Name: Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 3 oz cream cheese (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional); 2¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt

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If you’re searching for the ultimate soft, tender, and unbelievably flavorful treat, Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are just what you need. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies blend the richness of cream cheese with the nostalgic charm of classic sugar cookies, creating a dreamy dessert that’s a crowd-pleaser at holidays, parties, or whenever you want to spoil yourself. With their delightful texture and subtle tang, these cookies become a baking tradition that will make you the star of every cookie exchange!

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies lies in simple, high-quality ingredients. Each item plays an important role, from rich butter and cream cheese for tenderness, to vanilla and almond extracts for lovely flavor notes. Here’s everything you’ll need to create these bakery-worthy cookies at home:

Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds essential richness and gives the cookies a soft crumb; always use softened for easy mixing.
Cream cheese (3 oz, softened): The star ingredient! It imparts that irresistible tender texture and a subtle, tangy depth.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetness in every bite, and it helps produce a beautifully crisp edge.
Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds structure for perfect cut-outs.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with classic warmth; real vanilla makes a difference.
Almond extract (½ teaspoon, optional): For a hint of nutty fragrance—a little goes a long way and it makes the cookies extra special.
All-purpose flour (2¼ cups): Gives the dough its shape and holds all that creamy richness together.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Lifts the cookies ever so slightly for a lighter finish.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweetness and highlight each delicious flavor.

How to Make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Cream Together Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until the mixture becomes light, creamy, and fluffy. This step creates an airy base that makes these cookies so tender, so don’t rush it—give it a good few minutes with your mixer for the ideal texture.

Step 2: Add Egg and Flavorings

Crack in the large egg, then pour in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if you’re feeling fancy). Beat everything together until smooth and well combined, ensuring every bite is infused with sweet, fragrant notes.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step evenly distributes the leavening power, so your Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies rise evenly and bake to perfection.

Step 4: Mix the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Take care not to overmix—stop as soon as you see the dough come together for cookies that stay soft and delicate.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half and gently flatten each portion into a disc. Wrap both in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least one hour. This crucial step helps the dough firm up, making it much easier to roll out and cut, plus it’s key to the classic “no-spread” shape of Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies!

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Roll one disc of chilled dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thick. Cut into your favorite shapes with cookie cutters, then transfer them to parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing each about one inch apart. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are barely turning golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for two minutes, then move them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

The beauty of Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies is their versatility with toppings. Dust with powdered sugar for a classic look, add colorful sprinkles before baking for fun, or go all-out with royal icing designs once the cookies have cooled. Don’t forget a drizzle of melted chocolate or a few edible gold flakes if you feel fancy!

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a mug of hot cocoa, a creamy latte, or even a glass of cold milk—they make a comforting treat alongside coffee or tea. For a party platter, arrange them with fresh berries or a fruit salad for a lovely contrast of flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies in decorative tins for a lovely homemade gift, or arrange them in a colorful pattern on a holiday dessert table. Sandwich two cookies with a swirl of buttercream or jam for a beautiful cookie sandwich that’s sure to be remembered.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’re stacking them, place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking and preserve those beautiful shapes.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies both before and after baking. For unbaked dough, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking. For baked cookies, freeze in a well-sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. Allow cookies to come to room temperature before serving or decorating.

Reheating

If your cookies have been frozen, simply let them thaw at room temperature. To restore that just-baked taste, warm them in a low oven (about 275°F) for 3-5 minutes—your kitchen will smell amazing all over again!

FAQs

Can I make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies without almond extract?

Absolutely! The almond extract is optional and the cookies are deliciously flavorful with just vanilla. If nut allergies are a concern, simply leave the almond extract out with no impact on texture.

What’s the best way to roll out my cookie dough?

Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking, and work with one disc of dough at a time. If the dough becomes too soft, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes—it makes all the difference for clean shapes!

How do I keep the cookies from spreading in the oven?

The chill time is key here! Be sure to refrigerate the dough thoroughly, and place shaped cookies on cool baking sheets before baking to help Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies keep their crisp edges.

Can I decorate these cookies before baking?

Yes! Sprinkles, sparkling sugar, or even finely chopped nuts can be pressed into the dough just before baking. If you want to use icing, let the cookies cool completely before you get creative with your decorating.

Are Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies suitable for shipping?

Definitely! These cookies hold their shape beautifully and stay soft for days, making them a fantastic treat to mail to friends and family. Just layer them with parchment and pack snugly to avoid breakage.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hankering for a cookie that’s as soft, flavorful, and delightful as can be, give these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies a try. Whether you bake them for the holidays, a special celebration, or just a cozy afternoon at home, they never fail to bring a smile. Grab your apron, and let’s make some new memories in the kitchen!

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are soft, tender, and perfect for decorating. They are easy to make and a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
3 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Creaming the Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
Adding Flavors: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.
Preparing the Dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Chilling the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour.
Baking the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and roll out the dough on a floured surface. Cut into shapes, place on baking sheets, and bake for 8–10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.