Easy soft cream cheese cookies with cinnamon
Hi cookie lovers! Kristine here again—and today I’m bringing you a recipe that feels like a cozy hug in every bite: Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies. If you're a fan of melt-in-your-mouth treats with a hint of spice, these cookies are going to be your new favorite.
They’re soft, rich, a little chewy, and absolutely irresistible thanks to the magic duo of cream cheese and cinnamon. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a rainy Sunday, or just because—it’s always a good time to whip up a batch of these beauties.
The Sweet Story Behind These Cookies
There’s something special about cinnamon. It smells like home. It tastes like memories. And it pairs beautifully with the creamy richness of cream cheese.
The inspiration for these cookies came during a fall afternoon baking session. I was making classic sugar cookies and had some cream cheese leftover in the fridge. Then I thought—what if I swapped out part of the butter for cream cheese and added a cozy cinnamon-sugar swirl?
The result? A cookie that tastes like the lovechild of a cinnamon roll and a soft sugar cookie—with an ultra-tender bite and just the right amount of spice.
Now, they’re a regular in my kitchen year-round.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Cookies
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Soft and tender: Thanks to the cream cheese, these cookies are moist and almost melt in your mouth.
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Sweet and spiced: Cinnamon adds that comforting warmth without overpowering the cookie.
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Easy to make: No fancy techniques, no chilling required (though it helps), and no rolling pins!
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Versatile: You can make them festive, dip them in white chocolate, or sandwich them with frosting.
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Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for meal prep or freezing for last-minute dessert cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to bake a batch of about 24 cookies:
For the Dough:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/4 tsp almond extract (optional, but delicious)
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1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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1/4 tsp salt
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Let’s Bake These Beauties
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). This step is key to getting that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Add in the sugar and beat until light and creamy.
Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but not wet.
Step 3: Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup sugar with the cinnamon. This blend adds that sweet crunch and warm spice to the outside of each cookie.
Scoop the dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop and roll each portion into a ball. Then roll each ball into the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.
Baking Tip: Don't flatten the cookies before baking—they’ll puff up beautifully on their own.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 11–13 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the tops look slightly crackled. They won’t brown too much, so don’t overbake.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Kristine’s Cozy Baking Tips
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Use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture—avoid whipped or spreadable tubs.
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Don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added. A light hand keeps the cookies tender.
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Chill the dough for 30 minutes if your kitchen is warm or your dough feels sticky.
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Double the cinnamon sugar if you love extra coating. You can never have too much cinnamon sparkle.
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Try add-ins! A handful of chopped pecans or white chocolate chips turns this into a next-level cookie.
Storage and Freezing
Room Temp: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Fridge: Keeps well for up to 7 days—just bring them to room temp before serving.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies (or dough balls) for up to 2 months. Thaw and enjoy whenever you need a little cinnamon comfort.
Fun Ways to Serve or Gift These Cookies
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Holiday cookie trays: Add red and green sprinkles for a festive look.
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Gift jars: Layer cinnamon sugar cookies with parchment and wrap with a bow.
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Cookie sandwiches: Spread cinnamon cream cheese frosting between two cookies.
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Dipped in chocolate: Half-dip the cookies in white chocolate and let set for a bakery-style finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
1. What are the ingredients in cinnamon cream cheese cookies?
Cinnamon cream cheese cookies are made using simple baking staples. The key ingredients include butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, baking powder, salt, and of course ground cinnamon for that warm spice flavor. The cookies are also rolled in a cinnamon-sugar coating before baking for extra sweetness and crunch.
For a full ingredients list and measurements, see the “Ingredients You’ll Need” section above.
2. Can you add cinnamon to cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely! Adding cinnamon to cream cheese frosting is a delicious twist, especially for fall or holiday bakes. It gives a warm, cozy flavor that pairs beautifully with carrot cake, apple muffins, and even these cookies if you want to drizzle them with a cinnamon cream cheese glaze.
Start by adding 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to your cream cheese frosting, taste-testing as you go.
3. What pairs well with cinnamon in cookies?
Cinnamon is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many flavors, including:
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Nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom (for a chai-like spice blend)
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Brown sugar (adds a caramel-like depth)
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Vanilla and almond extract
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Apples, bananas, or pumpkin
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Nuts like pecans or walnuts
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Chocolate chips (yes, even chocolate!)
These combinations can be used to tweak your cookie flavor profile or create holiday variations.
Want a softer alternative? Check out my Creamy Banana Cheesecake No-Oven Version.
4. How long do cream cheese cookies last?
Cream cheese cookies typically last 4 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you'd like to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 7 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
For best texture, let refrigerated cookies come to room temperature before serving. If frozen, thaw on the counter and re-roll in cinnamon sugar if desired.
5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough for cinnamon cream cheese cookies can be made 1 to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. You can also shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag for longer storage.
When baking from frozen, add an extra 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
6. Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
You don’t have to, but chilling is recommended if your dough is too soft or sticky—especially if your kitchen is warm. Chilling for 20–30 minutes helps prevent spreading and results in a puffier cookie.
7. Can I make cinnamon cream cheese cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend (such as Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur). Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add 1/2 teaspoon separately for structure.
Always check labels to confirm that all your ingredients are gluten-free.
8. Can I reduce the sugar in these cookies?
You can reduce the sugar slightly without affecting texture. Try cutting the granulated sugar from 1 cup to 3/4 cup in the dough. However, keep the cinnamon-sugar coating for that classic sweet-spiced finish.
Want a more natural option? Consider using coconut sugar or maple sugar as an alternative.
9. What can I use instead of almond extract?
Almond extract is optional, but it adds a subtle richness to the flavor. If you don’t have it or prefer not to use it, simply omit it or replace it with an equal amount of:
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More vanilla extract
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Maple extract (for a fall twist)
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Orange or lemon zest (for a citrusy kick)
10. How do I know when the cookies are done?
These cookies are ready when the edges are set and the tops look slightly cracked—usually around 11 to 13 minutes at 350°F. They should look pale and soft in the center (don’t wait for them to brown heavily or they’ll be overdone).
Tip: They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool, so don’t overbake!
These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies are the kind of treat that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. Sweet, soft, and cinnamon-kissed—they’re perfect for cozy days, holiday trays, or any moment you need a pick-me-up.
Want more comforting bakes like this? Check out my cozy Apple Cinnamon Muffins or these pillowy Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars.
If you give these cookies a try, tag me or share a photo—I’d love to see your cinnamon creations. Until next time, keep baking and stay cozy!
With cinnamon love,
Kristine
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