Description
These Easy Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, buttery, and slightly tangy treats perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients including cream cheese and butter, these cookies bake to a delicate golden edge with a tender center. The optional almond extract adds a subtle depth of flavor, while a light dusting of powdered sugar provides a sweet finishing touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Beat Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring a creamy base for your cookies.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, beating until the blend becomes light and fluffy, which will help create a tender cookie texture.
- Incorporate Egg and Extracts: Mix in the large egg along with the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a uniform dough forms without overworking it, which could toughen the cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate it for 1 hour. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet spaced apart, then gently flatten each ball slightly to form cookie discs.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges just start turning a light golden color, indicating doneness without drying the centers.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired for a decorative and sweet finish.
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to prevent tough cookies.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Optional almond extract adds a nutty undertone but can be omitted if you prefer a purer vanilla flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze dough balls or baked cookies for up to 2 months.
