Irresistibly Soft Glazed Cinnamon Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting: Your Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Batch

Prepare to fall in love with these incredibly soft-baked cinnamon cookies, a true delight for any dessert enthusiast. Each bite offers a rich, comforting cinnamon flavor that perfectly complements the velvety smooth, tangy cream cheese glaze. This recipe strikes the ideal balance between sweetness and spice, creating a harmonious flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Whether it’s a cozy evening treat or a festive holiday spread, these glazed cinnamon cookies are guaranteed to impress with their tender texture and unforgettable taste. They are more than just cookies; they are a warm hug in edible form, promising a delightful experience for your palate.

Crafting the perfect soft glazed cinnamon cookies involves a careful blend of quality ingredients and a touch of passion. The secret lies in achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture, which is beautifully enhanced by a generous swirl of our signature cream cheese frosting. This isn’t just any cookie; it’s a journey into aromatic bliss, where the fragrant spice of cinnamon meets the creamy embrace of a perfectly balanced glaze. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the enticing aroma of freshly baked cinnamon goodness and discover your new favorite cookie recipe. These soft cookies are designed to be a standout dessert, offering a comforting yet sophisticated flavor that everyone will adore.

Let me tell you, these soft glazed cinnamon cookies are an absolute phenomenon in my household. This recipe yields a generous two dozen good-sized cookies, enough to satisfy a small crowd, you might think. But here’s the reality check: my family, consisting of just three individuals who are perfectly capable of devouring solid food, managed to make these delicious treats vanish in a single evening! Yes, you read that right – 24 cookies, gone in one night. It was a race against time just to snap a few decent photos before my fiancé returned home and ambushed the kitchen, ready to claim his share (and then some!).

It’s safe to say these soft cinnamon cookies with their divine cream cheese glaze were an undeniable hit. The sheer speed at which they disappeared is a testament to their incredible taste and addictive quality. There was no doubt in my mind that these would be the perfect addition to our holiday dessert lineup, especially for Thanksgiving. Imagine the joy of serving these warm, aromatic, and beautifully glazed treats alongside our traditional festive spread. They bring a unique blend of comfort and elegance that elevates any occasion, making them ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a special treat to brighten your day. Their popularity is truly unmatched, and I can’t wait for you to experience the magic for yourself.

Soft Glazed Cinnamon Cookies Recipe

Creating these incredible soft glazed cinnamon cookies is a rewarding experience, leading to a batch of treats that will be remembered long after they’re devoured. The key is in using high-quality ingredients and following each step carefully. From the rich brown sugar to the aromatic cinnamon and the creamy components of the glaze, every element plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect texture and unforgettable flavor. Gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on this delicious baking adventure together.

For the Cookies:

2 sticks (1 cup) of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 1/2 cups of packed light brown sugar
A generous splash of pure vanilla extract (feel free to measure with your heart, but about 1-2 teaspoons works wonderfully)
2 large eggs, also at room temperature
3 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
1 teaspoon of fine sea salt
2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon, ensuring it’s fresh and fragrant for maximum flavor impact

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

8 ounces (1 block) of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup of powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), sifted to prevent lumps
Optional: A tiny splash of milk or heavy cream (about 1-2 teaspoons) for desired consistency, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get baking! The process is straightforward, but paying attention to details like ingredient temperature and mixing times will ensure your soft glazed cinnamon cookies turn out perfectly soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s at the optimal temperature for baking as soon as your dough is ready. This initial step is crucial for even baking and achieving that desired soft texture in your cinnamon cookies.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a handheld electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes wonderfully light, fluffy, and noticeably pale in color. This step is vital as it incorporates air into the butter and sugar, which contributes significantly to the soft and chewy texture of your finished cinnamon cookies. Don’t rush this process; it’s key to achieving cookie perfection.

2. Add Wet Ingredients: Once the butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, add in the two large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation. Then, add your generous splash of pure vanilla extract. Continue to beat on a lower speed until everything is thoroughly combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to catch any unmixed ingredients. Ensure the eggs are fully integrated into the mixture, creating a smooth and cohesive base for your soft cookies.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, fine sea salt, and two tablespoons of ground cinnamon. Whisking these dry ingredients together thoroughly helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spice throughout the flour, preventing pockets of unmixed ingredients in your final dough. This step is crucial for uniform rise and flavor in your soft cinnamon cookies.

4. Gradually Add Dry to Wet: With the mixer on its lowest speed, slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, a third at a time. Mix only until just combined. It’s incredibly important not to overmix the dough once the flour has been added, as this can develop the gluten too much, resulting in tough, dry cookies instead of the soft, tender ones we’re aiming for. Make sure to stop the mixer periodically and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure all the flour is fully incorporated into the dough, creating a uniform mixture for your glazed cinnamon cookies.

5. Scoop and Bake: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop (or just about 1.5-inch balls of dough), scoop the cookie dough into uniform balls. Place them evenly spaced, about 2 inches apart, onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This spacing allows the cookies to spread without touching each other. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly soft. The key to soft cinnamon cookies is to not overbake them; they will continue to set as they cool. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool fully is essential before applying the luscious cream cheese glaze.

