Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a sugar cookie that truly delivers on soft, tender texture and rich flavor, Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies absolutely deliver. With a touch of tang from cream cheese and the classic flavors of vanilla and almond, these cookies hold their shape beautifully—making them the ultimate canvas for holiday decorating or an everyday treat. Whether you frost them, sprinkle them, or love them plain, you’ll keep reaching for this recipe thanks to its easy process and dreamy results.

Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Grab just a few simple staples from your kitchen, and you’re well on your way to baking a batch of Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies that taste as amazing as they look. Every ingredient plays a key role in achieving the signature softness, gentle crumb, and delightful vanilla-almond flavor of these cookies.

  • Unsalted butter: Start with it softened for a creamy, rich base that gives the cookies tender edges and a delicious flavor.
  • Cream cheese: The secret ingredient that brings a slight tang and makes the dough irresistibly soft and easy to work with.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just right, helping the cookies bake up with a perfectly light golden color.
  • Large egg: Adds moisture and structure so your cookies stay chewy but hold together for perfect cut shapes.
  • Vanilla extract: The aromatic foundation that enhances the sweetness and adds warmth to every bite.
  • Almond extract (optional): Just a splash transforms the flavor profile if you want that classic bakery-style scent and taste.
  • All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for rolling and cutting your cookies without losing their soft bite.
  • Baking powder: Ensures a gentle lift so your cookies aren’t too dense or flat.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens all the other flavors at play.

How to Make Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies

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

Begin by beating the softened butter and cream cheese together with the sugar in a large mixing bowl. You’re looking for a light and fluffy texture here—this step is what helps make your Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies so incredibly tender and melt-in-your-mouth. Don’t rush it! Creaming thoroughly introduces air, which is essential for that classic soft crumb.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts

Once your mixture is pale and airy, beat in the egg, vanilla, and, if you love a bakery note, the almond extract. Make sure everything is fully combined so the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This is where that signature vanilla-almond aroma begins to build.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This blending keeps the cookies consistent and prevents clumps of leavening. Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough forms and no streaks of flour remain. You’ll notice the dough is quite soft but not sticky—perfect for rolling out later.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Divide your dough in half and shape each into a disc. Wrap both discs tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least one hour. This step is absolutely essential for making Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies that hold their shape and don’t spread. Chilling also makes rolling a breeze!

Step 5: Roll and Cut Out Shapes

Once the dough is nicely chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Get creative with cookie cutters—stars, hearts, trees, whatever fits the season or your mood! Lay the shapes on parchment-lined baking sheets, giving them a little space to bake up perfect.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch for the edges to just barely turn golden—you want that soft, pillowy middle. Let the cookies rest on the sheet for a couple minutes, then transfer gently to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating or devouring.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies

Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

The beauty of Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies is in their versatility. Simply dust with powdered sugar for a soft, snowy look, or go all out with royal icing, colored sugars, or fun sprinkles. If you love a glossy finish, a simple glaze drizzled on top takes them right over the top.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect alongside a cozy mug of hot chocolate, frothy cappuccino, or even a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Set out a platter at brunch or pack them into a lunchbox with fruit for a sweet homemade treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a few cookies and tie them with ribbon for holiday gifts, layer them in clear jars for party favors, or arrange them on a cake stand as a colorful centerpiece for any celebration. Their sturdy shape also makes them perfect for cookie decorating parties—let everyone personalize their own Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, keep your Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies in an airtight container on the counter. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to five days, perfect for popping into lunchboxes or enjoying with afternoon coffee.

Freezing

If you want to plan ahead, both the unbaked dough and finished cookies freeze beautifully. Wrap dough discs well and thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling. Baked cookies can be frozen in a single layer, then stored in a freezer bag—just bring to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies are delicious at room temperature, but if you prefer them slightly warm, you can microwave a single cookie for 5-7 seconds. This revives that tender softness and brings back a touch of fresh-from-the-oven magic.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead and chill it overnight?

Absolutely! In fact, chilling overnight lets the flavors meld beautifully and makes the dough extra easy to roll and cut. Just let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before rolling if it’s very firm.

Do Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies spread when baking?

No, these cookies are designed to hold their shape beautifully in the oven, making them perfect for intricate cutters or shapes. Just remember to keep the dough chilled between batches.

Can I use different extracts or leave out the almond?

Yes, you can swap in lemon, orange, or even maple extract if you love an extra flavor twist. Omitting the almond extract keeps the flavor purely vanilla and just as delicious.

How thick should I roll out the dough?

Quarter-inch thick is the sweet spot. This gives you a soft, tender center with defined edges, but the dough is sturdy enough for handling and decorating.

What’s the best way to decorate Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies?

Royal icing is popular for intricate designs, but you can use a simple powdered sugar glaze, spread with your favorite frosting, or simply shake on festive sprinkles before baking for a quick and colorful finish.

Final Thoughts

No matter the season or occasion, these Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies bring smiles and sweet comfort to every table. There’s something truly special about sharing a freshly baked batch with family and friends—so put on your apron and see how easy and delightful homemade can be!

Print
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Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies Recipe

Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies Recipe


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4.9 from 19 reviews

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

Description

These Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. The addition of cream cheese gives them a soft and tender texture, making them a favorite for decorating with colorful icing and sprinkles.


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

Instructions

  1. Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add Eggs and Extracts: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and beat until well combined.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough, shape into discs, and chill for at least 1 hour.
  5. Roll and Cut: Preheat the oven, roll out the chilled dough, cut into shapes, and place on baking sheets.
  6. Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until edges are golden. Cool on a wire rack.

Notes

  • These cookies hold their shape well and are ideal for decorating with icing or sprinkles.
  • For a softer texture, avoid overbaking and keep the dough chilled between batches.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 140
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

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