Cheese Cookies Recipe | Simple & Delicious Holiday Treat

There’s something magical about baking cheese cookies on a December afternoon. The kitchen fills with the scent of butter and cinnamon while soft flakes fall outside. These cookies are warm, rich, and just sweet enough the kind you reach for with cocoa after hanging lights or wrapping gifts.

These soft and chewy cheese cookies combine the tangy richness of cream cheese with the warmth of cinnamon sugar, creating a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for Christmas. They’re quick to make, use everyday ingredients, and stay soft for days. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie exchange or cozying up with hot cocoa, these cookies will become a seasonal staple.

Why You’ll Love These Cheese Cookies

These cookies are buttery and soft with a light, creamy tang from the cream cheese. Each bite melts gently, leaving a cozy sweetness behind. The cinnamon sugar coating adds a delicate crunch and that classic holiday aroma. They’re easy to make, perfect for last-minute gatherings, and the dough keeps beautifully in the fridge. You can even customize them with your favorite flavors or make them ahead for stress-free holiday baking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Unsalted butter – adds richness and flavor.
• Cream cheese – creates a soft, tender texture and mild tang.
• Powdered sugar – sweetens and smooths the dough.
• Egg – binds everything and adds structure.
• Baking powder – helps the cookies puff slightly.
• Vanilla bean paste or extract – deepens flavor.
• Kosher salt – balances sweetness.
• All-purpose flour – provides body and texture.
• Granulated sugar + cinnamon – combine for the sweet, fragrant coating.

Each ingredient plays its part. Butter and cream cheese make the cookies soft, vanilla and cinnamon add warmth, and that pinch of salt keeps the sweetness in check.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cheese Cookies

Step 1 – Prepare the Dough

Beat softened butter and cream cheese with a hand mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in the egg, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Slowly blend in the flour until a soft dough forms. Scrape down the bowl to make sure everything combines evenly.

Step 2 – Chill the Dough

Cover and chill the dough for at least one hour. This step helps the cookies hold their shape and gives them that soft, chewy center.

Step 3 – Roll and Coat

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Mix cinnamon and granulated sugar in a small bowl. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls (about 2 teaspoons each) and roll them in the cinnamon sugar. Space them about 2 inches apart.

Step 4 – Bake and Cool

Bake for 8–9 minutes until the tops look set but not browned. They’ll puff up slightly — that’s perfect. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. This recipe makes about 28 cookies in just 20 minutes of baking and prep time (plus chill time).

Variations and Mix-Ins

Try folding in chocolate chips for a creamy-sweet twist, or add orange or lemon zest for brightness. Chopped nuts bring crunch, while dried cranberries give a festive pop. You can also sprinkle nutmeg for an extra-spiced aroma. These cookies adapt easily — similar to my chewy pumpkin cookies for fall and winter or classic snickerdoodle cookies, they’re all about comfort and flavor.

Smart Substitutions

If you’re missing something, no problem. Use whole wheat flour for a heartier cookie or superfine sugar for smoother texture. Salted butter works fine — just skip the added salt. Almond or lemon extract can replace vanilla for a different aroma, and dairy-free cream cheese makes them perfect for lactose-free baking.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cheese Cookies

Always chill your dough it’s the secret to soft, puffy cookies. Use parchment or silicone mats for even baking. Don’t overbake; they should stay pale and tender. Let them cool fully before storing. You can double or halve the recipe easily, and the cookies freeze well for up to three months. When ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature for the best texture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Store your cookies in an airtight container for up to two days at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate them or freeze in a sealed container for up to three months. To thaw, simply place them on the counter or in the fridge overnight. You can also prepare the dough ahead, chill it, and bake fresh whenever you need a cozy treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Such Recipes

• peppermint bark brownies for your cookie platter
• chocolate crinkle cookies recipe
• patriotic sugar cookie bars for holiday trays
• lemon crinkle cookies with a festive twist
• chocolate thumbprint cookies for Christmas gifting

Conclusion

These soft and chewy cheese cookies are a comforting holiday classic simple, cozy, and endlessly adaptable. Their creamy sweetness and cinnamon finish make them perfect for gifting or sharing by the tree. Enjoy them warm with cocoa or pack them up in tins for the people you love. For more baking ideas, follow along on Pinterest and Facebook.

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