Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cream cheese sugar cookies are the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. The addition of cream cheese not only makes the dough more tender but also gives the cookies a richer flavor that traditional sugar cookies lack. These cookies are easy to make, require common pantry ingredients, and can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later. Whether you’re decorating them with icing or keeping them simple with a dusting of sugar, they’re sure to impress!

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes using an electric mixer.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Flatten each cookie slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hands.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Makes about 24 cookies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 20–22 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store your cream cheese sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

You can, but if you use salted butter, be sure to reduce the amount of additional salt in the recipe to avoid the cookies becoming too salty.

2. Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?

Low-fat cream cheese can be used, but it may slightly affect the texture and flavor of the cookies. Full-fat cream cheese will give the cookies a richer taste.

3. Can I chill the dough before baking?

Yes, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies hold their shape better and prevent them from spreading too much while baking.

4. How can I make the cookies sweeter?

If you prefer sweeter cookies, you can increase the amount of sugar in the dough by a couple of tablespoons or top the cookies with additional sugar before baking.

5. Can I decorate these cookies with frosting?

Yes! Cream cheese sugar cookies are perfect for decorating. You can use royal icing or buttercream frosting to make them festive for holidays or special occasions.

6. Why did my cookies spread too much?

If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to the dough being too warm when placed on the baking sheet. Ensure that your dough is chilled, and don’t skip the step of flattening the dough slightly before baking.

7. Can I substitute the egg in this recipe?

Yes, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or a commercial egg replacer, but the texture and taste might vary slightly.

8. Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Almond flour doesn’t work well as a direct substitute for all-purpose flour in this recipe. You would need to adjust the proportions and possibly add a binder like xanthan gum to achieve the right texture.

9. How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Cream cheese sugar cookies will stay fresh for about 5 days at room temperature in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

10. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

These cookies are done when the edges turn a light golden brown. They may appear soft in the middle but will firm up as they cool.

Conclusion

These cream cheese sugar cookies offer a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie. With their soft and tender texture, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Whether enjoyed on their own, decorated for a special occasion, or served alongside a cup of tea or coffee, these cookies are a must-try. They’re easy to make, versatile, and a perfect addition to your baking routine!

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 24 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These cream cheese sugar cookies take the classic sugar cookie to the next level. Soft, chewy, and subtly tangy, they’re a perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to make with common pantry ingredients, these cookies are perfect for decorating or enjoying on their own.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Cream together butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes with an electric mixer).
Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Flatten each cookie slightly with a glass or your hands.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freeze cookies for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Optional: Chill the dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading and help cookies hold their shape.

These cookies are perfect for decorating with royal icing or buttercream frosting.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American