If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that perfectly balances soft, buttery richness and delightful sweetness, this Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies bring together the smooth tang of cream cheese with the classic comfort of sugar cookies, creating a tender crumb and irresistible flavor that feels like a warm hug in every bite. They’re wonderfully simple to make but deliver such a luxurious texture that they’ll quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this cookie lies in its straightforward ingredients list—each one plays a crucial role in building that melt-in-your-mouth softness and subtle tang that sets these cookies apart from your typical sugar cookie.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: Provides a creamy richness and tender texture, helping cookies spread evenly.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Adds a subtle tang and extra moisture for that signature soft crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while contributing to a slight crisp edge.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder, enhancing structure and moisture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings a warm, fragrant depth of flavor.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives these cookies their perfect shape and chew.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and amps up the overall flavor.
How to Make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the perfect baking environment so your cookies can bake evenly and gain that lovely golden edge without drying out.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is key because it incorporates air, which lends a delicate texture to your final cookies.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg followed by the vanilla extract. These add richness and a burst of warm flavor that complements the cream cheese so well.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworked dough—and a tougher cookie.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a gentle golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your cookies to cool on a wire rack so they set nicely. This step is important because warm cookies can break apart easily, but once cooled, they have that perfect soft yet sturdy texture you’ll love.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a touch of colored sanding sugar before baking to add a festive sparkle. For a fun twist, you can top them with a thin layer of cream cheese frosting or even dip half in melted chocolate for an indulgent finish.
Side Dishes
These cookies are phenomenal on their own but pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot tea, or even a rich latte. They make for a fantastic afternoon treat alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifting, stack your Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe treats in a decorative tin, separated by parchment paper. Decorating them with colorful icing or edible glitter can transform them into showstoppers that look as amazing as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. The cream cheese keeps them moist, so they won’t dry out quickly, making them perfect for keeping on hand as a quick snack.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead, you can freeze the cookie dough or the fully baked cookies. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, layer them with parchment in an airtight container and freeze for the same amount of time. Thaw before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or heat briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This restores their softness and flavor beautifully.
FAQs
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
The cream cheese is what gives these cookies their unique tang and soft texture, so it’s best not to substitute it. However, if absolutely needed, you could try using mascarpone, but expect a slightly different flavor and texture.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading excessively, your butter or cream cheese may be too soft or warm. Try chilling your dough briefly before baking to help maintain their shape.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding lemon zest, almond extract, or mini chocolate chips can add a fun twist. Just be mindful of changing the moisture balance if you add anything too wet.
Are these cookies suitable for decorating with icing?
Yes, their smooth surface and sturdy texture make them excellent for decorating. Just wait until the cookies are completely cool before applying any icing or decorations.
How thick should I make the cookies when baking?
Dropping spoonfuls creates slightly thick cookies that bake evenly. You can gently flatten them if you prefer thinner cookies, but avoid making them too thin or they might lose that soft, pillowy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a cookie that feels both familiar and fresh, and this Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe delivers exactly that with every bite. It’s simple enough to whip up on a whim but impressive enough to share with friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try it and make these tender, flavorful treats a new staple in your kitchen!
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 creamy, these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies offer a perfect balance of buttery richness and sweet simplicity. With a slight tang from the cream cheese and a tender texture, they make an irresistible treat for any occasion.
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 perfect temperature for baking your cookies evenly.
- Cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer or whisk to beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which ensures a tender cookie texture.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, helping to bind the dough and add flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix dry into wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and tough cookies.
- Shape cookies on baking sheet: Drop spoonfuls of dough about 2 inches apart onto an ungreased baking sheet to allow space for spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies: Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown, indicating a perfect bake.
- Cool before serving: Remove cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set and improves texture.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake by baking for about 9-10 minutes.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Feel free to decorate the cookies with sprinkles or icing once cooled for a festive touch.
- Softened ingredients should really be at room temperature for best mixing and texture.
