If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s irresistibly soft, tender, and absolutely bursting with flavor, look no further than this Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe. Combining the rich creaminess of cream cheese with the sweet simplicity of a classic sugar cookie, these treats are delightfully buttery with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that keeps people coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or just craving a comforting homemade snack, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe is how straightforward and simple the ingredients are. Each one plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance that makes these cookies so special.
- Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and a tender crumb to the cookies.
- Cream cheese (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the cookies their signature creamy, soft texture and subtle tang.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps create a slight crispness on the edges.
- Egg (1): Binds the ingredients and contributes to a moist, soft cookie.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Provides structure to the cookies without making them dense.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise and creates a light texture.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sweetness and boosts the depth of flavors.
How to Make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures it reaches the perfect temperature so your cookies bake evenly and develop that beautiful golden edge.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for building the right texture and incorporating air to keep the cookies soft and tender.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly combined. The egg adds moisture and structure, while the vanilla brings a lovely fragrant warmth that complements the cream cheese perfectly.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This prepares the dry ingredients so they distribute evenly, ensuring your cookies have a consistent texture and rise.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, blending until all is fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cookies soft instead of tough. The dough should come together smoothly but still be tender.
Step 6: Drop Dough onto Baking Sheet and Bake
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet. Make sure to leave about two inches of space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly during baking. Pop the tray in your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a delicate golden brown.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set perfectly, allowing you to enjoy their soft centers along with just the right crispy edges.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delicious on their own, a sprinkle of colored sugar or a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely presentation touch. For festive occasions, a little drizzle of melted chocolate or a touch of cinnamon sugar can really elevate their look and flavor.
Side Dishes
These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of tea, or rich coffee. For brunch or dessert, try serving them alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the sweet creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a party or gifting these cookies, stack them with parchment paper separators in a decorative tin or arrange them on a festive platter with garnishes like edible flowers or holiday sprinkles. You can even use cookie cutters to shape the dough before baking for personalized themes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Placing a slice of bread or a damp paper towel in the container helps keep them soft and fresh longer by maintaining moisture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies in advance, the dough freezes beautifully. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply place frozen dough drops on a baking sheet and add a minute or two to the baking time for freshly baked cookies anytime.
Reheating
To revive stored cookies, warm them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or briefly in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for a few minutes. This brings back their soft texture and that just-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
While cream cheese gives these cookies their distinctive tender crumb and subtle tang, you can try using softened mascarpone or a blend of butter and sour cream, but expect slight changes in texture and flavor.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough is not necessary for this recipe, but if you prefer thicker cookies, a brief chill of 30 minutes can help control spreading during baking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just beware some gluten-free flours may alter texture slightly.
Why do my cookies sometimes turn out flat?
Make sure your butter and cream cheese aren’t too melted, and avoid overmixing after adding flour. Also, ensure your baking soda is fresh to help with the cookies’ rise.
Is the baking soda necessary in the recipe?
Absolutely. Baking soda helps the cookies rise and contributes to their soft, tender texture. Omitting it could result in dense, less pleasant cookies.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe is hands-down one of the coziest, most comforting cookie treats you can bake at home. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, anyone can enjoy the rewarding process of making these soft, buttery delights that melt in your mouth. So, grab your mixing bowls and give these a try—you’ll be sharing them with friends and family in no time, and they just might become your new go-to cookie for every occasion.
Print
Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft and tender cream cheese sugar cookies that melt in your mouth, featuring a perfect balance of sweetness and a subtle tang from cream cheese. These cookies are the ideal treat for any occasion, easy to make, and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature by the time the dough is ready.
- Cream butter, cream cheese, and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a creamy base for the cookie dough.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly to incorporate moisture and flavor into the dough.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the raising agent and seasoning.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully combined to form a smooth dough.
- Shape cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow the cookies to spread without sticking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving, ensuring they set with the right texture.
Notes
- For softer cookies, do not overbake; remove them as soon as the edges turn golden.
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are well softened for easier creaming and better texture.
- You can chill the dough for 30 minutes to reduce spreading if desired.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Add sprinkles or colored sugar before baking for a festive touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
