Name: Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened; 3 oz (85g) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp almond extract (optional); 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt

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There’s something magical about a perfect sugar cookie. The kind that’s soft, slightly chewy, and melts in your mouth with just the right amount of sweetness. Now, add cream cheese into the mix, and you have a cookie that’s richer, smoother, and even more irresistible. Trust me, once you taste these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies, they’ll become your go-to for every occasion. Whether it’s a holiday celebration, a weekend baking session, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these cookies never disappoint.

Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Versatile: Perfect for any occasion whether you’re baking for a party, gifting homemade treats, or just craving a comforting snack. These cookies fit every moment beautifully.

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. No need for fancy items just basic pantry staples that come together for an unforgettable flavor.

Quick and Easy: No complicated steps, no tricky techniques just an easy, foolproof process that delivers delicious cookies every time.

Customizable: Add different flavors like vanilla, almond, or even a hint of citrus to make these cookies uniquely yours. Want extra texture? Sprinkle some coarse sugar on top before baking.

Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by kids and adults alike. Whether you’re making them for your family or sharing with friends, these cookies will be a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients in Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Butter: Provides the rich, buttery flavor that makes these cookies so irresistible.

Cream Cheese: The secret ingredient! It adds an extra level of softness and richness to every bite.

Sugar: Sweetens the cookies perfectly without being overwhelming.

Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and gives the cookies structure.

Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the dough.

All-Purpose Flour: The base that holds everything together, ensuring the perfect texture.

Baking Powder: Gives the cookies a light, slightly chewy texture.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking and the perfect cookie texture.

Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.

Add Sugar and Egg: Mix in the sugar until well combined, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until light and creamy.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of ingredients.

Mix Everything Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix!

Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Slightly flatten each ball for even baking.

Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Serve and Enjoy: These cookies taste amazing on their own but pair wonderfully with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of milk.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 120

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

How to Serve Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: The perfect afternoon treat.

Decorated with Icing: Add a simple glaze or festive sprinkles for special occasions.

Dipped in Chocolate: Coat half of each cookie in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.

With Ice Cream: Use these cookies to make delicious ice cream sandwiches.

Additional Tips

Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Use Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Don’t Overbake: These cookies should be soft remove them from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden.

Store Properly: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Yes, but full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! Store the dough in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

3. Can I roll these cookies in sugar before baking? Yes! Rolling them in granulated sugar adds a slight crunch and sparkle.

4. Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla? Yes, almond extract adds a lovely nutty flavor just use half the amount since it’s stronger than vanilla.

5. How do I keep my cookies soft? Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.

6. Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts? Definitely! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit work great.

7. Can I double this recipe? Yes, just make sure to mix everything thoroughly for consistent results.

8. What’s the best way to freeze these cookies? Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

9. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose? You can, but it will change the texture slightly, making the cookies denser.

10. Can I use this dough for cut-out cookies? It’s best for drop cookies, but if chilled well, it can work for simple shapes.

Conclusion

These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are a true delight soft, buttery, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making them for a celebration or just for fun, they’ll bring joy to every bite. Happy baking!

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

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Author: ikram
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 24–30 cookies (depending on size) 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These soft and tender Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion! Made with cream cheese and butter, they’re rich, flavorful, and hold their shape beautifully when baked. Decorate them with sprinkles, powdered sugar, or royal icing for a festive touch. Perfect for holidays, parties, or just because!

Instructions

Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese & Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together.

Chill the Dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). This helps the cookies keep their shape when baking.

Roll & Cut the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.

Bake the Cookies:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorate & Enjoy!
Dust with powdered sugar, sprinkle with festive toppings, or frost with royal icing for a fun and colorful finish!