The air is crisp, the holiday lights are twinkling, and there’s a magical aroma lingering – it’s the season for baking! If you’re searching for that perfect treat to make your festive gatherings extra special, look no further. We’re about to introduce you to a cookie that’s a celebration in every bite: the ultimate **Festive Cinnamon Crunch Cookies**. Imagine a soft, chewy cookie infused with warm cinnamon, studded with creamy white chocolate, and boasting an irresistible crunch from your favorite breakfast cereal. These aren’t just cookies; they’re tiny parcels of joy designed to spread cheer and create delicious memories. Get ready to embark on a baking adventure that’s as easy as it is delightful!

Why You’ll Love These Festive Cinnamon Crunch Cookies

These aren’t just any cookies; they’re designed to be your new go-to holiday favorite. Here are four compelling reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for these **Festive Cinnamon Crunch Cookies**:

Unforgettable Flavor & Texture Fiesta: Get ready for a party in your mouth! Each bite delivers the warm embrace of ground cinnamon, the sweet creaminess of white chocolate chips, and that utterly addictive, signature crunch from Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. The cream cheese in the dough ensures a wonderfully soft and chewy interior that truly sets these cookies apart.
Lightning-Fast & Fuss-Free Baking: Who has hours to spend in the kitchen during the busy holiday season? Not us! With a mere 10 minutes of prep time and another 10 minutes in the oven, these **Festive Cinnamon Crunch Cookies** are ready in a flash. Perfect for last-minute guests or when a sudden cookie craving strikes.
A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Seriously, who can resist a cookie that tastes like a hug? The comforting flavors of cinnamon, the familiar joy of cereal, and the luxurious touch of white chocolate make these cookies universally loved. They’re perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply sharing with loved ones around a crackling fire.
Visually Festive & Fun: Beyond their incredible taste, these cookies look the part! The golden edges, the visible white chocolate chips, and especially the generous sprinkle of crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch on top make them look inviting and utterly festive. They’re a playful twist on traditional holiday baking that will bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Ingredients for Your Festive Cinnamon Crunch Cookies

Gather your magic makers! Here’s everything you’ll need to create these spectacular **Festive Cinnamon Crunch Cookies**:

🌾 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
✨ 2 teaspoons cornstarch
🥄 1 teaspoon baking soda
🧂 1 teaspoon kosher salt
🍂 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
🧈 ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
🧀 ¼ cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
🍯 ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
⚪ ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
🥚 1 large egg, at room temperature
🌿 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
🍫 ¾ cup white chocolate chips
🥣 2 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, finely crushed and divided in half

Detailed Directions: Baking Your Festive Cinnamon Crunch Cookies

Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to bring your delightful **Festive Cinnamon Crunch Cookies** to life:

Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a medium bowl, gently whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this fragrant mix aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), combine the softened butter, cream cheese, light brown sugar, and confectioners’ sugar. Beat on high for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is wonderfully light and fluffy, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
With the mixer on low speed, slowly add in the egg and vanilla extract. Beat for about 1 minute until just incorporated.
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed. Mix just until the ingredients are combined – be careful not to overmix, as this keeps your cookies tender!
Remove the bowl from the mixer. Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and half of your finely crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. This adds a delightful surprise crunch inside!
Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Lightly flatten each cookie with the bottom of a kitchen glass. Then, generously sprinkle the remaining half of the crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal on top of each flattened cookie for an extra festive crunch.
Bake for 8-10 minutes. For the most wonderfully soft and chewy cookies, remove them from the oven when the edges are just barely golden and the centers look slightly set but still a little soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Presentation & Serving Your Festive Cinnamon Crunch Cookies

Once your **Festive Cinnamon Crunch Cookies** are baked to perfection, it’s time to show them off! Here are some delightful ways to present and serve them:

Elegant Stack: Arrange your cookies in a beautiful pyramid on a tiered cake stand or a simple festive platter. The layers of golden cookies and crunchy topping will be a feast for the eyes.
Gifting Perfection: These cookies make incredible edible gifts! Stack them carefully in festive tins, decorated boxes, or cello bags tied with a pretty ribbon. They’re a heartfelt homemade present for neighbors, teachers, or colleagues.
Drizzle & Dazzle: For an extra touch of gourmet flair, melt a little white chocolate or prepare a simple vanilla glaze (confectioners’ sugar + a touch of milk) and drizzle it artfully over the cooled cookies. A sprinkle of edible glitter can add a magical sparkle!
Dessert Platter Star: Serve them as part of a larger dessert spread. They pair beautifully with other holiday treats and add a unique texture and flavor profile to the mix.
The Ultimate A La Mode: For a truly indulgent experience, serve a warm **Festive Cinnamon Crunch Cookie** alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of warm cookie and cold ice cream is heavenly.

