Irresistibly Soft & Chewy Cream Cheese Snickerdoodle Cookies: Your New Favorite Recipe

Prepare to experience a new level of cookie perfection with these Cream Cheese Snickerdoodle Cookies. Unlike any traditional snickerdoodle you’ve tasted, these cookies are exceptionally soft, luxuriously thick, and delightfully chewy. The secret lies in two star ingredients: rich cream cheese and finely milled powdered sugar. These unique additions don’t just enhance the flavor; they fundamentally transform the texture, creating a truly melt-in-your-mouth experience that will make them an instant classic in your baking repertoire.

Snickerdoodles have long been celebrated as a classic comfort cookie, beloved for their crisp edges, soft centers, and signature cinnamon-sugar coating. However, this innovative recipe elevates the classic to an entirely new dimension. By incorporating cream cheese and powdered sugar, we achieve a texture that is even more tender and moist than traditional versions. Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet cinnamon, subtle tang, and an unbelievably soft crumb that truly melts in your mouth.

What Makes Cream Cheese Snickerdoodles So Special?

While most traditional Snickerdoodle cookies rely solely on butter, this recipe introduces a game-changing combination of both butter and cream cheese. The cream cheese is the secret weapon, infusing the cookies with a rich, tangy flavor and ensuring they remain incredibly moist and soft for days. This not only enhances the overall taste profile but also contributes to a more tender and luxurious crumb. Furthermore, the strategic use of powdered sugar instead of conventional granulated sugar is pivotal. Its fine texture blends seamlessly into the dough, resulting in a smoother, more uniform consistency and contributing to that desirable melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Trust us, once you try these cream cheese snickerdoodles, you might just declare them the best you’ve ever had!

Essential Recipe Notes for Perfect Baking

To ensure your Cream Cheese Snickerdoodle Cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these crucial tips in mind before you start mixing:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: It’s absolutely vital to soften both your butter and cream cheese to room temperature. This allows them to cream together smoothly and evenly, creating an emulsion that traps air for a lighter, fluffier cookie texture. Cold ingredients will result in a lumpy batter and a denser cookie.
• Chilling the Dough: This step is non-negotiable! The cookie dough needs to be refrigerated for at least 1-2 hours. Chilling helps the butter and cream cheese solidify, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more flavorful final product. You can even prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake, making these a fantastic make-ahead treat.
• Avoid Overmixing: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix them as little as possible – just until they are barely combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough, dense, and less soft cookie. A gentle hand is key for that signature tender crumb.

Key Ingredients for Cream Cheese Snickerdoodle Cookies

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture in these extraordinary snickerdoodles:

Butter: I typically opt for salted butter as it enhances the overall flavor profile and balances the sweetness. However, unsalted butter works perfectly well if you prefer to control the salt content precisely; just add a pinch more salt to your dry ingredients. Remember, no margarine for optimal taste and texture! Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature, but definitely not melted, before incorporating it into the recipe. This allows it to cream properly with the cream cheese, creating a light and airy base for the dough.

Cream cheese: Just like the butter, the cream cheese must be softened to room temperature for the best results. This ensures it blends smoothly into the butter and sugar mixture without leaving lumps. While regular full-fat cream cheese is ideal for the richest flavor and most decadent consistency, you can use a low-fat or non-fat alternative if you wish. Be aware that reducing the fat content might slightly alter the texture, making the cookies a touch less rich and moist.

Powdered sugar: This is a distinguishing factor for these snickerdoodles! Using powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar is fundamental to their unique, tender texture. Powdered sugar dissolves more readily and evenly, leading to a cookie that is remarkably soft and has a finer crumb, practically melting in your mouth. Do not substitute with granulated sugar if you want to achieve the signature delicate quality of this recipe.

Egg: We only need one large egg for this recipe, but its role is significant. The egg acts as a binding agent, holding the dough together and providing essential structure. It also adds moisture and contributes to the richness, ensuring the cookies bake properly and maintain their integrity without crumbling.

Vanilla extract: Vanilla is a crucial flavor enhancer in almost any cookie recipe, and these snickerdoodles are no exception. It complements the cinnamon beautifully and adds depth to the overall taste. While high-quality vanilla extract is excellent, you can swap it out with an equal amount of vanilla bean paste for a more intense vanilla flavor and those beautiful little specks. Whatever you do, don’t omit the vanilla!

