Pin These cinnamon sugar cloud cookies are the fluffiest little treats you can bake in just over half an hour. Think snickerdoodle softness with an irresistible cream cheese frosting. I always make a batch when I want to fill the house with sweet cinnamon warmth and treat everyone to something truly special.
My family always asks for these on rainy weekends and they disappear at every potluck. There is just something magical about biting into a cookie so soft you barely notice the chew.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: This is the base of the cookie dough Choose a fresh flour for softest texture
- Cornstarch: Helps create that unbelievably pillowy interior Look for a fine texture
- Baking soda: Lifts the cookies for a gentle rise Make sure yours is fresh
- Cream of tartar: Essential for keeping cookies tender and soft Double-check the expiration for best results
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances butter flavor Use fine sea salt if you can
- Unsalted butter: The backbone of flavor and texture Make sure it is truly softened for perfect blending
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and keeps the cookies tender Choose pure cane sugar for best flavor
- Egg: Binds everything and creates a light crumb Use a large fresh egg always at room temperature
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds deep aroma and flavor Go pure not imitation
- Ground cinnamon: This is where you get all the warmth Choose a fragrant fresh cinnamon for best results
- Powdered sugar: For frosting Choose a superfine brand and sift for creaminess
- Cream cheese: Creates tang and body in the frosting Go for a full-fat brick variety and let it soften first
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pans:
- Preheat your oven to the correct temperature then line two baking sheets with parchment paper This keeps cookies from spreading too thin and speeds cleanup
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- Combine flour cornstarch baking soda cream of tartar and salt in a medium bowl Use a whisk and make sure everything is well distributed for perfectly tender cookies
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture turns light and fluffy This takes about three minutes with an electric mixer and it is the secret to pillowy cookies
- Add Egg and Vanilla:
- Crack in a large egg and pour in pure vanilla extract Beat well to fully incorporate The dough should look pale and thick
- Combine Wet and Dry:
- Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture Mix until just combined and stop as soon as no dry flour remains This keeps cookies soft and prevents toughness
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar:
- Mix together the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl Stir with a fork until fully blended The scent here sets the tone for the whole recipe
- Form and Coat the Dough Balls:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and gently roll between your palms until smooth Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until completely coated
- Arrange on Baking Sheet:
- Place the dough balls on parchment-lined trays leave enough space between each so they do not spread into each other as they bake
- Bake the Cookies:
- Slide trays into the oven and bake for about ten minutes Edges should barely set and the tops may look slightly underdone That means they will stay cloud-soft as they cool
- Cool the Cookies:
- Let the cookies sit on the baking sheets for exactly five minutes This helps set the shape Use a spatula to transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely
- Make the Frosting:
- While cookies cool beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth Sift in powdered sugar add vanilla and a pinch of salt and whip until fluffy and light
- Frost and Finish:
- Once cookies are completely cooled generously spread or pipe cream cheese frosting on each Optionally dust with extra cinnamon sugar to finish
Pin Storage Tips
Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator They will stay soft and moist for up to four days Layer with parchment to keep frosting neat You can freeze unfrosted cookies for up to two months When ready to serve thaw then frost and dust with cinnamon sugar for the freshest flavor If making ahead keep the frosting and cookies separate frost just before serving for the best texture
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need to go dairy-free swap butter for a plant-based stick and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting Look for brands that soften well For gluten-free cookies use a high quality one-to-one gluten free flour blend Add a quarter teaspoon extra cornstarch for pillowy softness Orange zest in the frosting brings brightness or use maple extract for an autumnal spin
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a mug of chai tea for a cozy snack Stack in gift boxes for holiday swaps Add a sprinkle of toasted nuts for crunch if you like These cookies are beautiful arranged on a platter for parties and potlucks
Cultural Twist
These cookies take inspiration from snickerdoodles which have roots in German immigrant baking American snickerdoodle recipes have always meant comfort and nostalgia adding this creamy frosting turns them into sheer celebration
Seasonal Adaptations
In spring top with pastel colored sugar over the frosting for a festive touch Autumn calls for a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg in the cinnamon sugar blend Winter parties invite a drizzle of caramel over the frosting for extra indulgence
A few notes on this recipe
Letting your butter and cream cheese come fully to room temp is crucial for perfectly smooth dough and frosting Do not overbake or the magic cloud texture will be lost A sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar on top really makes these cookies sparkle
Success Stories
Last year I brought these cloud cookies to a family reunion and they were gone in minutes Kids and adults both raved about how the cream cheese frosting made every bite taste extra special It is now our go-to bake sale treat and my grandmother even insists I tuck some away just for her
Freezer Meal Conversion
For easy prep freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray Transfer to a zip-top bag then bake straight from the freezer with a minute or two longer baking time This way you can have fresh cookies whenever a craving strikes Just remember to make fresh frosting on baking day
Pin Enjoy these wonderfully soft and flavorful cloud cookies. They are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve a soft, cloud-like texture?
Careful creaming of the butter and sugar plus the addition of cornstarch and cream of tartar ensures a pillowy, tender crumb.
- → Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it soften slightly for easier rolling.
- → Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling is optional but can enhance the cookies' shape and texture by preventing excessive spreading.
- → How should these cookies be stored?
Keep cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days to maintain freshness and softness.
- → Can I add extra flavors or toppings?
Yes, try a pinch of nutmeg in the cinnamon sugar or dust extra cinnamon sugar over the frosted cookies for added flavor.