Serve these cookies with a steaming mug of hot cocoa, a freshly brewed coffee, or a comforting cup of spiced tea. They are perfect for holiday breakfasts, afternoon snacks, or as the grand finale to any festive meal!

Storing Your Festive Cinnamon Crunch Cookies

So, you’ve baked a batch of irresistible **Festive Cinnamon Crunch Cookies**, and now you want to make sure they stay fresh for as long as possible. Here’s how to store them:

Room Temperature: Once completely cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. A cookie jar with a tight-fitting lid or a plastic food storage container works perfectly. If stacking, you can place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking.
How Long Do They Last? When stored correctly at room temperature, these cookies will maintain their optimal freshness for 3-5 days. While they’re perfectly safe to eat beyond that, they are definitely at their best when enjoyed fresh!
Freezing Baked Cookies: If you’ve baked a large batch or want to enjoy them later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Once completely cool, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 30 minutes until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven for that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs About Festive Cinnamon Crunch Cookies

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you master these delightful **Festive Cinnamon Crunch Cookies**!

Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted? Yes, but reduce the added kosher salt by about ¼ teaspoon to compensate for the salt in the butter.
What if I don’t have cornstarch? Cornstarch helps make the cookies extra soft and chewy. While you can omit it, the texture might be slightly different.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the dough up to step 6, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before scooping and baking.
Can I use a different type of cereal? While Cinnamon Toast Crunch is key to the unique flavor of these **Festive Cinnamon Crunch Cookies**, you could experiment with other crunchy cereals like Golden Grahams for a different spin.
Why are my cookies spreading too much? This could be due to butter/cream cheese being too soft, oven temperature not being accurate (use an oven thermometer!), or overmixing the dough. Chilling the dough briefly can also help if it’s too warm.
Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of white? Yes, you can! Dark or milk chocolate chips would offer a different but equally delicious flavor profile, though white chocolate complements the cinnamon especially well.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking? The edges should be just barely golden, and the centers should look mostly set but still appear slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.
Is room temperature butter and cream cheese really important? Yes, it is crucial! Room temperature ingredients cream together smoothly, creating an emulsified, airy base that results in a tender, fluffy cookie texture.
What’s the best way to crush the cereal? You can crush it by hand in a Ziploc bag with a rolling pin or pulse it gently in a food processor until it reaches a fine crumb consistency.
How can I make these cookies even more festive? Add a dash of red and green sprinkles along with the cereal topping, or drizzle with colored royal icing for an extra pop of holiday cheer!

Festive Cinnamon Crunch Cookies

These Festive Cinnamon Crunch Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any holiday or New Year's celebration. Combining the warmth of cinnamon with the irresistible crunch of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and sweet white chocolate chips, these cookies are soft, chewy, and utterly irresistible.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings 14 cookies

Calories 299 kcal

Equipment

Stand Mixer
Hand Mixer
Baking Sheet
Parchment Paper
Cookie Scoop
Wire Rack

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
1/4 cup cream cheese softened to room temperature
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 large egg at room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup white chocolate chips
2 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal finely crushed and divided in half

Instructions

Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a medium bowl, gently whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this fragrant mix aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), combine the softened butter, cream cheese, light brown sugar, and confectioners' sugar. Beat on high for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is wonderfully light and fluffy, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
With the mixer on low speed, slowly add in the egg and vanilla extract. Beat for about 1 minute until just incorporated.
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed. Mix just until the ingredients are combined – be careful not to overmix, as this keeps your cookies tender!
Remove the bowl from the mixer. Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and half of your finely crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. This adds a delightful surprise crunch inside!
Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Lightly flatten each cookie with the bottom of a kitchen glass. Then, generously sprinkle the remaining half of the crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal on top of each flattened cookie for an extra festive crunch.
Bake for 8-10 minutes. For the most wonderfully soft and chewy cookies, remove them from the oven when the edges are just barely golden and the centers look slightly set but still a little soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh! For the most wonderfully soft and chewy cookies, remove them from the oven when the edges are just barely golden and the centers look slightly set but still a little soft.

Nutrition per serving (1 cookie, approx.):
Calories: 299kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 18g
Protein: 4g