There is something truly magical about soft, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies, but the secret to taking them from ordinary to extraordinary lies in the addition of cream cheese. This Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe brings a wonderful tangy richness that perfectly balances the sweet flavors, making every bite irresistibly tender and flavorful. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or just treating yourself, these cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite that will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the perfect batch of these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies, you’ll rely on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the texture, flavor, and charm that make this recipe unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup: Softened butter adds richness and helps create a tender crumb without overpowering the cream cheese flavor.
- Cream cheese, 3 oz: Gives the cookies their signature moistness and slight tang, ensuring a soft, chewy texture every time.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens the dough evenly, helping the cookies caramelize beautifully while providing a perfect sweetness balance.
- Large egg, 1: Binds all ingredients together and boosts the cookie’s structure for that ideal softness.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a fragrant warmth with every bite.
- All-purpose flour, 2 ½ cups: The base that gives the dough form and structure without making the cookies tough.
- Baking powder, ½ teaspoon: Ensures a slight lift, keeping the cookies light and airy rather than dense.
- Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavor depth of the entire cookie.
- Sprinkles: Fun and colorful, perfect for adding a festive touch to your cookies.
- Powdered sugar: For a delicate dusting that adds elegance and a touch of extra sweetness.
- Royal icing or buttercream frosting: Optional but wonderful for decorating and making your cookies extra special.
How to Make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Start by beating the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is key to mixing air into the dough and ensuring the cookies will have that light, tender texture that makes them so delightful.
Step 2: Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, slowly add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat the mixture. Once fully combined, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. This introduces moisture and sweetness, with the vanilla lifting the flavor profile beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step evenly distributes the leavening agent and seasoning, ensuring a perfectly balanced cookie.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing here can develop gluten and make your cookies tough, so be gentle but thorough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out and resulting in cleaner edges and a better texture when baked.
Step 6: Roll, Cut, and Decorate
Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface until about ¼-inch thick. Use cookie cutters to create your favorite shapes, then add sprinkles as desired. This is where you can get creative and have fun with your cookie designs!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Avoid overbaking to keep that soft, tender texture that defines this Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Step 8: Cool and Frost
Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before dusting with powdered sugar or decorating with royal icing or buttercream. This finishing touch not only adds sweetness but makes your cookies look utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of colorful nonpareils or sanding sugar instantly brightens up these cookies. For a festive occasion, drizzle with homemade royal icing or lightly dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Garnishes not only enhance visual appeal but can add subtle texture contrasts that make each bite more exciting.
Side Dishes
These sugar cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a cozy mug of hot chocolate. For a lighter option, enjoy them alongside a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness perfectly. They also make a delightful companion to fruit preserves or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe on a pretty platter with fresh berries or edible flowers for a stunning dessert display. You can also stack decorated cookies tied with a ribbon as charming homemade gifts. Alternately, sandwich them with a layer of buttercream or jam for an irresistible twist that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together. This keeps the cookies soft and fresh, perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends.
Freezing
You can freeze both the dough and baked cookies! For dough, shape into a log, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and slice before baking. Baked cookies should be frozen in an airtight container with parchment between layers and can be stored for up to two months, maintaining flavor and texture.
Reheating
To revive softness, warm cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, as that can dry them out. Freshly warmed, these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies will melt in your mouth just like they did fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
While low-fat cream cheese can be used, it may alter the texture slightly, making the cookies less rich and tender. For the best results and that classic cream cheese softness, full-fat cream cheese is recommended.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
You can try using a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary as the structure and texture might change. Look for a blend designed for baked goods and consider adding a binder like xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.
Why do these cookies need to be chilled before baking?
Chilling the dough firms it up which helps prevent spreading during baking. It also allows flavors to meld and improves the texture, resulting in cleaner shapes and a better bite.
How long do these cookies keep fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies stay fresh for about 5-7 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is your best option.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit can be a fun twist. Just fold them in gently after the dry and wet ingredients are mixed to keep the dough balanced and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe is one of those delightful surprises that will have everyone asking for seconds. The combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet sugar cookie flavors creates a perfect balance that’s truly hard to resist. Whether you’re baking to celebrate a special occasion or just because, these cookies bring warmth and joy with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and make these soft, flavorful treats a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
Print
Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are soft, tender, and buttery with a subtle tang from cream cheese. Perfectly sweetened and decorated with colorful sprinkles and frosting, they make a delightful treat for holidays, celebrations, or any occasion where you want a delicious, homemade cookie.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Decoration
- Sprinkles, as desired
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Royal icing or buttercream frosting, for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure cookies don’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla: Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to mix until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Dry with Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop dough balls onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each dough ball slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass.
- Add Sprinkles: Press sprinkles gently onto the top of each cookie if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
- Cool: Remove cookies from oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Decorate: Once fully cooled, dust with powdered sugar or decorate with royal icing or buttercream frosting as desired.
Notes
- Ensure both butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for best mixing results.
- Do not overbake cookies to maintain their softness and tenderness.
- For uniform cookie sizes, use a cookie scoop.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well before and after baking; store frozen cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Customize decorating with your preferred colors and types of sprinkles or frosting.
