dough. It’s best to do this in small batches to avoid flour flying everywhere! Mix the flour in until just combined. If needed, scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is evenly incorporated.
5. Chill the Dough:
Once the dough is ready, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and prevents them from spreading too much.
6. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets:
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will help the cookies bake evenly and prevent sticking.
7. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This will be the coating for the dough balls.
8. Roll the Dough Into Balls:
Once the dough has chilled, scoop out about 2 teaspoons of dough and roll it into a ball about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it is well coated.
9. Place on Baking Sheet:
Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread slightly while baking.
10. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 8-9 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are just set, and the cookies have puffed up but haven’t yet turned golden brown. Be careful not to overbake them—these cookies don’t get golden, so keep an eye on them!
11. Cool on the Baking Sheet:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. This helps them set properly. Afterward, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Beginner Tips and Notes
1. How to Tell if the Cookies Are Done:
It can be tricky to tell when these cookies are ready because they won’t turn golden brown. Instead, look for cookies that have puffed up and are set around the edges. If you gently touch them, they should spring back slightly.
2. Dough Too Sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to handle, don’t worry! Simply dust your hands with a little flour or pop the dough back in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.
3. Overbaked Cookies:
If you accidentally overbake the cookies, they may become a little too crunchy. To avoid this, take the cookies out as soon as they look set and puffy.
4. How to Prep Efficiently:
Prep your ingredients first! Measure out everything you’ll need before starting. This will help you stay organized and reduce stress in the kitchen.
5. Substituting Tools:
If you don’t have a hand mixer or stand mixer, a whisk or spoon will work just fine for mixing the dough, though it may take a little more effort.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with some complementary treats to elevate the experience.
1. Serve with Milk or Tea:
The soft, sweet cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea.
2. Pair with Fruit:
For a fresh twist, serve these cookies with sliced fruit, such as apples or berries. The sweetness of the cookies contrasts beautifully with the tartness of the fruit.
3. Serve at a Party:
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers. They make an excellent addition to cookie platters or dessert tables.
4. Complement with a Dip:
For something extra special, serve these cookies with a side of cream cheese frosting or chocolate sauce for dipping.

Storage Tips
These cookies can be stored for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature. They also freeze beautifully—just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are a must-try for anyone new to baking. With their tender texture, delicious cinnamon flavor, and simple preparation, they’re perfect for beginners looking to build their baking skills. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies will always impress. I encourage you to try the recipe, share your results in the comments, and enjoy every bite!
Happy baking, and enjoy the sweet, cinnamon-filled joy these cookies bring to your kitchen!