Zesty Cinnamon Cream Cheese Delights
Indulge in the delightful fusion of orange and cinnamon with these utterly irresistible Zesty Cinnamon Cream Cheese Delights. Perfect for tea time or an afternoon snack, these cookies strike the ideal balance of rich creaminess and vibrant citrus flavor. The unique blend of spices, alongside the creamy texture of cream cheese, creates a cookie that is not overly sweet, making them an excellent companion for your favorite hot beverages. Add extra zest and spices for a cookie that not only tastes divine but looks charmingly freckled! Whether you chill the dough for a short time or overnight, these cookies maintain their perfect shape without spreading, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups (sifted)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
allspice
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (fine)
butter
2/3 cup (softened)
cream cheese
1 (3-ounce) package (softened)
sugar
1/2 cup (granulated)
orange juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
grated orange peel
2 teaspoons (fresh)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Whisk until evenly blended.
2
In a separate medium bowl, use an electric mixer on low speed to beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
3
Gradually add in the sugar, mixing until well combined. Then stir in the orange juice and grated orange peel, mixing until just incorporated.
4
Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overbeat; stop mixing as soon as it's combined.
5
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm (or longer if desired).
6
Once ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to an even thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
8
Place the cut cookies on a lightly greased cookie sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
10
Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Cinnamon Cream Cheese Delights?
They are a delightful fusion of orange and cinnamon cookies with a rich, creamy texture from cream cheese, perfect for tea time.
What makes these cookies unique?
The unique blend of cinnamon and allspice combined with fresh orange juice and zest creates a vibrant citrus flavor that is not overly sweet.
How much flour is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, which should be sifted.
What spices are used in these cookies?
This recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice.
How much butter is needed?
You will need 2/3 cup of softened butter.
How much cream cheese is used?
The recipe requires one 3-ounce package of softened cream cheese.
Is there a lot of sugar in these delights?
No, they only use 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, making them an excellent, less-sweet treat.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
The recipe recommends 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
How much orange peel should I grate?
You should use 2 teaspoons of fresh grated orange peel.
How do I prepare the dry ingredients?
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, allspice, and salt, then whisk until evenly blended.
How should I mix the butter and cream cheese?
Use an electric mixer on low speed to beat them together in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy.
When do I add the orange ingredients?
Stir in the orange juice and grated orange peel after mixing in the sugar, but before adding the flour mixture.
What is the most important tip when adding flour to the dough?
Be careful not to overbeat; stop mixing as soon as the dough starts to come together.
How long does the dough need to chill?
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm, or longer if desired.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) once you are ready to bake.
How thick should the cookie dough be rolled?
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to an even thickness of about 1/8 inch.
Can I use different shapes for these cookies?
Yes, you can use your favorite cookie cutters to cut the dough into any shapes you like.
Do I need to grease the cookie sheet?
Yes, place the cut cookies on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
How long do these cookies bake?
Bake them for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
How do I prevent the cookies from overbaking?
Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking; remove them as soon as the edges turn golden.
How should the cookies be cooled?
Remove them from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Do these cookies spread a lot in the oven?
No, these cookies maintain their perfect shape without spreading much during baking.
Can I chill the dough overnight?
Yes, the dough can be chilled overnight if you are preparing it ahead of time.
What is the texture of these cookies like?
They have a shortbread-style texture that is both rich and creamy.
Are these cookies good for gifts?
Absolutely, their charming freckled appearance and unique flavor make them a wonderful treat for any occasion.
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
The tags include cookies, cinnamon, orange, cream cheese, dessert, baking, and tea time.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: flour, cinnamon, allspice, salt, butter, cream cheese, sugar, orange juice, and orange peel.
Does the recipe use fine or coarse salt?
The recipe specifies 1/8 teaspoon of fine salt.
What is the preparation style for the orange peel?
The orange peel should be fresh and grated.
What is the best way to serve these delights?
They are best served at tea time or as an afternoon snack, paired with your favorite hot beverage.