Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that hits the perfect balance of tender, buttery, and just a little tangy, this Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies boast a melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to the addition of cream cheese, which brings an irresistible softness and subtle richness. Whether you’re rolling them out into festive shapes or simply baking them round for a quick treat, these sugar cookies offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite, making every bite a little celebration of flavor and comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how straightforward the list is. Each item plays a crucial role in delivering that soft texture, deep flavor, and just enough sweetness.

• Unsalted butter (1 stick, softened): Provides a creamy base and rich flavor that enhances the cookie’s tenderness.
• Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): The star ingredient that adds subtle tang and keeps these cookies irresistibly soft.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s crisp edges.
• Large egg (1): Binds the dough together and contributes to the cookie’s chewiness.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a lovely hint of nuttiness if you want to take the flavor up a notch.
• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The structure of the cookie, ensuring they hold their shape perfectly.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a slight lift for a soft yet sturdy crumb.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

How to Make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe

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

Start by combining the softened unsalted butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and thoroughly combined. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, which helps make the cookies beautifully tender and slightly airy.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts

Next, beat in the large egg along with the vanilla extract and almond extract if you’re using it. Beating these in until fully incorporated ensures your dough has uniform texture and the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the batter, making each cookie perfectly delicious.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately

In a different bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the rising agent and salt, avoiding any clumps that could affect the texture of your cookies.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding carefully until a soft dough forms. Avoid over-mixing here to keep your cookies tender rather than tough. Once combined, the dough should feel smooth and pliable.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide your dough into two even discs and wrap each tightly in plastic wrap. Pop them into the fridge for at least one hour. Chilling solidifies the fats and makes rolling out the dough easier, plus it helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy removal later on without sticking or breaking your cookies.

Step 7: Roll Out and Cut Shapes

Lightly flour your workspace and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Then use your favorite cookie cutters to create shapes that suit the occasion or mood. Whether stars, hearts, or classic circles, these cookies take to cutting beautifully thanks to the dough’s balanced texture.

Step 8: Position and Bake

Arrange the cookies on your prepared baking sheets about one inch apart to give them room to expand slightly without sticking together. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, watching for the edges to take on a soft golden hue — that’s your cue that they’re ready.

Step 9: Cool and Decorate

After removing the baking sheets from the oven, let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the pan — this allows them to firm up a bit— before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, you can get creative with icing, sprinkles, or enjoy them plain with a glass of milk to savor the pure flavor of the Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies are delicious on their own, adding a glaze or royal icing instantly elevates them for holidays or special occasions. Colored sanding sugar or edible glitter can also add a playful sparkle that makes these cookies visually as delightful as they are to eat.

Side Dishes

Pair these sugar cookies with a warm cup of tea or fresh coffee to turn a simple snack into a cozy moment. If serving at a party, a platter of fresh fruit or a creamy dip like mascarpone with berries complements the softness and mild tanginess perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming touch, stack the cookies with parchment paper in between and tie a ribbon around the bundle to give as a homemade gift. You can also sandwich them with jam or chocolate spread for a decadent twist that your guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Storing them properly helps maintain their tender texture and fresh flavor without drying out or becoming crumbly.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy your Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature when ready to eat.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked warmth, pop your cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This brings back their soft texture and enhances the flavors, making them taste fresh out of the oven again.

FAQs

What makes these sugar cookies different from regular sugar cookies?

The secret ingredient here is cream cheese, which adds moisture and a mild tang, resulting in cookies that are extra soft and tender compared to standard sugar cookies.

Can I omit the almond extract if I don’t have it?

Absolutely! The almond extract is optional and can be left out without compromising the overall flavor, though it does add a lovely subtle nuttiness if you include it.

How thick should I roll the cookie dough?

Rolling the dough to about 1/4 inch thick is ideal — thick enough to keep the cookies soft and chewy but thin enough to bake evenly and hold shape when cut.

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made and chilled in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before rolling and baking. This makes it perfect for prepping in advance for parties or holiday baking.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chilling the dough before baking is the key step to prevent excessive spreading. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh to help the cookies rise properly rather than just spreading out.

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe is one of those gems you’ll find yourself returning to time and again whenever you want to bake something special yet simple. With every bite, you get that perfect softness with a hint of creaminess that only cream cheese can bring. I can’t wait for you to try these cookies and make them your own — whether plain, decorated, or sandwiched — they are sure to become a beloved classic in your cookie collection.

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