Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth treat that instantly transports you back to childhood, Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies truly belong in your baking lineup. With the gentle tang of cream cheese balanced by the sweetness of sugar, these cookies are perfect for holiday cut-outs, afternoon pick-me-ups, or just because! Deliciously rich yet delicate in texture, they hold their shape like a dream and practically beg for a swirl of frosting or a sprinkle of festive colors. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of these irresistible cookies—you’ll be glad you did!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients can work together to create such an unforgettable cookie! Every ingredient in Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies plays an essential role, from flavor to texture to that perfect golden finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item makes these cookies extra special:

• Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): Gives richness and that classic, buttery mouthfeel; make sure it’s soft to blend easily.
• Cream Cheese (3 oz, softened): Adds signature tang and keeps the cookies ultra-tender and soft.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens things up and imparts a delicate crisp edge.
• Large Egg (1): Binds everything together and helps with that melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses every bite with comforting warmth and flavor.
• Almond Extract (¼ teaspoon, optional): A hint of something special if you like a nutty twist (totally optional, but so good!).
• All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups): The sturdy base that keeps your cookies’ cut-out shapes looking crisp and clean.
• Baking Powder (½ teaspoon): Lifts the cookies just enough for a light bite.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances all the sweet flavors so nothing’s too overpowering.

How to Make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

Start by combining your softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar in a large bowl. Beat them together until the mixture is pale and fluffy—it should look almost like whipped frosting. This step is key for tender, airy cookies, so give it a good 2-3 minutes with your mixer set on medium speed.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Flavorings

Once your mixture is light, add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if you’re using it). Beat until everything is totally incorporated, scraping down the bowl so every bit of goodness gets mixed together. This layer of flavor is what makes Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies so irresistible.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

Grab another bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Taking this extra step helps distribute the rising power and prevents any salty clumps in your sweet dough.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the bowl of wet ingredients. Mix just until you see the last streaks of flour disappear—overmixing can make your cookies less tender. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

To make shaping the cookies a breeze and help them keep their sharp cut-out edges, divide the dough in half, flatten each into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least an hour. This is the secret to those perfect, bakery-style Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies!

Step 6: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes clean-up super simple—more time for cookie decorating fun!

Step 7: Roll, Cut, and Bake

Working with one disc of dough at a time (keep the other in the fridge to stay chilled), roll out to about ¼ inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut into your favorite shapes using cookie cutters. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are barely golden. Resist the urge to overbake—softness is key!

Step 8: Cool and Decorate

Once out of the oven, let cookies cool on the pan for two minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Now comes the fun part: decorate with your favorite frosting, royal icing, or sprinkles if you like! Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies look (and taste) fabulous with a creative touch.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

While these cookies truly shine on their own, a little bit of frosting, royal icing, or a cascade of festive sprinkles adds color and personality to the plate. A dusting of powdered sugar can lend a classy, snowy finish for the holidays or special occasions.

Side Dishes

Pair Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies with a mug of rich hot chocolate, spiced chai, or a tall glass of cold milk—the sweetness and creaminess of the cookies are even more delightful alongside a comforting beverage. If you’re setting out a dessert spread, they play well with fruit platters or chocolate-dipped strawberries for a beautiful and delicious variety.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your cookies on a vintage cake stand, tie up sets with pretty ribbon for edible gifts, or use them to anchor a cookie decorating party. You can also arrange them as a centerpiece, alternating shapes and colors for a visual treat that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious. Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies have a way of lighting up any table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies moist and soft by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you live in a humid climate or want to keep them extra fresh, add a slice of bread to the container—the cookies will stay wonderfully tender.

Freezing

Both the cookie dough and baked Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies freeze beautifully! To freeze dough, wrap discs tightly in plastic and place in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling out. Baked cookies can be layered between pieces of parchment and stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months—just let them come to room temperature before enjoying or decorating.

Reheating

If you want to give your frozen cookies that just-baked taste, a quick 5-7 seconds in the microwave will do the trick. For maximum flavor, let them thaw naturally at room temperature if possible, especially if you’ve decorated them.

FAQs

Can I make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough actually benefits from an overnight (or longer) chill in the fridge—this deepens the flavors and makes rolling and cutting shapes even easier.

Why do my cookies lose their shape in the oven?

If your cookies are spreading too much or losing their shape, try chilling the cut-out cookies on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before baking. This firms up the fat and helps them keep crisp, defined edges.

Is almond extract necessary?

Nope, it’s totally optional! Almond extract adds a unique flavor that some folks adore, but if you don’t have it or prefer a classic vanilla profile, just leave it out—your Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies will still be delicious.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?

For the best texture and richness, stick with full-fat cream cheese. Low-fat varieties can yield drier, less flavorful cookies, but they’ll still turn out in a pinch if that’s what you have on hand.

How do I decorate Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies for special occasions?

The fun is endless! Use colorful royal icing for detailed designs, pipe buttercream for a classic look, or simply dip in melted white chocolate and top with sprinkles to match your party theme—the cookies are your blank, tasty canvas.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies yet, I can’t urge you enough to give them a whirl. The dough is a dream to work with, the results are always festive, and every bite is a soft, creamy celebration. I truly hope this recipe becomes a treasured favorite in your home just like it is in mine!

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