If you are searching for a cookie recipe that offers soft texture, a subtle tang, and perfect sweetness, look no further than this Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe. These delightful cookies combine the richness of cream cheese with classic sugar cookie flavors, resulting in a tender, buttery treat that’s both easy to make and endlessly adaptable. Whether you want to decorate them for a holiday celebration or simply enjoy their delicate flavor plain, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to bake and share with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity: basic pantry staples that each bring something special to the dough. From creamy butter for richness to baking powder for lift, every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of softness, flavor, and texture.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides a creamy richness that keeps the cookies tender.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Adds a subtle tang and moistness that sets these cookies apart.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps give a slight crisp edge after baking.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and contributes to a soft crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Offers an extra layer of nutty flavor if desired.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Forms the structure of the cookies for that perfect roll-out dough.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Provides a gentle lift to keep cookies light and tender.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
How to Make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
Start by combining the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well incorporated. This step is key—it creates the pillowy texture you crave and ensures the sugar dissolves evenly for smooth, tender cookies.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts
Next, beat in the egg along with vanilla extract and the optional almond extract. These ingredients add moisture and flavor depth that balance the tang from the cream cheese. Mixing well here guarantees your dough will come together perfectly, setting the stage for a richly flavored cookie.
Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly blended. This simple step distributes your leavening agent well and prevents clumps, making sure the cookies rise and bake evenly with a tender crumb.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain the light and tender texture. The dough might feel slightly sticky but should be firm enough to roll out after chilling.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each tightly with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour. This chilling period is essential—it lets the dough firm up for easier rolling and cutting, while helping the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Prepare to Bake
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This setup allows your cookies to cook evenly and prevents sticking, ensuring perfectly golden edges without any fuss.
Step 7: Roll and Cut the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each chilled dough disc to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create shapes that suit your mood or occasion. This is where the fun of personalization begins, whether you stick with classic circles or go festive with holiday motifs!
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the cut cookies with about 1 inch of space between them on the baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges just start to turn a gentle golden color. Your kitchen will fill with a warm, inviting aroma that’s almost impossible to resist.
Step 9: Cool and Decorate
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can decorate with icing, sprinkles, or simply enjoy their sweet, creamy flavor plain. Either way, these cookies are a delight.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your cookies with colored sanding sugar or finely chopped nuts before baking for a subtle crunch and extra color. After baking, a thin layer of royal icing or chocolate drizzle adds festive flair and sweetness that complements the tangy base beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot tea, or rich coffee to create a perfectly balanced treat. Fresh berries or whipped cream alongside can also turn these into an indulgent dessert moment anyone would treasure.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cream cheese sugar cookies on a decorative platter or tiered tray for parties and gatherings. Tie a bundle with a colorful ribbon for gifting or package them in a cute box lined with parchment for a heartfelt homemade present. The possibilities are endless and fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This helps keep them soft and fresh so you can enjoy that luscious cream cheese flavor for days after baking.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough discs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months. When ready, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking. Baked cookies freeze well too—wrap individually or stack with parchment paper in an airtight container, then defrost at room temperature.
Reheating
To refresh frozen cookies, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This revives that freshly baked softness and melts any decorations gently for an irresistible homemade treat.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage. Just bring it to chilling before rolling and baking to maintain the best texture.
Do I need to use cream cheese?
Cream cheese is the special ingredient that gives these cookies their tender texture and unique tang. While you could experiment with mascarpone, the classic cream cheese flavor is what makes this recipe shine.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking while rolling?
Lightly flour your rolling surface and rolling pin, and if the dough feels too soft or sticky, place it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes. This makes the dough easier to handle and cut into neat shapes.
Can I use this recipe for drop cookies instead of rolled ones?
Yes! You can scoop portions of dough onto baking sheets and flatten them slightly for a quicker cookie option, though the texture might be a bit different from the rolled version.
What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
Royal icing is perfect for detailed designs, while a simple powdered sugar glaze or melted chocolate drizzle works wonderfully too. Sprinkles and edible glitter add a festive touch and extra fun.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that delivers softness, tenderness, and just the right tang of cream cheese in every bite. It’s wonderfully easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, making it a go-to recipe for celebrations or everyday baking joy. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how these cookies can brighten your kitchen and your day.
Print
Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: About 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and tender with a subtle tang from cream cheese, these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are perfect for decorating or enjoying plain. Easy to make with common ingredients, they bake up fluffy and flavorful, ideal for festive gatherings or everyday treats.
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 Ingredients: Cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Flavors: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until completely incorporated to add richness and aroma.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms, taking care not to overmix for tender cookies.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough for easier rolling and cutting.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow even baking.
- Roll and Cut: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shapes for uniform cookies.
- Arrange Cookies: Place the cut cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden, ensuring a soft yet fully cooked texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to avoid sogginess.
- Decorate or Serve: Once cooled, decorate the cookies with icing, sprinkles, or enjoy them plain as a satisfying treat.
Notes
- For a citrus twist, substitute the almond extract with lemon or orange extract.
- Adjust baking time if you roll the cookie dough thicker for softer cookies.
- Lightly flour the rolling surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking; if dough becomes too soft, chill again briefly.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Dough discs can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before baking.
- Baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months; defrost at room temperature before serving.