Baking powder: This acts as the primary leavening agent in our cookies, responsible for their delightful lift and tender texture. It reacts with moisture and heat to create carbon dioxide, which makes the cookies light and slightly puffy. Always check the expiration date on your baking powder; old or expired leavening agents can lead to flat, dense cookies.

Flour: All-purpose flour is the standard and works best for this recipe, providing the perfect balance of structure and tenderness. If you need a gluten-free option, a good quality 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be used as a substitute, though the texture might vary slightly.

CINNAMON SUGAR TOPPING:

Sugar and cinnamon: This classic combination is what makes a snickerdoodle, well, a snickerdoodle! Mixing granulated sugar with ground cinnamon creates the iconic fragrant, sweet, and subtly spiced coating that every ball of cookie dough gets rolled in before baking. This coating caramelizes slightly in the oven, adding a wonderful textural and flavor contrast to the soft interior.

Expert Tips for Baking the Best Cream Cheese Snickerdoodle Cookies

Achieving bakery-quality cookies at home is easier than you think with these helpful hints:

• Uniform Scooping for Even Baking: Investing in a cookie scoop (a 2 tsp size is perfect for this recipe) is a game-changer. It ensures that all your cookie dough balls are precisely the same size. This consistency is crucial for even baking, preventing some cookies from being underdone while others are overbaked. Plus, it gives your finished cookies a professional, polished appearance.
• The Golden Rule: Do Not Overbake! This is perhaps the most important tip for snickerdoodles, especially these cream cheese versions, to maintain their signature soft and chewy texture. These cookies will not turn golden brown around the edges, and they may even look slightly underdone or puffy in the center when you pull them out of the oven. This is perfectly normal and desired! They will continue to set as they cool on the hot baking sheet. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly, or crispy cookies, losing that luscious softness.
• Amplify the Cinnamon Flavor: If you’re a true cinnamon enthusiast, there are a couple of ways to intensify that beloved spice. First, don’t be shy with the cinnamon-sugar coating! You can roll each dough ball in the mixture multiple times to double or triple-coat it, creating an extra fragrant crust. Second, for an even deeper cinnamon note throughout the cookie itself, consider adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon directly into the cookie dough along with the dry ingredients.
• Lining Your Baking Sheet: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, always line your cookie sheets. A silicone baking mat (like a Silpat) is excellent for even heat distribution and reuse, while parchment paper is a convenient single-use alternative. Both help create the perfect non-stick surface.
• Know Your Oven: Ovens can vary significantly in temperature. If you find your cookies are consistently baking too quickly or too slowly, consider getting an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is truly heating to the temperature you set. A calibrated oven is key to consistent baking results.

Storing and Freezing Your Snickerdoodle Cookies

Proper storage is essential to keep your Cream Cheese Snickerdoodle Cookies fresh and delicious for as long as possible:

Room Temperature Storage: Once completely cooled, these snickerdoodles can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together, especially if your kitchen is warm. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources to maintain their quality.

Freezing Baked Cookies: These cookies freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prepping desserts or having a stash for unexpected cravings. To freeze, arrange the fully cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, layering with parchment paper if needed. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply take them out of the freezer and allow them to come to room temperature on your counter before serving. For an extra treat, you can warm them briefly in the microwave (5-10 seconds) or a low oven (250°F for 5 minutes) to revive that fresh-baked warmth and softness.

Freezing Cookie Dough: You can also freeze the unbaked dough! After chilling the dough, scoop and roll it into balls, coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and then flash freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a prepared baking sheet and bake as directed, adding an extra 2-4 minutes to the baking time. This is perfect for fresh-baked cookies anytime!

CREAM CHEESE SNICKERDOODLE COOKIE RECIPE

Cream Cheese Snickerdoodle Cookies are delightfully soft, thick, and chewy, thanks to the addition of powdered sugar and cream cheese. These unique ingredients enhance these snickerdoodles, making them stand out from any other recipe you’ve tried!

