⭐ Introduction

Cream Cheese Cookies are one of those timeless, soft-baked treats that everyone falls in love with after the very first bite. These cookies are known for their pillowy texture, buttery flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth finish that sets them apart from every other cookie on the table. Thanks to the addition of cream cheese, the dough becomes incredibly smooth, rich, and tender, creating cookies that bake up fluffy on the inside with lightly crisped edges.

Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a family gathering, a cookie swap, or simply to satisfy a late-night craving, Cream Cheese Cookies always deliver. They are easy enough for beginner bakers yet delicious enough to impress even the most seasoned dessert lovers. You can keep them classic with a dusting of powdered sugar or decorate them with sprinkles, white chocolate drizzle, or festive sanding sugar for Christmas and special events.

This recipe provides the perfect base dough that you can customize in endless ways. Once you try it, you’ll quickly understand why Cream Cheese Cookies have become a beloved staple in Southern kitchens and holiday dessert tables nationwide. Soft, tender, and irresistibly good—these cookies might just become your new signature treat.

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🍽️ Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ cup white chocolate chips
• ½ cup holiday sprinkles
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Lemon or almond extract for flavor variation

👩‍🍳 Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth, fluffy, and completely blended. This step is essential because the cream cheese gives the cookies their signature soft and velvety texture. Mix in the granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture becomes creamy and pale.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract. Beat again until fully incorporated. The mixture should be silky, thick, and slightly glossy. This liquid stage forms the flavor foundation of the entire cookie.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet mixture in two or three batches, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix, as that can make the cookies dense instead of soft and airy.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, prevents spreading, and ensures thick, pillowy cookies. If you skip this step, the cookies will bake flatter and lose their signature fluffy texture.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll them gently, and place them on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden. The centers should remain soft and pale—this is what makes them melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

🎨 Variation Ideas

1. Christmas Cream Cheese Cookies

Roll the dough balls in red and green sprinkles before baking.

2. Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies

Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and ½ teaspoon lemon extract for a tangy, bright flavor.

3. Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies

Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for an extra sweet twist.

4. Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Roll the dough balls in cinnamon sugar for a snickerdoodle-style variation.

5. White Chocolate Drizzle

Once cooled, drizzle the tops with melted white chocolate for a bakery-style finish.

🍳 Cooking Note

Cream cheese softens cookie dough naturally, so avoid over-baking. The cookies should look slightly underdone when you take them out, as they continue firming up while cooling. This is the secret to keeping them ultra-soft and delicious.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve with hot cocoa, coffee, or warm tea.
• Add a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple yet beautiful presentation.
• Pair with holiday dessert platters like fudge, brownies, and sugar cookies.
• Package them in festive tins for Christmas gifts or cookie swaps.
• Sandwich two cookies together with cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat.

💡 Tips

• Chill the dough for at least 1 hour to keep cookies thick and fluffy.
• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.
• Do not flatten the dough balls; they spread naturally while baking.
• Store in an airtight container to keep cookies soft for up to 5 days.

⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes

⏱️ Cooking Time: 12 minutes

⏱️ Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (includes chilling)

📊 Nutritional Information (Approx. per cookie)

Calories: 130
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 60mg

❓ FAQs

1. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen by adding 1–2 extra minutes.

2. Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Your butter may have been too soft or you skipped chilling the dough. Chilling is the key to maintaining the perfect shape.

3. Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but they will still be soft and delicious.

4. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

It’s not recommended. Low-fat versions contain more water and can change the cookie texture.

🏁 Conclusion

Cream Cheese Cookies are the perfect blend of soft, fluffy, and creamy sweetness, making them ideal for holidays, celebrations, or everyday dessert cravings. With their tender bite and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they quickly become a family favorite. Whether you keep them classic or add festive variations, these cookies promise a comforting and irresistible homemade treat every time. Once you make them, they’ll become a tradition in your kitchen for years to come.