Name: Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional); 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt

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Soft, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a classic cookie with a twist. The addition of cream cheese makes these cookies super moist with a delicate tang that sets them apart from your standard sugar cookie. They hold their shape beautifully, making them the best canvas for fun shapes, elaborate decorations, or simply enjoying fresh from the oven. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday, a birthday, or a spontaneous baking day, this recipe is destined to be your go-to for cookies that impress every time.

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavor, perfect texture, and that irresistible pale golden color. Let’s take a look at how every component helps make these cookies unforgettable:

Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): Ensures a rich, buttery flavor while helping achieve a tender crumb.
Cream Cheese (3 oz, softened): Adds tanginess and incredible softness, making these cookies wonderfully melt-in-your-mouth.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and helps the cookies crisp up around the edges.
Large Egg (1): Binds the dough and gives a touch of richness.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Boosts those bakery-fresh aromas and creamy, nostalgic flavors.
Almond Extract (½ teaspoon, optional): Offers a subtle, sophisticated nutty note—perfect if you want your cookies to stand out.
All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups): Forms the structure and ensures the cookies keep their shape.
Baking Powder (1 ½ teaspoons): Gives just the right lift for a cookie that’s soft but not cakey.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and pulls all the flavors together.

How to Make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

Start by beating together your softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar in a large bowl. Go for light and fluffy—this is how you get that pillowy texture in each bite! Take your time and let the mixer do its thing; you want everything evenly blended before moving on.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts

Now, add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. The egg brings the dough together while the extracts infuse every crumb with irresistible aroma and flavor. Mix just until everything is smoothly incorporated.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This mix helps the cookies rise just a touch and bake evenly. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring until a soft, smooth dough forms. If you’re tempted to taste the dough, you’re not alone—it’s heavenly even before baking!

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Divide the cookie dough in half, flatten each into a disc, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This step isn’t just about patience—it prevents spreading and makes rolling and cutting shapes so much easier.

Step 5: Roll, Cut, and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Grab your favorite cookie cutters—stars, hearts, trees, you name it—and cut out shapes. Arrange them 1 inch apart on the prepared pans. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are just barely golden.

Step 6: Cool and Decorate

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for two minutes to set up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now you can decorate, glaze, or just enjoy them as they are—the cream cheese keeps them tender and oh-so-satisfying.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar can make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies look snowy and festive. For extra sparkle, try a sweep of royal icing, colored sugars, or edible glitter. These cookies also pair nicely with a drizzle of white or dark chocolate, or even a zesty glaze made from lemon or orange juice for a bright finish.

Side Dishes

While cookies are delightful on their own, they’re made even better alongside a glass of cold milk, hot chocolate, or a strong cup of coffee or tea. Planning a holiday platter? Pair your Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies with spiced gingerbread men, buttery shortbreads, or chocolate crinkle cookies for a variety update everyone will adore.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies in decorative tins lined with parchment for an easy edible gift, or stack them inside clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for party favors. For a dessert table, display them on a tiered stand with seasonal decorations for maximum “wow” factor. These cookies can even be sandwiched with a bit of fruit jam or frosting for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days, thanks to the moisture added by the cream cheese. Add a slice of bread to the container if you want to keep them extra chewy.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully. You can freeze unbaked dough discs for up to three months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling and baking. Baked cookies can also be frozen, layered with wax paper in an airtight container, and enjoyed for up to two months. Bring to room temperature before serving or decorating.

Reheating

If you prefer your Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies slightly warm, pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes or microwave them for about 10 seconds. This refreshes their aroma and makes the texture absolutely irresistible, as if they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough discs for up to 3 days before baking, which makes Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies a fantastic make-ahead dessert for busy schedules or party prep.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling is the secret to cookies that hold their shape—no spreading or sticking—plus it intensifies the flavors and makes rolling much easier.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

No worries! Feel free to leave it out, or swap in more vanilla—or try a dash of lemon or orange extract for a citrusy surprise. The cookies will still be scrumptious.

How can I make my cookies more colorful?

A little food coloring in the icing or dough (added after mixing the wet ingredients) makes Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies perfect for any holiday or celebration. Try sprinkles, colored sugars, or edible glitter for extra fun!

Are these cookies good for decorating with kids?

Yes! Since these cookies keep their shape and are delightfully sturdy yet tender, kids will have a blast using cutters and going wild with toppings. It’s an easy, family-friendly activity you’ll want to repeat.

Final Thoughts

Once you bake a batch of Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies, you’ll understand why they’re such a crowd-pleaser. With their soft texture, rich flavor, and endless decorating options, there’s a reason this recipe is a cherished favorite. So gather your ingredients, invite your favorite people, and get ready to fall in love with a cookie that manages to be both nostalgic and delightfully new!

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that are perfect for decorating. They are soft, flavorful, and easy to make, making them a great choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Creaming the Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
Adding Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.
Preparing the Dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Chilling the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are just barely golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.