Cinnamon cream cheese dream cookies are a delightful combination of rich cream cheese, warm cinnamon, and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for holiday cookie trays, tea-time snacks, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies are as dreamy as their name suggests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, pillowy cookies with a creamy, tangy flavor.
- The cinnamon adds warmth and a cozy aroma.
- Simple ingredients for a bakery-quality treat at home.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a year-round indulgence.
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
- Optional: Powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for coating
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten the tops slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly puffed.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust the cookies with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Variations
- Spiced Up: Add nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Frosted Dream Cookies: Top with a light cream cheese glaze or drizzle for extra decadence.
- Chocolate Chip Twist: Stir in mini chocolate chips for a hint of chocolate.
- Stuffed Version: Hide a dollop of cream cheese filling inside each cookie before baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.
FAQs
What makes these cookies “dreamy”?
The combination of cream cheese and cinnamon creates an incredibly soft, flavorful, and indulgent texture.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cream cheese gives the cookies a richer texture and flavor.
Do I have to chill the dough?
No chilling is required for this recipe, making it quick and easy!
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients, and bake in batches.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Ensure your butter and cream cheese aren’t overly soft, and measure the flour accurately.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes.
What can I use to flatten the cookies?
Use the back of a spoon, a small spatula, or your fingers.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Their unique flavor and soft texture make them a perfect edible gift.
Can I add a cinnamon-sugar topping before baking?
Yes, roll the dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking for a sparkly, flavorful finish.
Conclusion
Cinnamon cream cheese dream cookies are the perfect blend of rich creaminess and warm spice. With their soft, tender texture and irresistible flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire. Whether for a special occasion or everyday enjoyment, this recipe is a must-try. Bake a batch and enjoy the dreamy goodness!
Print
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Dream Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Dream Cookies are soft, buttery, and packed with a warm cinnamon flavor. The cream cheese gives them a slightly tangy richness that makes them utterly irresistible!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla:
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
- Form and Coat Cookies:
- Roll tablespoons of chilled dough into balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
- Bake:
- Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked.
- Cool:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a deeper spice profile.