Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
If you dream of soft, pillowy sugar cookies that melt in your mouth and just happen to be gluten free, you’re in for a real treat! These Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are the perfect blend of tender crumb, subtle tang from the cream cheese, and a classic sweet flavor that’s instantly nostalgic. Whether you’re making them for a festive holiday platter or a cozy afternoon snack, they come together quickly and are guaranteed to win the hearts (and tastebuds!) of everyone—gluten free or not!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a few pantry staples and just a couple of special ingredients to create these irresistibly tender Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies. Don’t underestimate the magic each one brings—these aren’t just “free from” cookies, they’re “full of” flavor, texture, and joy!
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides rich flavor and ensures your cookies are buttery-soft.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The secret ingredient for melt-in-your-mouth softness and a hint of tang.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Delivers the perfect level of sweetness and helps the cookies achieve their light, golden finish.
- Egg (1 large): Adds structure and helps bind the dough together for that classic cookie texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Gives an unmistakable warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A little goes a long way—this optional ingredient adds a wonderful depth for those who love a hint of almond.
- Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (1 1/2 cups, with xanthan gum): Choose a blend with xanthan gum for structure; it mimics the chew of classic sugar cookies.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures a gentle rise and fluffy, tender interiors.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
- Extra sugar for rolling (optional): Rolling each dough ball in sugar makes for a sparkly, slightly crispy exterior that’s so fun and festive.
How to Make Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking—you won’t want to lose a single crumb of these beauties!
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. Don’t rush this step; creaming well ensures the dough will have a lovely, soft texture and a perfectly tender bite every time.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts
Now, crack in the egg, pour in the vanilla extract, and add that optional almond extract if you’re using it. Beat until everything is gloriously smooth and well combined, making sure there are no streaks of cream cheese left behind.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a second bowl, whisk together your gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum), baking powder, and salt. This step disperses the leavening and salt evenly, ensuring every single cookie bakes up just right.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry mixture gradually into the butter mixture, stirring to form a soft, cohesive dough. If your dough feels especially soft or warm, don’t worry! Just pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes—this makes it easier to shape and gives an even better texture.
Step 6: Shape and Roll
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each gently into a ball. For an extra sparkle and a faint crunch, roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing them on the baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each for gentle spreading.
Step 7: Flatten and Bake
Once all your dough balls are lined up, gently press each one down to flatten slightly—you want them to be plump, but not entirely round. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges have set and the bottoms turn a light golden color.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!
Let your Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This short rest helps them finish setting up and makes them perfectly ready (and safe!) for nibbling.
How to Serve Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
Add a little flair with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate. Colored sprinkles or a touch of lemon zest on each cookie can also make them pop, especially for celebrations or holidays—fun for kids and grown-ups alike!
Side Dishes
Serve your cookies with a mug of hot cocoa, a glass of cold milk, or some warm herbal tea. The cookies pair delightfully with creamy lattes or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra-special treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the cookies on a festive platter with fresh berries or tuck them in tins lined with parchment for sweet, homemade gifts. You can also sandwich two cookies with a bit of fruit preserves or extra cream cheese frosting to turn them into adorable, indulgent cookie sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store fully cooled Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Their soft texture stays lovely and fresh, making them a great make-ahead option for parties and busy weeks.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Place unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their best quality for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature whenever you need a sweet fix.
Reheating
To enjoy that fresh-baked experience again, warm your cookie in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. It revives their softness and brings out those comforting aromas. Just be sure not to overheat so they don’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use any gluten free flour blend?
For best results, use a gluten-free all-purpose blend that already contains xanthan gum; otherwise, your cookies may turn out crumbly rather than tender and chewy. If your blend doesn’t have it, add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum to the dry ingredients.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
If your dough feels quite sticky or soft, chilling it for at least 30 minutes makes it much easier to handle and results in a perfectly-shaped cookie that doesn’t spread too much in the oven.
Can I make these dairy free?
Absolutely, you can try using dairy-free butter and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. The texture might vary slightly, but you’ll still end up with delicious gluten free cream cheese sugar cookies!
What’s the best way to freeze the cookies?
Freeze them in a single layer until firm, then transfer to airtight bags or containers. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls—just bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
Can I decorate these cookies with icing?
Of course! Once fully cooled, these cookies hold up well to a thin layer of royal icing or a simple glaze. For extra color, add sprinkles before the icing sets; they’re a fantastic base for creative decorating sessions.
Final Thoughts
The joy of baking knows no dietary boundaries, and with these Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies, you’ll get all the pleasure of classic sugar cookies without the gluten. They’re soft, indulgently tender, and truly crowd-pleasing—so why not whip up a batch and share their sweet magic with your friends and family today?
Print
Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these soft and scrumptious Gluten-Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies that are perfect for any occasion. With a delicate blend of cream cheese, butter, and just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies will melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- extra sugar for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using) until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Optionally, roll each ball in granulated sugar for a sweet coating. Place on the baking sheet, leaving space between cookies. Gently press down to slightly flatten. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and bottoms are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Be sure your flour blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft.
- Cookies freeze well unfrosted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
