Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
If you’re searching for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that’s perfect for both special occasions and everyday treats, look no further than these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies. This recipe marries the creamy tang of cream cheese with a classic sugar cookie’s delicate sweetness, resulting in cookies that not only hold their shape beautifully but taste absolutely irresistible. Whether you love decorating for the holidays or need a go-to cookie for any season, these little gems fit the bill with their rich, pillowy texture and versatile canvas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies truly shine is their simple, approachable ingredient list. Each component adds a unique note—creamy, sweet, or just the right amount of structure—so you end up with a batch of cookies that are soft, flavorful, and perfectly balanced every time.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Offers a rich, buttery base that creates a tender crumb in every bite.
- Cream cheese (3 oz, softened): The secret to ultra-soft, creamy cookies with a subtle tang that sets them apart.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Provides that classic, sweet sugar cookie taste and helps with just the right amount of spread.
- Large egg (1): Adds structure and helps bind all the delicious ingredients together for a perfect dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth, rounding out the cookie’s flavor profile.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a lovely hint of nutty, floral aroma that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Lends these cookies their shape and bite without making them tough.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a little lift, making the cookies light and oh-so-tender inside.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness for nuanced flavor in each bite.
- Colored sugar or sprinkles (optional, for decorating): Adds fun, color, and a playful sparkle, especially delightful for holidays or parties.
How to Make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
Start by adding your softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar to a large mixing bowl. Beat everything together on medium-high speed until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This will take about 2–3 minutes and is worth every second, as you’re building the creamy foundation for your Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies—don’t rush it!
Step 2: Incorporate the Egg and Flavorings
Next, crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract (and almond extract, if you love a little extra flavor). Beat again until everything is well combined. You’ll notice the dough becoming richer and more aromatic at this stage, setting the stage for those classic sugar cookie notes.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well blended. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as a soft dough forms to keep your Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies nice and tender.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Divide your dough in half, shape each into a disc, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Let the dough chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This step is essential for easy rolling and helps the cookies hold their shape when baking, giving you crisp, clean-cut cookies every time.
Step 5: Roll, Cut, and Shape
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out one disc of dough at a time on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Grab your favorite cookie cutters (the fun part!), cut out shapes, and arrange them about 2 inches apart on the prepared pans.
Step 6: Decorate and Bake
If you want to add some sparkle, sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles over the cutouts before baking. Pop the trays in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are just turning golden. Remember, you want to keep the centers soft so don’t overbake. Let the cookies cool for five minutes on the pan, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
These cookies are gorgeous with just a dusting of colored sugar, but feel free to dress them up! Dip cooled cookies in a light glaze or royal icing and finish with sprinkles or edible pearls—kids especially love getting creative here. Even a drizzle of melted chocolate or a touch of citrus zest can take Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies to bakery-level beauty.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a big mug of hot cocoa, a frothy latte, or even a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic afternoon treat. They’re also fabulous alongside fresh berries or a platter of assorted nuts, adding a soft, sweet counterpoint to any festive dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies in a pretty tin lined with parchment, stack them in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for edible gifts, or create a dazzling cookie platter for parties. For a memorable display, set out an assortment of frostings and toppings and host a DIY decorating party—everyone gets to make their cookie masterpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They stay soft and flavorful, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week—if they last that long!
Freezing
Both the baked cookies and the unbaked dough freeze beautifully. For best results, freeze shaped (but unbaked) cookie cutouts on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to a month. Baked cookies should be well wrapped and frozen for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature before serving or decorating.
Reheating
If you love a slightly warm cookie, pop a few Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies into a 300°F oven for 2–3 minutes or microwave for 5–10 seconds. This brings back a touch of that just-baked softness that makes them truly special.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough for Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies can be made up to three days ahead and kept in the fridge. It’s a great way to break up your prep and bake fresh cookies whenever you get the craving.
Will these cookies hold their shape for detailed cookie cutters?
Yes—they are fantastic for cut-out shapes thanks to the cream cheese, which keeps the dough stable without spreading too much. Your snowflakes, stars, and hearts will bake up crisp and clean every time.
Can I frost and decorate after baking?
Definitely! These cookies are sturdy yet soft, making them an ideal canvas for royal icing, glaze, or even simple buttercream. Just make sure the cookies are completely cooled before you start decorating.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
While you can use light cream cheese in a pinch, full-fat cream cheese gives the richest flavor and best softness. For true Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies magic, stick with the classic version if you can.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling is key for these cookies! It firms up the dough so your shapes are crisp and neat, and gives the flavors time to mingle. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much during baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s a certain joy in baking Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies—the anticipation as they bake, the endless decorating possibilities, and of course, the first soft, buttery bite. Whether for a holiday, a party, or simply because you love cookies as much as I do, I hope this recipe becomes a cherished favorite for you and your loved ones. Happy baking!
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Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are tender, buttery treats perfect for any occasion. With a hint of cream cheese and a soft texture, these cookies are delicious on their own or decorated with colored sugar or icing.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Decorating:
- Colored sugar or sprinkles (optional, for decorating)
Instructions
- Creaming the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Adding Flavor: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and beat until combined.
- Preparing the Dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
- Chilling the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough, cut into shapes, decorate if desired, and bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are golden.
- Cooling and Serving: Let the cookies cool on the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- These cookies hold their shape well and are perfect for decorating.
- Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
