Soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies take classic sugar cookies to the next level! With a hint of tangy cream cheese, they’re rich, tender, and perfect for decorating or enjoying as-is.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies take classic sugar cookies to the next level with a rich and buttery texture enhanced by a slight tang from the cream cheese. Whether you enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or decorated with frosting, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.
- Soft and Buttery: The combination of butter and cream cheese makes these cookies incredibly soft.
- Perfect for Decorating: Holds its shape well, making them ideal for festive designs.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and steps make this recipe great for all skill levels.
- Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just a sweet treat.
- Versatile Toppings: Enjoy them plain or decorate with icing, sprinkles, or powdered sugar.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Decorating (Optional):
- Sprinkles
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Royal icing or buttercream frosting
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, to help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, decorate as desired with powdered sugar, sprinkles, or your choice of frosting.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Servings: Makes about 36 cookies
- Calories: Approximately 120 kcal per cookie
Variations
- Lemon Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright citrus flavor.
- Almond Flavor: Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty touch.
- Chocolate Dipped: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a rich finish.
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute for a gluten-free version.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 7 days for a firmer texture.
- Freezing: Freeze raw dough or baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking or serving.
- Reheating: Let chilled cookies come to room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I skip the chilling step?
Chilling is recommended to help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
How do I get the best cookie texture?
Ensure the butter and cream cheese are properly softened for a smooth dough.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese is best for a richer flavor and texture.
What’s the best way to roll out the dough?
Use a lightly floured surface and roll evenly to ¼-inch thickness for uniform cookies.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Can I use cookie stamps?
Yes! These cookies hold their shape well and are great for stamped designs.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading?
Ensure the dough is well chilled and do not overmix the ingredients.
Can I substitute margarine for butter?
Butter is recommended for the best flavor, but margarine can be used in a pinch.
What frosting works best for decorating?
Royal icing is great for detailed designs, while buttercream adds a soft, creamy finish.
How do I store decorated cookies?
Keep decorated cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies, offering a soft, rich texture and endless decorating possibilities. Whether for holiday baking or an everyday treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy baking and decorating these delicious, versatile cookies!
Print
Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies – Soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Perfect for decorating or enjoying as-is. A treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
For Decorating (Optional):
Sprinkles
Powdered sugar for dusting
Royal icing or buttercream frosting
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, to help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, decorate as desired with powdered sugar, sprinkles, or your choice of frosting.
Notes
- For Extra Softness: Chill the dough before baking to help the cookies hold their shape and achieve a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Perfect Flavor Boost: Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract to enhance the rich, buttery taste of the cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe