Introduction

Hey there, friend! Let me tell you about something that’s going to completely transform your breakfast toast, your holiday rolls, or just about anything you spread it on. Remember those little pats of fancy flavored butter you sometimes get at nice restaurants? Well, get ready, because you can make something even better right in your own kitchen with almost no effort at all. This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Butter is ridiculously simple, unbelievably delicious, and seriously, it takes just minutes to whip up. It’s the kind of little touch that feels special but is secretly the easiest thing ever. You’re going to absolutely love it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Ready in under 5 minutes!
Easy: Just mix a few ingredients. Seriously, that’s it.
Giftable: Package it up in a cute jar for a lovely homemade gift.
Crowd-pleasing: Everyone, and I mean everyone, loves this stuff on warm bread.

Ingredients

You only need a few simple things, and chances are, you might already have them on hand!

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature. This is key for getting that smooth, whipped texture! If you only have salted, you can use it, just be aware it might be a tiny bit saltier, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing!
3 tablespoons cream cheese: Also room temperature! The tang of the cream cheese is what makes this butter extra special and gives it a wonderful creamy richness.
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar: Use light or dark brown sugar – light gives a classic sweetness, while dark adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor. Pack it into the spoon or measuring cup to get the right amount of sweetness and moisture.
1 heaping teaspoon cinnamon: This is where the magic happens! Use good quality cinnamon for the best flavor. And yes, “heaping” is totally allowed here because who doesn’t love cinnamon?

How to Make It

Okay, let’s get this done! It’s so simple, it feels more like assembling than cooking.

First things first, grab a medium-sized bowl. This is where all the goodness is going to happen.
Toss your softened butter and room temperature cream cheese into the bowl. Having them both at room temp is SO important because it helps them combine smoothly without lumps. Trust me on this!
Now, add the star flavors: the packed brown sugar and that heaping teaspoon of cinnamon. Looks good already, right?
Time to mix! You can use a spoon and just stir everything together really well, pressing any lumps against the side of the bowl until it’s smooth. Or, if you want it extra fluffy and whipped, use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 1-2 minutes until it’s light and airy. Either way works perfectly!
Keep mixing until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and you have a beautifully smooth, creamy, fragrant butter. Give it a little taste test! (Warning: you might not stop at one taste).
And that’s it! You’ve just made your new favorite spread.

Substitutions & Additions

Want to play around a bit? This recipe is super forgiving!

Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, ground ginger, or a tiny bit of ground cloves for more of a gingerbread or pumpkin spice vibe.
Add Extract: A splash (about 1/4 teaspoon) of vanilla extract, maple extract, or even a touch of rum extract can add another layer of deliciousness.
Sugar Swap: You could try using maple sugar instead of brown sugar for a different flavor profile. I haven’t tested artificial sweeteners, but a granular brown sugar substitute might work, though the texture could change slightly.
Salted Caramel Twist: Stir in a tiny pinch of sea salt with the other ingredients.

Tips for Success

Making this is almost foolproof, but here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

Room Temperature is NON-NEGOTIABLE: Seriously, make sure your butter and cream cheese are properly softened. If they’re too cold, you’ll end up with lumps, and it won’t get that lovely smooth texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can cut the butter and cream cheese into smaller pieces to help them soften faster, or give them a quick 10-second zap in the microwave (be careful not to melt!).
Scrape the Bowl: Whether you’re using a spoon or a mixer, make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl a couple of times to ensure everything gets evenly mixed.
Prep Ahead: This is the perfect recipe to make a day or two in advance. The flavors actually meld even better as it sits!

How to Store It

Once you’ve made your glorious Cinnamon Cream Cheese Butter, you’ll need to store it properly to keep it fresh.

Refrigerator: Store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will firm up when chilled, just like regular butter. It should last for about 2-3 weeks in the fridge.
Serving Chilled: If you plan to serve it spreadable, take it out of the fridge about 15-30 minutes before you need it to let it soften slightly.
Freezer: Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Q: What’s the best way to use this butter?
A: Oh, the possibilities! It’s amazing on warm toast, bagels, English muffins, pancakes, waffles, scones, cornbread, sweet potatoes, or holiday rolls like crescent rolls or dinner rolls. Honestly, try it on anything you’d put butter on!

Q: Can I use whipped butter or reduced-fat cream cheese?
A: I highly recommend sticking to block butter and full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. Whipped butter has air incorporated and reduced-fat cream cheese has more water, which can change the consistency of the final product.

Q: My butter mixture looks a little lumpy, what did I do wrong?
A: Most likely, your butter or cream cheese wasn’t quite at room temperature when you started mixing. If you’re using a spoon, keep stirring and pressing those lumps against the side of the bowl. If you’re using an electric mixer, keep mixing – the friction might help warm them up slightly, but room temperature is always best for a smooth result.

Q: Can I double or triple the recipe?
A: Absolutely! This recipe scales up perfectly. Just make sure you have a large enough bowl.

Easy Cinnamon Cream Cheese Butter

This recipe makes a ridiculously simple, unbelievably delicious spread using softened butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, and cinnamon. It takes just minutes to whip up and is perfect for breakfast toast, rolls, and other baked goods.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Equipment

Medium-sized bowl
Spoon for stirring
Electric mixer optional, for a fluffier texture

Ingredients

0.5 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature (1 stick)
3 tablespoons cream cheese room temperature
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar light or dark
1 teaspoon cinnamon heaping, good quality

Instructions

First things first, grab a medium-sized bowl.
Toss your softened butter and room temperature cream cheese into the bowl. Having them both at room temp is SO important because it helps them combine smoothly without lumps. Trust me on this!
Now, add the star flavors: the packed brown sugar and that heaping teaspoon of cinnamon. Looks good already, right?
Time to mix! You can use a spoon and just stir everything together really well, pressing any lumps against the side of the bowl until it's smooth. Or, if you want it extra fluffy and whipped, use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 1-2 minutes until it's light and airy. Either way works perfectly!
Keep mixing until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and you have a beautifully smooth, creamy, fragrant butter. Give it a little taste test! (Warning: you might not stop at one taste).
And that's it! You've just made your new favorite spread.

Notes

Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature is NON-NEGOTIABLE: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are properly softened for a smooth texture. If in a hurry, cut them into smaller pieces or give a quick microwave zap (be careful not to melt!).
- Scrape the Bowl: Scrape down the sides while mixing to ensure everything is evenly combined.
- Prep Ahead: This recipe can be made a day or two in advance; the flavors meld even better over time.

Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for about 2-3 weeks. It will firm up when chilled; let it soften for 15-30 minutes before serving for easy spreading.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.