6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze: While the cookies are cooling, prepare your decadent cream cheese glaze. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating on low speed until fully incorporated, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the glaze is light, airy, and fluffy. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny splash of milk or heavy cream, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired spreadable consistency. Stir in the optional vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor. This creamy glaze is what truly elevates these cinnamon cookies to an extraordinary level.

7. Glaze and Enjoy: Once the soft cinnamon cookies have completely cooled, use a spoon or a small offset spatula to generously spread the fluffy cream cheese glaze over the top of each cookie. Allow the glaze to set slightly if desired, or dive right in! These soft glazed cinnamon cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they store wonderfully too. Prepare to be amazed by the delightful balance of spicy cinnamon and sweet, tangy cream cheese in every single bite. They are the perfect embodiment of comfort food and an excellent addition to any dessert table, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Tips for Perfect Soft Glazed Cinnamon Cookies

Achieving the perfect batch of soft glazed cinnamon cookies is easier than you think with a few helpful tips. These nuggets of wisdom will ensure your cookies are consistently soft, chewy, and exquisitely flavorful, making every baking session a success. From ingredient preparation to baking techniques, each detail contributes to the delightful outcome of these homemade treats.

Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Ensure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are all at room temperature. This is crucial for creating a smooth, emulsified batter and glaze. Cold ingredients won’t cream properly, leading to a lumpy dough and a less tender cookie.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour mixture, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your cookies tough and chewy instead of delightfully soft.
Measure Flour Correctly: For the most accurate measurement, spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, leading to too much flour and dry cookies.
Use a Cookie Scoop for Uniformity: A 2-tablespoon cookie scoop ensures all your cookies are the same size, which means they will bake evenly. No more unevenly baked batches!
Do Not Overbake: Soft cinnamon cookies are best when slightly underbaked. They might look a little soft in the center when you pull them out, but they will continue to set as they cool on the hot baking sheet. Overbaking leads to dry, hard cookies.
Cool Completely Before Glazing: This is paramount for the cream cheese glaze. If the cookies are warm, the glaze will melt and slide right off, creating a sticky mess instead of a beautiful, creamy topping. Patience is a virtue here!
Fresh Cinnamon Matters: The quality of your cinnamon significantly impacts the flavor. Use fresh, aromatic ground cinnamon for the best results. Older spices lose their potency.
Sift Powdered Sugar for Glaze: Sifting the powdered sugar for your cream cheese glaze helps prevent lumps, resulting in a super smooth and velvety frosting.

Variations to Elevate Your Cinnamon Cookies

While these soft glazed cinnamon cookies are perfect as they are, there’s always room for a little culinary creativity! Experiment with these variations to put your own unique spin on this classic recipe and delight your taste buds with new flavor experiences.

Nutty Cinnamon Cookies: Fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough during the last stage of mixing for an added crunch and nutty flavor dimension.
Spiced Orange Glaze: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest to the cookie dough for a subtle citrusy note. For the glaze, incorporate 1 teaspoon of orange zest and replace a portion of the milk with a tiny bit of fresh orange juice for a brighter, tangy finish.
Maple Cream Cheese Glaze: Substitute 1/4 cup of the powdered sugar in the glaze with 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup (reduce milk/cream slightly) for a delicious maple twist that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Gingerbread Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves to the dry ingredients for a delightful gingerbread-inspired cinnamon cookie, perfect for the holiday season.
Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Cookies: Stir in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chips into the cookie dough for a delightful fusion of flavors.
Brown Butter Glaze: Instead of regular softened butter for the glaze, brown 2 tablespoons of butter until nutty, let it cool slightly, then add it to the cream cheese mixture for a depth of flavor that is truly exquisite.

Storage and Serving Suggestions for Your Soft Glazed Cinnamon Cookies

Once you’ve mastered these soft glazed cinnamon cookies, knowing how to properly store and serve them will ensure you enjoy every last crumb. Their deliciousness makes them versatile for various occasions.

Storage: Store the glazed cinnamon cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent the glaze from sticking. For longer storage, freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months. Glaze them once thawed.
Serving: These soft glazed cinnamon cookies are wonderful served with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. They make an excellent addition to any dessert platter, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Consider packaging a few in a decorative box for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Yield: 24 cookies

Soft Glazed Cinnamon Cookies

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
11 minutes

Additional Time
20 minutes

Total Time
46 minutes

Ingredients

2 sticks of unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups of packed brown sugar
1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
2 eggs
3 cups of all purpose flour
1/2 tsp of baking soda
1 tsp of salt
2 tbsp of ground cinnamon
8oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup of powdered sugar
Optional: 1-2 tsp milk/heavy cream for glaze

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer, beat the softened butter and packed brown sugar together for 2-3 minutes on a medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then add the vanilla extract. Slow down the speed to a lower setting and beat until completely combined, scraping the bowl as needed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add the flour mixture into the stand mixer with the wet ingredients on low speed, mixing only until just combined. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure the flour is getting all the way incorporated without overmixing.
Using a 2 tbsp cookie scoop, scoop the dough into balls and place evenly onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly soft. Move them to a cooling rack after baking and allow to cool completely before frosting.
For the frosting, whip the softened cream cheese and sifted powdered sugar together in a clean bowl until fluffy and smooth. If too thick, add a tiny splash of milk or heavy cream (1-2 tsp) for desired consistency. Spread the glaze generously on the completely cooled cookies using a spoon or offset spatula and enjoy!

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