Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, delicately folded pastry that melts in your mouth with a rich blend of cream cheese and warm cinnamon. These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crowns are not just a dessert; they're a culinary experience that transforms ordinary baking into an extraordinary moment of pure bliss. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious kitchen novice, this recipe promises to elevate your baking game and impress everyone who takes a single bite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. Mix for about 3-4 minutes until well combined.
- Add vanilla extract and beaten egg to the cream cheese mixture, beating until smooth and fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and help prevent spreading during baking.
- After chilling, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into 3-inch rounds using a cookie cutter or glass rim.
- Gently fold the edges of each round towards the center, creating a slight crown or flower shape, leaving the center open.
- Place the shaped crowns on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
- Brush the edges of each crown with the remaining beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light glaze before serving.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are genuinely softened, not melted. This creates the perfect creamy texture.
- Chill for Success: Don't skip the 30-minute refrigeration step. Cold dough is easier to handle and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
- Even Rolling: Use a light touch when rolling out the dough and maintain a consistent 1/4 inch thickness for uniform baking.
- Egg Wash Magic: The beaten egg wash gives your crowns a beautiful golden, glossy finish - don't forget this step!
- Watch Closely: Ovens can vary, so start checking your crowns around the 18-minute mark to prevent over-browning.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the crowns cool completely before adding any powdered sugar or glaze to maintain their delicate structure.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 60mg
