Step 1: Preheat the oven and prep your baking sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. You’ll want to have these ready to go as soon as your cookie dough is mixed up.

Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the sugar and beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the wet mixture. Continue beating until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The mixture should be light and smooth.

Step 4: Combine the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This will ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before you mix them into the wet ingredients.

Step 5: Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Once the dough comes together, gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries.

Step 6: Chill the dough
Once the dough is ready, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll into balls and gives the flavors a chance to meld.

Step 7: Roll the dough into balls and coat
After chilling, roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scoop. In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.

Step 8: Bake the cookies
Place the dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers will look soft, but they will firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Cool and enjoy
Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, these cookies are even better once they cool and the flavors settle.