Cream Cheese Snickerdoodles
There’s something undeniably cozy about making Cream Cheese Snickerdoodles in the kitchen on a chilly afternoon. I remember the first time I baked them; the scent of warm spices wafted through the house, wrapping me in a hug of nostalgia. My friends gathered around, eagerly waiting for the first batch to come out of the oven. These delightful cookies, with their soft centers and slightly crisp edges, quickly became a family favorite. The addition of cream cheese gives them a unique richness that you just can’t get from a standard cookie. Each bite is simply heavenly, especially when they’re rolled in cinnamon and sugar. It’s the ultimate treat for cookie lovers. Whether I’m baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy my sweet tooth, Cream Cheese Snickerdoodles always hit the spot.
Recipe Snapshot
30 mins
20 mins
10 mins
Medium
150 kcal
2 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
7 g
Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Oven, Baking Sheet
The Beauty of This Cream Cheese Snickerdoodles
They’re Uniquely Delicious
What sets these cookies apart is the addition of cream cheese. It adds a richness and moisture that keeps the cookies soft and chewy. You’ll find they stay fresh longer than traditional snickerdoodles, making them perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
Perfect for Any Occasion
From holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers, these cookies are a hit everywhere. They’re not just for Christmas; I’ve made them for birthdays, picnics, and even bake sales, and they disappear every time. Their festive appearance and warm spices make them a seasonal favorite without being limited to just one time of year.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
The ingredients in Cream Cheese Snickerdoodles are pantry staples. This means you can whip them up on a whim without a special trip to the grocery store. The combination of granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon creates that classic snickerdoodle flavor, while the cream cheese elevates it to something truly special.
Fun to Make with Friends
Baking is always more fun with friends. I love inviting my friends over for a baking day, and Cream Cheese Snickerdoodles are always the recipe we choose. Rolling the dough in cinnamon sugar is a fun step that everyone can help with, and it’s great to see the joy on their faces as we taste our creations straight out of the oven.
Great for Gifting
If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift, bake a batch of these cookies and package them in a cute tin. They make perfect gifts for teachers, neighbors, or anyone who enjoys homemade treats. It’s a sweet gesture that shows you care.
Cream Cheese Snickerdoodles Ingredients

When it comes to baking Cream Cheese Snickerdoodles, the ingredients play a crucial role in creating the perfect cookie. Each component contributes to the overall flavor and texture, making this recipe a crowd-pleaser. The star of the show, cream cheese, adds a luscious richness that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the granulated sugar and the warmth of the ground cinnamon.
- 1 cup softened unsalted butter – This is the base for your cookies, providing richness and flavor.
- 4 oz softened cream cheese – Adds creaminess and moisture, ensuring the cookies stay soft.
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps create that beautiful golden color.
- 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour – The main structure of the cookies, creating the right texture.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch – Helps create a soft, tender cookie.
- 1½ teaspoons cream of tartar – Provides the traditional flavor of snickerdoodles and helps the cookies rise.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – A leavening agent that helps the cookies spread and rise.
- ¾ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – A signature spice in snickerdoodles, adding warmth and flavor.
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar – Used for rolling the cookies, providing a sweet exterior.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – For rolling, adding an extra cinnamon kick.
Step by Step Instructions for Cream Cheese Snickerdoodles

Making Cream Cheese Snickerdoodles is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aromas. Here’s how to create these scrumptious cookies step by step. Pay attention to each step, and you’ll be rewarded with a batch of irresistible treats.
In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 4 oz softened cream cheese. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is creamy and well combined. It should be light in color and fluffy in texture, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial as it sets the foundation for the cookie’s richness.
Next, add 1¾ cups granulated sugar to the creamy mixture. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about another 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll notice the texture becoming even more airy as the sugar incorporates fully.
Now, crack open 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Incorporate 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract as well. Stir well until everything is combined, and the mixture is smooth without any streaks.
In a separate bowl, stir together 3¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1½ teaspoons cream of tartar, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. This mixture forms the dry ingredients and should be well blended to ensure an even distribution of the leavening agents.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the flavors to meld and the cookies to hold their shape when baking.
Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. While waiting for the oven, prepare the cinnamon sugar topping by stirring together ⅓ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl until well mixed.
Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Scoop out 1½ tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls between your palms. Roll each ball in the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared cookie sheet at least 2 inches apart. This space is essential as the cookies will spread when baking.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. You want them to look slightly underbaked in the center, as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet once removed. Allow them to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Things Worth Knowing
- Chilling the Dough: This step is crucial as it helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors. Don’t skip it!
- Texture Check: When the cookies come out of the oven, they should look a bit underbaked in the center. They will set as they cool, ensuring a soft, chewy texture.
- Cinnamon Sugar Ratio: Feel free to adjust the ratio of cinnamon to sugar in your topping for a more intense flavor. It’s all about personal preference!
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to one week.
Tips and Variations

If you’ve decided to bake a batch of Cream Cheese Snickerdoodles, here are some tips and variations to consider that can take your cookies to the next level:
- Try Adding Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in some chocolate chips to create a decadent twist on the classic snickerdoodle.
- Spice it Up: Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
- Storage: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their softness.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just scoop the dough balls and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
- Pairing: These cookies go wonderfully with a glass of milk, warm tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Perfect Matches for Cream Cheese Snickerdoodles
When it comes to serving Cream Cheese Snickerdoodles, there are endless possibilities to make your treat even more enjoyable. Here are some delightful ideas:
- Pair with Coffee: Sipping on a warm cup of coffee alongside your cookies creates a perfect afternoon snack.
- Ideal for Holiday Parties: These cookies are a fantastic addition to any holiday dessert table, making them a hit among guests.
- Great for Lunchboxes: Packed with flavor, they make an excellent treat to brighten up school lunches.
- Perfect for Picnics: Their sturdy nature makes them ideal for outdoor gatherings. Enjoy them with other picnic favorites.
- Seasonal Occasions: These cookies shine during fall and winter festivities, bringing warmth and joy to any gathering.
- Storage Tips: Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their texture. If you notice them getting hard, a slice of bread in the storage container can help keep them soft.
FAQ
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Snickerdoodles are truly a special treat that combines the classic flavors of snickerdoodles with a rich twist of cream cheese, making them incredibly soft and delicious. If you’re looking for a cookie that will bring joy to your family and friends, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Cream Cheese Snickerdoodles
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Mixing Bowl
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 cup Butter
- 4 oz Cream Cheese
- 1¾ cups Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 3¼ cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
- 1½ teaspoons Cream of Tartar
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- ¾ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ⅓ cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 4 oz softened cream cheese and beat until creamy and combined.
- Add 1¾ cup granulated sugar and beat until light and creamy and well-combined.
- Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir well.
- In a separate bowl, stir together 3¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1½ teaspoon cream of tartar, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture until completely combined.
- Cover bowl with plastic wrap and transfer to refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Once dough has nearly finished chilling, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare your topping by stirring together ⅓ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon until well-mixed.
- Remove chilled dough from refrigerator and scoop by 1½ Tablespoon-sized portions. Roll into a smooth ball between your palms and roll through cinnamon/sugar topping mixture until completely coated.
- Place on prepared cookie sheet at least 2” apart and bake for 10-13 minutes.
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their softness.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just scoop the dough balls and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
- Pairing: These cookies go wonderfully with a glass of milk, warm tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.


