Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for a treat that’s irresistibly soft, lightly tangy, and destined to disappear fast, Cream Cheese Cookies are the answer. These cookies blend the creamy richness of cream cheese with the classic comfort of sugar cookies, giving you a dessert that melts in your mouth and leaves everyone reaching for seconds. Whether served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or dressed up for the holidays, Cream Cheese Cookies have a place at every gathering—and they’re just as perfect with a cup of coffee in your kitchen as they are displayed on a party platter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cream Cheese Cookies comes from a handful of simple ingredients, and each one works its own special touch to bring the cookies to life. Here’s what you’ll need, plus some notes for getting that perfect batch every time.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Butter keeps these cookies tender and adds that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Cream cheese (3 oz, softened): The secret ingredient! It brings a subtle tang and extra fluffiness to every bite.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): For sweetness and also helps create those crisp edges while the centers stay soft.
- Large egg (1): Adds richness and binds the dough for perfect cookies that don’t fall apart.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor and gives a warm, fragrant finish.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): The reliable base—measure carefully for the most tender results.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the cookies just enough lift for that lovely puff.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and sharpens all the flavors.
- Powdered sugar (for rolling, optional): Adds a beautiful, sweet finish—especially pretty for special occasions.
How to Make Cream Cheese Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Lining the pans helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, so you can focus on enjoying your cookies instead of scrubbing trays.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and luscious. This step is key for those dreamy, pillowy soft centers that define Cream Cheese Cookies, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, add the granulated sugar. Beat the mixture again until it’s light and fluffy—this helps the cookies bake up with the perfect tender crumb. Then, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is thoroughly combined.
Step 4: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Mixing your dry ingredients apart from the wet ensures they’re evenly distributed, so every bite of your cookies has consistent flavor and texture.
Step 5: Combine and Chill
Gently add the dry ingredients to the butter-cream cheese mixture. Mix just until combined; overmixing can make your cookies dense. For easier scooping and even puffier cookies, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes, though it’s not strictly necessary if you’re in a hurry.
Step 6: Shape and (Optional) Sugar Coat
Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions of dough and roll each into a ball. If you’d like an extra touch of magic, roll your dough balls in powdered sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers look soft and slightly underdone. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes to finish setting up, then move to a wire rack. The result? Classic Cream Cheese Cookies that are delicately crisp on the outside and perfectly soft inside.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Cookies
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar is all it takes to make Cream Cheese Cookies look like little snow-topped treats. For a pop of color, try a dusting of lemon or orange zest, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate after they’ve cooled.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair well with a steaming mug of coffee, creamy hot chocolate, or a tall glass of cold milk. For a party, arrange them on a platter with fresh berries or a bowl of vanilla ice cream for an easy, elegant dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Gift Cream Cheese Cookies in cute bakery boxes or cellophane bags tied with ribbon—they hold up beautifully for sharing. Stack them in glass jars for a rustic touch, or arrange them around a centerpiece cake for a festive cookie buffet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Their lovely soft texture sticks around, making them just as tempting on day five as day one.
Freezing
Cream Cheese Cookies freeze like a dream. You can freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, or freeze pre-rolled dough balls and bake them fresh when cravings strike.
Reheating
If your cookies lose a bit of their fresh-baked charm, a quick 5-second zap in the microwave restores their softness. Enjoy them warm and they’ll taste as if just out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes for easier scooping.
Can I add mix-ins to Cream Cheese Cookies?
Yes, and it’s a delicious idea—try mini chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, or a handful of shredded coconut. Just fold in your favorites after mixing in the dry ingredients.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Spreading often happens if the butter or cream cheese is too warm, or if you skip chilling the dough. Pop the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape.
How can I give these cookies a citrus flavor?
For a bright twist, add the zest from a lemon or orange to the dough. The citrus oils work wonders with the tang from the cream cheese!
Are Cream Cheese Cookies suitable for making sandwich cookies?
Definitely—their soft texture is just right for sandwiches. Try spreading jam, chocolate ganache, or even more cream cheese between two cookies for a double delight.
Final Thoughts
Cream Cheese Cookies are truly a treat that you’ll want to return to again and again. Their light tang, pillowy centers, and endless adaptability make them an all-season favorite in any kitchen. Give them a bake and prepare yourself for a new go-to cookie recipe everyone will ask for!
Print
Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, tender treats perfect for any occasion. With a hint of cream cheese flavor and a delicate texture, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Rolling:
- Powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar: Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix in egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Chill Dough (Optional): Chill dough for 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop 1 tablespoon portions of dough, roll into balls, and, if using, roll in powdered sugar.
- Bake: Place balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Cool and Enjoy: Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For a citrus twist, add lemon or orange zest to the dough.
- Cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
