Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for classic cookies that melt in your mouth, the Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. These cookies are beautifully tender with just the right balance of sweetness and a subtle tang from the cream cheese, giving them a unique twist on the traditional sugar cookie. They’re simple enough for a weekday bake but special enough to impress at holiday gatherings or parties. Plus, their delicate texture keeps them fresh and dreamy long after they come out of the oven, making the Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe a must-try in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of simple yet essential ingredients makes this recipe a joy to prepare. Each component plays a vital role in bringing that perfect texture, flavor, and sweetness to your cookies, so it’s worth using quality basics for the best results.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick): Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Adds a slight tanginess and extra softness to the cookie dough.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their light texture.
• Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth of flavor.
• Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Offers a subtle nutty aroma that enhances the cookie’s flavor profile.
• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The sturdy base for the dough, helping it hold its shape.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures a light and airy texture.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances 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 unsalted butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat them with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well blended. This step is key to achieving the cookie’s tender texture because it incorporates air into the dough, making these cookies wonderfully soft.

Step 2: Incorporate the Egg and Extracts

Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if you’re using it) into the creamy mixture. Beat everything together until it’s fully incorporated, smooth, and homogenous. These liquid elements add moisture and infuse the dough with those comforting aromatic notes.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed, giving the dough a uniform rise and balancing the sweetness.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just enough to create a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix here, or the cookies might turn out tough instead of tender. You want the dough just combined so you can roll it out easily.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two discs and wrap each tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes without the cookies spreading too much during baking.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 7: Roll and Cut the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc of dough to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create fun shapes. This is the perfect time to get creative and have fun with the presentation of your cookies!

Step 8: Arrange Cookies on Baking Sheets

Place the cut cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 1 inch apart. This room lets them bake evenly without sticking together.

Step 9: Bake Until Edges Are Golden

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for lightly golden edges, indicating the perfect doneness.

Step 10: Cool Before Decorating

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up without breaking apart when you handle them.

Step 11: Decorate or Enjoy Plain

Once cooled, feel free to adorn your Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe creations with icing, sprinkles, or just enjoy their delicious simplicity as they are. Either way, you’re in for a real treat!

How to Serve Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

The easiest way to spruce up your cookies is with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. For festive occasions, a touch of colorful sprinkles or icing piped in fun patterns adds a delightful personality to these already charming treats.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk. For a special brunch or dessert spread, serve them alongside fresh fruit or homemade jam for a balanced flavor experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these cookies into thoughtful gifts by stacking them in decorative boxes tied with ribbon. Or create a cookie platter with assorted shapes and colors for celebrations. Another fun idea is sandwiching two cookies together with a generous layer of frosting or jam in between for a delightful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them from becoming too soft or stale, place a slice of bread in the container—the cookies will absorb the moisture and stay fresh longer.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a sealable plastic bag or airtight container. They keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

To refresh frozen or leftover cookies, warm them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. This helps bring back their softness and just-baked aroma, making every bite as delightful as the first time.

FAQs

Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?

While cream cheese is crucial for the signature texture and flavor of these cookies, you could try mascarpone or Neufchâtel cheese as alternatives, but results may vary slightly in taste and softness.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough helps solidify the fats, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and makes rolling and cutting easier, resulting in nicely shaped cookies.

Can I add food coloring to the dough?

Absolutely! Adding a few drops of food-safe coloring to the dough before chilling allows you to create vibrant cookies, perfect for themed parties or holidays.

Are these cookies suitable for decorating with royal icing?

Yes, the firm yet tender texture of these cookies makes them ideal for decorating with royal icing or any other cookie icing because they hold their shape well.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but texture might differ slightly. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free to keep the cookies safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about baking and sharing a batch of Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe. They bring a delightful twist to everyday sugar cookies with their tender crumb and slight tang, guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Give this recipe a try—you may just find it becomes a beloved classic in your own kitchen, perfect for any occasion.

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