These Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Cookies are wonderfully soft, buttery, and packed with cozy flavor. Made with cream cheese for an incredibly tender texture and rolled in a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re the perfect addition to holiday cookie trays, family gatherings, or anytime you’re craving a comforting homemade treat.
With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and warm cinnamon aroma, these cookies are like a cross between a sugar cookie and a snickerdoodle—but even softer and richer.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
Soft and Tender Texture
Cream cheese creates an incredibly soft cookie that stays fresh and moist for days.
Easy Pantry Ingredients
Made with simple baking staples you probably already have on hand.
Perfect for the Holidays
The cinnamon sugar coating gives these cookies a festive flavor that’s ideal for Christmas cookie exchanges and holiday dessert platters.
Great for Make-Ahead Baking
The dough can be prepared ahead of time and chilled until you’re ready to bake.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Cream Cheese Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Mix until combined.
Slowly add the flour and mix just until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 3: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, about 2 teaspoons each.
Roll each dough ball generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 8 to 9 minutes, or until the cookies are set around the edges. They should remain pale and soft.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Cookies
- Use room-temperature butter and cream cheese for a smooth dough.
- Don’t skip the chilling step—it helps create thick, soft cookies.
- Avoid overbaking. The cookies should still look slightly soft when removed from the oven.
- Roll generously in cinnamon sugar for the best flavor.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them soft for several days.
Variations
Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies
Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the dough and finish with a simple lemon glaze.
Pumpkin Spice Version
Replace the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired twist.
Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies
Fold mini chocolate chips into the dough before chilling.
Maple Cinnamon Cookies
Use maple extract instead of vanilla for a warm seasonal flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely. Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
The dough likely wasn’t chilled long enough or the butter was too warm.
How long do they stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, they remain soft for up to 5 days.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 8–9 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 24 minutes
Yield: 24–28 cookies
These soft Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Cookies are simple to make, incredibly tender, and loaded with classic holiday flavor. They’re guaranteed to become a favorite addition to your seasonal baking lineup.