Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, buttery, and lightly spiced with cinnamon, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. The cream cheese adds a rich and tender texture to the cookie dough, while the cinnamon gives these cookies a warm and comforting flavor. Simple to make and irresistible in taste, these cookies are a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
- Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and cream cheese until smooth and well combined.
- Add Sugar and Mix: Add the sugar and beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and cinnamon to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough is smooth and well combined.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for 2 hours or until it becomes firm and easy to handle.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape the Cookies: Once the dough is chilled, shape it into 1-inch balls and place them on ungreased baking sheets.
- Flatten the Cookies: Dip a glass in sugar and use it to flatten each cookie dough ball slightly.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on wire racks before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 32 minutes (including chilling time)
- Servings: 24 cookies
Variations
- Sugar Coating: You can roll the cookie dough balls in cinnamon sugar before flattening them for an extra layer of flavor and sweetness.
- Add-ins: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or a handful of chocolate chips for added texture.
- Frosting: For a sweeter treat, frost the cooled cookies with a simple cream cheese frosting or glaze.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze well. You can freeze the cookie dough before baking or freeze the baked cookies for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: To enjoy a warm cookie, simply heat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
10 FAQs
- Can I use light cream cheese for this recipe? Yes, light cream cheese can be used, but it may affect the texture slightly, making the cookies a little less rich and tender.
- Do I need to chill the dough? Yes, chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much while baking.
- Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough. Shape it into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a storage bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
- Can I add more cinnamon for a stronger flavor? You can increase the cinnamon up to 1 1/2 teaspoons if you want a stronger cinnamon flavor.
- Do I need to grease the baking sheet? No, the dough is soft and won’t stick, so an ungreased baking sheet works perfectly.
- Can I use an egg instead of just the yolk? It’s best to use only the egg yolk, as it adds richness and helps with the cookie’s soft texture. Using a whole egg may alter the consistency.
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, but if using salted butter, you may want to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.
- What can I do if the dough is too sticky? If the dough feels too sticky after chilling, you can lightly dust it with flour to make it easier to handle.
- Can I use a hand mixer or a stand mixer? Both work well. A hand mixer or stand mixer will help you achieve the right consistency for creaming the butter and cream cheese.
- Are these cookies soft or crispy? These cookies are soft with a slight chewiness due to the cream cheese. They are not crispy.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies offer a delicious combination of rich, creamy texture and warm cinnamon flavor. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can create a batch of cookies that are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holidays or any time of the year. The softness of the cookie, combined with the light, cinnamon-spiced flavor, makes these cookies a real treat.