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Course:
Cookies

Cuisine:
American

Keyword:
Cream Cheese Snickerdoodle Cookies, Snickerdoodle, Cookies, Dessert

Prep Time:

10 minutes
minutes

Cook Time:

8 minutes
minutes

Servings:

24
cookies

Calories:

125
kcal

Author:

Jessica & Nellie

Cook Mode

Prevent your screen from going to sleep

Ingredients 

• ½
  cup
  butter
  softened to room temperature
• 4
  oz
  cream cheese
  softened
• 1 ½
  cups
  powdered sugar
• 1
  egg
• 1
  tsp
  vanilla extract
• ½
  tsp
  baking powder
• 1 ¾
  cup
  all-purpose flour

CINNAMON SUGAR TOPPING

• ¼
  cup
  sugar
• 1
  TBSP
  ground cinnamon

Instructions

• With a hand mixer, cream the butter and cream cheese until smooth and well combined. Add the powdered sugar and mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract for another 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Finally, add the flour and baking powder, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
• Transfer the dough to an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1-2 hours. This chilling time is crucial for the dough to firm up and for flavors to develop.
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• In a small, shallow bowl, mix together the ¼ cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon for the topping. Set this aside.
• Using a cookie scoop (approximately 2 teaspoons per scoop), portion out the chilled dough. Roll each scoop into a smooth 1-inch ball between your palms. Roll these dough balls generously in the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Place the coated balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared cookie sheet.
• Bake for 8-9 minutes. Remember, do not overbake! These cream cheese snickerdoodles won’t turn golden brown around the edges and may still look slightly puffy or “underdone” in the center. This is intentional to ensure they remain soft and chewy.
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes after removing them from the oven. This crucial step allows them to finish setting up. After 10 minutes, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Leftover cookies will maintain their delightful freshness for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

Calories:
125
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
17
g

|

Protein:
2
g

|

Fat:
6
g

|

Saturated Fat:
3
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
0.3
g

|

Monounsaturated Fat:
1
g

|

Trans Fat:
0.2
g

|

Cholesterol:
22
mg

|

Sodium:
48
mg

|

Potassium:
30
mg

|

Fiber:
0.4
g

|

Sugar:
10
g

|

Vitamin A:
193
IU

|

Vitamin C:
0.01
mg

|

Calcium:
15
mg

|

Iron:
1
mg

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Selecting the Right Cream Cheese for Your Snickerdoodles

When it comes to the cream cheese for these snickerdoodles, you have a bit of flexibility, but understanding the impact of your choice can help you achieve your desired outcome. You can indeed use any type of cream cheese, be it regular, low-fat, or non-fat. However, for the absolute best flavor, richest consistency, and unparalleled moistness, we highly recommend using full-fat cream cheese. The higher fat content contributes significantly to the cookie’s texture, making it more tender and chewy, and adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Regardless of the fat content, the most critical factor is ensuring the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before adding it to the other ingredients. This allows it to cream smoothly with the butter and powdered sugar, creating a uniform dough without any lumps and ensuring an even distribution of flavor and moisture throughout the cookies.

Craving More Delicious Snickerdoodle Recipes?

If you’ve fallen in love with the classic cinnamon-sugar goodness of snickerdoodles, there are many exciting variations to explore. Here are a few more delicious snickerdoodle recipes to tantalize your taste buds and expand your baking horizons:

• Effortless Snickerdoodle Cake Mix Cookies: For those days when you need a quick and easy cookie fix, these Snickerdoodle Cake Mix Cookies are a dream come true. Made with just 5 simple ingredients, they deliver all the beloved snickerdoodle flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for last-minute treats or when you’re short on time.
• Sheet Pan Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars: Want delicious cinnamon-sugar cookies but don’t have the patience to shape individual cookies? These Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are your answer! Baked in a sheet pan, they come out soft, thick, and perfectly chewy, providing a generous batch of snickerdoodle deliciousness without the fuss of rolling each one.
• Fruity Snickerdoodle Creations: Cinnamon pairs wonderfully with a variety of fruits, creating delightful flavor combinations. Why not try our popular Snickerdoodle Apple Pie Cookie Cups, featuring a luscious apple pie filling nestled within a snickerdoodle base? Or, for a taste of summer, give these vibrant Peach Snickerdoodles, made with fresh peaches, a try!

In conclusion, these Cream Cheese Snickerdoodle Cookies are more than just a twist on a classic; they are a truly elevated baking experience. The marriage of creamy, tangy cream cheese and delicate powdered sugar creates a cookie that is extraordinarily soft, wonderfully thick, and irresistibly chewy. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet cinnamon warmth and a subtle richness that makes these cookies genuinely stand out. They are perfect for sharing with loved ones, enjoying with a cup of coffee, or simply treating yourself to a moment of pure culinary bliss. Don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients and bake a batch of these distinctive snickerdoodles today; you’ll be delighted you did!