Welcome to a world of delectable delights with our irresistible Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies recipe! These heavenly treats are a perfect blend of creamy richness from cream cheese and the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon. With just the right balance of sweetness and spice, these cookies are bound to become a favorite in your household. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey to create these delightful cookies, complete with FAQs, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb options.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup butter (1 stick), room temperature
- 4 oz cream cheese (½ block), room temperature
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cup flour
- ¾ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Egg: Add the powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon until well combined.
- Form Cookie Dough Balls: Roll the cookie dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
- Bake: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the palm of your hand. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Chill the Dough: For best results, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour before rolling into balls. Chilled dough is easier to handle and produces thicker, chewier cookies.
- Customize the Flavor: Experiment with different extracts such as almond or maple for a unique flavor twist.
- Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips: Fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Drizzle with Glaze: Once cooled, drizzle the cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies:
- Replace the powdered sugar with a keto-friendly powdered sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour to reduce the carb content.
- Use a combination of butter and cream cheese for a rich and creamy texture without the added sugar.
Low-Carb Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies:
- Opt for a low-carb baking mix or flour alternative such as almond flour or coconut flour to replace the all-purpose flour.
- Use a low-carb sweetener such as stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener in place of the powdered sugar.
- Incorporate additional spices such as nutmeg or cloves for added flavor without the extra carbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A: Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of salt added to the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes, the cookie dough can be frozen for later use. Simply roll the dough into balls, coat them in cinnamon sugar, and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, these cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies and thaw them at room temperature when ready to serve.
Q: Can I omit the cream cheese?
A: The cream cheese adds richness and moisture to the cookies, but if you prefer, you can omit it from the recipe. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the cookies may be slightly different.
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: While margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, it may affect the flavor and texture of the cookies. Butter is recommended for best results.
Indulge in the irresistible charm of our Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies! With their soft, chewy texture and delightful cinnamon flavor, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat for a special occasion or simply looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are the perfect choice. Plus, with the option to make keto and low-carb versions, everyone can enjoy the deliciousness without guilt.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the magic of these delightful cookies. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be on your way to enjoying a taste of sweet bliss with every heavenly bite!
With detailed instructions, cook notes, variations, and FAQs, this blog post provides all the information you need to create the perfect Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find everything you need to make these irresistible treats a success.