If you have a soft spot for classic cookies but need to keep things gluten-free, you are going to fall in love with this Gluten-Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies combine the tender creaminess of cream cheese with the sweet simplicity of sugar cookies, creating a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfectly soft yet holds just the right shape. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because, these cookies delight with every bite and prove that gluten-free treats can be irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, from the gluten-free flour that provides structure to the cream cheese which adds moistness and a subtle tangy note. The magic lies in how these simple, quality ingredients come together to create that perfect soft, chewy texture and irresistibly rich flavor.
- Gluten-free all-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Make sure your blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture, or add it separately if needed to help bind the dough.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): This little lift helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite without puffing up too much.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup or 1 stick): Adds richness and a smooth, buttery flavor while helping the cookies spread evenly.
- Cream cheese, softened (4 ounces): The star of the recipe, this ingredient keeps the cookies incredibly soft and moist with a slight tang.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the dough to just the right degree, creating that classic sugar cookie taste.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds a touch of richness.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Amplifies the cookie’s flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- Almond extract (optional, 1/2 teaspoon): A fantastic twist if you want a hint of nutty depth that complements the cream cheese perfectly.
How to Make Gluten-Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning, which is crucial for consistent cookie texture and flavor.
Step 2: Cream Your Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is essential for incorporating air, which will give your cookies that delicate, tender crumb that’s so addictively good. Take your time—2 to 3 minutes with a mixer does the trick.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. The egg will help bind the dough together, while the extracts bring wonderful depth and aroma to the cookies that will make them smell irresistible as they bake.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet
Slowly add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing gently until a dough forms. If you find the dough too soft to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes — this step makes shaping much easier and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Roll your dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass for classic sugar cookie shape. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping a watchful eye for lightly golden edges and set bottoms. Overbaking can dry them out, so remove them while they’re still soft to the touch.
Step 6: Cool and Decorate
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps them firm up without losing moisture. From here, feel free to decorate with icing, festive sprinkles, or enjoy their simple, perfect flavor as is.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch, while a drizzle of colorful royal icing or sprinkles can make these cookies the star of any party. For holidays, consider using themed colored sugars or edible glitter to amp up the festive vibe.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a steaming cup of tea or your favorite coffee blend for an afternoon treat that feels like a warm hug. They also pair beautifully with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try packaging a batch in a pretty tin or wrapping them in cellophane tied with a ribbon — they make fabulous homemade gifts. You can also layer them between parchment sheets in a decorative jar for a charming kitchen display that invites guests to indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for baking in advance of gatherings.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. When you’re ready, bake directly from frozen adding a couple extra minutes to baking time. Alternatively, freeze fully baked cookies in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To revive the soft texture, warm cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F for a few minutes. This gentle reheating brings back that fresh-baked goodness every time.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream cheese for something else?
Cream cheese is key to the unique texture and taste of this recipe, but if needed, you can try mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Just keep in mind texture and flavor may shift slightly.
Do I have to use almond extract?
Almond extract is optional but highly recommended for a lovely nutty note. If you prefer, you can omit it or replace it with a little extra vanilla extract for a more classic flavor.
Is any special gluten-free flour blend required?
Use a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour that contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the dough’s elasticity and binding. This ensures the best texture for the cookies.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
While this recipe isn’t designed vegan, you could experiment with vegan butter, vegan cream cheese alternatives, and flax egg substitutes. Results will vary, so testing a small batch first is a good idea.
How do I prevent these cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping helps the cookies hold their shape better. Also, avoid over-softening butter and bake immediately after shaping to control spreading.
Final Thoughts
These Gluten-Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe are truly a treasure for anyone looking to enjoy a classic cookie without gluten worries. Soft, flavorful, and just a little bit special thanks to the cream cheese, they are sure to become a beloved recipe in your collection. Give them a try and watch them disappear from your cookie jar faster than you can say “more please!”
Print
Gluten-Free 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
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are soft, tender, and perfect for anyone avoiding gluten. Made with a blend of gluten-free flour and cream cheese, they offer a rich, buttery flavor with a delicate texture. Easy to prepare and bake, these cookies are ideal for special occasions or everyday treats.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum if not included)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt within the flour.
- Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This creates a smooth base and incorporates air for tender cookies.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, mixing until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough feels too soft or sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Flatten each ball slightly to allow even baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and the bottoms turn lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate: Once cooled, decorate cookies as desired with icing, sprinkles, or leave them plain for a classic sugar cookie flavor.
Notes
- If the dough is too sticky, chilling for 30 minutes makes it easier to handle and helps maintain cookie shape during baking.
- You can omit the almond extract if you prefer a more traditional vanilla sugar cookie flavor.
- Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and facilitates easy removal of cookies after baking.
- Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should remain soft and tender rather than hard or crunchy.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
