Description
These Easy Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, tender, and lightly sweetened with a subtle hint of vanilla and almond extract. Perfect for a simple homemade treat, these cookies combine the rich creaminess of cream cheese with the buttery goodness of classic sugar cookies. They are easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and a brief refrigeration time to achieve the ideal texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Beat butter and cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture and continue to beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate egg and extracts: Add the room temperature egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the mixture and beat until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up and develop flavor.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid in even baking.
- Shape cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass to create a cookie shape.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden brown but the centers remain soft.
- Cool and dust: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- For best texture, ensure the butter, cream cheese, and egg are at room temperature before mixing.
- Chilling the dough is important to prevent spreading during baking and to develop flavor and texture.
- If almond extract is not available or desired, you can omit it without affecting the overall cookie quality.
- Powdered sugar dusting adds sweetness and a pretty finish, but can be skipped if preferred.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
