If you have been searching for a delightful treat that is soft, flavorful, and downright addictive, then this Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies boast a wonderfully tender texture thanks to the cream cheese, which adds a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the sugar. Not only do they bake up beautifully golden with slightly crisp edges, but they also melt in your mouth with each bite. Whether you are making them for a festive occasion, a casual snack, or just because, these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to make these irresistible cookies. This simple lineup brings both the classic sugar cookie flavor and a creamy, tender softness, making each bite truly special and comforting.
- Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and helps achieve that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Cream cheese (1/2 cup, softened): The secret ingredient that makes these cookies uniquely soft and subtly tangy.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cookie just right and contributes to a slight crispness on the edges.
- Egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture for a perfect chew.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the flavor with a warm, familiar aroma.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Provides structure while keeping the cookies soft and tender.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise and become light in texture.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and deepens overall flavor.
How to Make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Getting the oven hot early ensures your cookies bake evenly without delay. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or leave it ungreased as this dough won’t stick much.
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 these ingredients until the mixture turns light, fluffy, and creamy. This step creates the foundation for a soft and smooth cookie dough.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is thoroughly combined. These ingredients bring moisture and a lovely vanilla warmth to your dough, helping enhance the cookie’s overall flavor profile.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of rising agents and seasoning for balanced taste and texture in every bite.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently but thoroughly until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cookies soft and tender rather than tough.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart. This allows the cookies to spread slightly without merging. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges just start turning golden brown, signaling perfect doneness.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This final step helps them set up nicely so you can enjoy every soft, flavorful bite without crumbling.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are wonderful on their own, but you can add visual and flavor appeal by lightly dusting them with powdered sugar or decorating them with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk. For a festive touch, sprinkle colored sugar crystals or edible glitter before baking.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of tea, or rich coffee to balance their sweetness. They also complement fruit preserves or a scoop of vanilla ice cream when you’re in the mood for a more indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, arrange your cookies on a decorative platter with fresh berries or edible flowers. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies together with a creamy filling like lemon curd or chocolate ganache for a delightful cookie sandwich that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 4 days, making them perfect for preparing in advance for parties or as a spontaneous afternoon treat.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. You can bake frozen dough directly, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To refresh thawed cookies, warm them slightly in an oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back that just-baked softness that makes the Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
While cream cheese is key to the unique texture and flavor here, you could try mascarpone or a full-fat Greek yogurt as alternatives. However, the tang and softness may vary slightly.
Why do my sugar cookies spread too much?
Overly softened butter or a warm kitchen can cause the dough to flatten out. Make sure your ingredients are properly chilled if needed and avoid pressing the dough down when baking.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit to customize your cookies and add a delightful twist while keeping the original softness intact.
How thick should I make the cookie dough balls?
Drop spoonfuls about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons each onto the baking sheet; this size creates cookies that are soft inside with lightly crisp edges.
Are these cookies suitable for decorating?
Yes, the firm but tender texture holds up well to icing, making them excellent choices for decorating with royal icing or buttercream for special occasions.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and satisfying about homemade sugar cookies with a luscious cream cheese twist. This Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe brings out the best in simple ingredients, turning them into a tender, flavorful treat that will make your kitchen smell amazing and your loved ones ask for more. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly these cookies become a beloved classic in your dessert rotation!
Print
Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully soft and buttery Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies that combine cream cheese and butter for a melt-in-your-mouth texture. These classic cookies are perfect for any occasion, offering a tender crumb with just the right amount of sweetness.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper baking temperature before preparing your dough.
- Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, creating a smooth and creamy batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and maintain a tender texture.
- Form Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown, indicating they are done.
- Cool: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving to help them set and prevent breaking.
Notes
- You can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to reduce spreading and achieve thicker cookies.
- For added flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract to the dough.
- If you prefer softer cookies, bake on the lower end of the time range; for crisper cookies, bake a little longer.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
