There is something incredibly satisfying about biting into a soft, tender cookie with just the right balance of sweetness and a subtle tang from cream cheese. This Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it transforms ordinary sugar cookies into something irresistibly fluffy and flavorful. Whether you’re craving a delightful treat for afternoon tea or making cookies for a festive occasion, these cookies are dependable crowd-pleasers that manage to stay soft even days after baking. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your baking rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, classic ingredients come together for this Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe, each playing a crucial role in the perfect cookie texture and flavor. From the creamy richness of the cream cheese to the little lift from baking powder, every item is essential.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick): Provides a rich, buttery flavor that’s key to tender cookies.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Adds moisture and a subtle tang that keeps cookies soft and flavorful.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps cookies brown beautifully.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds moisture for chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Introduces a lovely nutty undertone—totally optional but highly recommended.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides the structure, balancing tenderness and sturdiness.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
Start by using an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving the cookies their delicate, tender texture.
Step 2: Add Egg and Extracts
Next, beat in the egg along with the vanilla and almond extracts (if using) until everything is fully combined. These ingredients provide structure and infuse the dough with warm, inviting flavors.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough to avoid any uneven spots.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and cream cheese mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix here, as that can lead to tougher cookies.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two discs and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll and allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
Step 7: Roll and Cut the Cookies
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes—this is where the fun begins! Remember to dip your cutters in flour to prevent sticking.
Step 8: Arrange and Bake
Place the cookies about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges just start to turn a lovely golden color. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can decorate them with icing or enjoy them plain for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty, delicate touch, but if you want to get festive, try colorful royal icing or sprinkles. They’re not just pretty—they add a little crunch and sweetness that can elevate your cookie game instantly.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair exceptionally well with a warm drink like chai tea, hot cocoa, or even a bold coffee. The creamy tang of the cookies complements rich, warming beverages beautifully, making any snack time feel special.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving or parties, consider stacking cookies with little parchment paper layers in charming tins, jar gifts, or even tied up with festive ribbons. You can also turn them into mini sandwiches with a layer of jam or frosting between two cookies for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days, making them perfect for preparing in advance.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough discs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, roll out, and bake as usual. Alternatively, bake the cookies first and freeze fully cooled cookies in a sealed container—they thaw perfectly.
Reheating
Warm leftover cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or place them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This refreshes their softness and enhances their melt-in-your-mouth quality just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
While full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor, you can use low-fat cream cheese if needed. Just be aware the cookies might be slightly less tender and flavorful.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is highly recommended because it firms up the fat, making the dough easier to roll and cut, and it helps develop the flavors. Skipping this step might result in cookies spreading too much during baking.
Can I substitute almond extract?
Sure! Almond extract is optional and adds a lovely flavor, but you can replace it with an extra 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract or leave it out entirely if you prefer a pure vanilla taste.
How thick should I roll the dough?
Rolling the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness strikes the perfect balance between soft and sturdy, allowing the cookies to hold their shape while maintaining a tender bite.
What is the best way to decorate these cookies?
Royal icing is a favorite because it dries hard and holds up well, but simple buttercream, glaze, or even dipping in melted chocolate are fantastic options. Don’t forget sprinkles or edible glitter to add a fun touch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about making and sharing these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe with people you care about. The ease of preparation combined with the delectable, soft texture makes it a recipe to keep close at hand. Whether you bake them plain or decorate with vibrant icing, I can’t recommend this cookie enough for any occasion. Give it a try and watch how quickly these melt-in-your-mouth treats become household favorites!
Print
Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and lightly sweetened with a hint of cream cheese that creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies can be cut into fun shapes and decorated with icing or enjoyed plain. The inclusion of cream cheese adds an extra moistness and richness that distinguishes them from traditional sugar cookies.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream the Mixture: Using an electric mixer, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step ensures a smooth, creamy base for the cookie dough.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until everything is fully incorporated, creating a smooth batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing as you go, until a soft dough forms without any visible flour.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal discs, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step helps to firm up the dough and makes it easier to roll out.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow even baking.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each chilled dough disc to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes for your cookies.
- Arrange Cookies: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are about 1 inch apart to allow for slight expansion during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a gentle golden color, signaling they are perfectly baked.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent breakage while still warm.
- Decorate and Serve: Once cooled, decorate the cookies with icing if desired or enjoy them plain as a classic treat.
Notes
- For best results, make sure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before starting.
- You can substitute almond extract with additional vanilla extract if preferred.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and helps with cutting clean shapes.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze the dough discs wrapped tightly and thaw before rolling and baking.
