Introduction

Cream Cheese Cookies are the kind of treat that brings comfort, warmth, and pure homemade joy. Soft, tender, slightly tangy, and incredibly buttery, these cookies practically melt the moment they touch your tongue. The addition of cream cheese takes the classic sugar cookie to a new level—giving it a richness and texture you just can’t get from butter alone.

These cookies bake up perfectly round with soft centers and lightly crisp edges, making them ideal for holidays, gifting, or everyday dessert cravings. They pair beautifully with tea, hot chocolate, or a tall glass of cold milk. Their flavor is subtle yet memorable—comforting vanilla, smooth cream cheese, and a soft texture that makes you reach for just one more.

Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced home cook, this recipe is simple, fuss-free, and guaranteed to deliver bakery-quality cookies. Here’s everything you need—from ingredients to detailed steps, plus variations, tips, FAQs, and more—to bake the perfect Cream Cheese Cookies.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

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

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ cup white chocolate chips
• ½ cup rainbow sprinkles
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• Lemon zest for a citrus twist

Rolling Option

• ¼ cup granulated sugar or powdered sugar

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy. This step creates the signature soft texture of the cookies.

Step 3: Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla

Add the granulated sugar and beat until light and creamy. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined. The mixture should be smooth and pale.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. This prevents spreading and helps the cookies retain their shape.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop the dough into 1–1.5 tablespoon portions. Roll each into a smooth ball. If desired, roll each ball in sugar or powdered sugar for a crisp, sweet exterior.

Step 7: Bake

Place cookie dough balls on the baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until edges are set but centers are still soft. Do not overbake—soft cookies are key.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or completely cooled—they’re delicious either way.

Variation

• Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest + 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
• Funfetti Cookies: Mix rainbow sprinkles into the dough for a festive touch.
• Almond Cream Cheese Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract for a richer flavor.
• Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies: Add white or milk chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
• Cinnamon Sugar Cookies: Roll in cinnamon sugar for a snickerdoodle-style twist.
• Holiday Version: Add crushed candy canes and a drizzle of melted chocolate.

COOKING Note

Softened butter and cream cheese are essential for a smooth dough—too cold and the dough becomes crumbly; too warm and cookies spread too much. Slightly underbake the cookies to maintain their soft texture. They continue to firm up as they cool.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with hot tea, milk, or cocoa.
• Add a small scoop of ice cream between two cookies for a dessert sandwich.
• Dust with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant touch.
• Drizzle with melted chocolate or glaze for added sweetness.
• Use them as a base for mini ice cream sandwiches during summer.

Tips

• Chill the dough to keep cookies thick and soft.
• Use a cookie scoop for even baking.
• Do not overbake—remove when edges are set but centers look slightly soft.
• If dough is sticky, dust hands with flour when rolling.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Chill Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutritional Information (Approx. per cookie)

Calories: 145
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 90mg

FAQs

1. Why are my cream cheese cookies spreading too much?

The dough may be too warm—chill it for at least 30 minutes before baking.

2. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! Freeze dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.

3. Can I substitute low-fat cream cheese?

Full-fat cream cheese works best for texture and flavor.

4. How long do cream cheese cookies stay fresh?

Up to 5 days in an airtight container. They stay soft longer than regular cookies.

5. Can I add chocolate chips or sprinkles?

Absolutely—this dough works well with most mix-ins.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Cookies are the perfect combination of softness, sweetness, and rich flavor. With their buttery texture, creamy undertone, and melt-in-your-mouth feel, they make a wonderful treat for holidays, birthdays, or simple everyday baking. Easy to prepare, adaptable with many flavor variations, and always delicious, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with mix-ins and toppings, they deliver the kind of comfort dessert lovers adore.

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