There’s something magical about biting into a soft, buttery sugar cookie with just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of cream cheese. These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are the kind of treat that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite. They’re tender, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and have a rich, slightly tangy flavor that sets them apart from your usual sugar cookie. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because you deserve something sweet, trust me—this recipe is a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a festive holiday tray, making a treat for friends, or indulging in a little homemade comfort, these cookies fit every occasion. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for decorating with icing, sprinkles, or enjoying plain with a cup of tea or coffee.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples, so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy homemade goodness.
Quick and Easy: No complicated steps, no chilling required—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Customizable: Add different extracts, mix in some zest, or top with your favorite frosting to make them uniquely yours.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single cookie can satisfy everyone at the table. These cookies strike the perfect balance of flavor and texture, making them a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of these cookies—they’re made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is out of this world. Let’s break it down:
Butter: The base of every good cookie. It gives these sugar cookies a rich, buttery flavor.
Cream Cheese: The secret ingredient! It adds a subtle tang and makes the cookies incredibly soft.
Granulated Sugar: For that perfect level of sweetness and a slightly crisp edge.
Egg: Helps bind everything together while adding moisture.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor and gives these cookies a classic taste.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cookies, providing structure without making them too dense.
Baking Powder: A little lift ensures they bake up soft and tender.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these irresistible cookies:
Preheat Your Equipment
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cookies tender.
Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still be soft but set.
Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up while staying soft inside.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 120
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes
How to Serve Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to take them to the next level:
Dip them in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Frost with a simple glaze or buttercream and decorate with sprinkles.
Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy snack.
Serve alongside fresh berries and whipped cream for a light dessert.
Additional Tips
Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture.
Don’t overbake—the cookies will continue to set as they cool.
If you prefer a crispier cookie, bake for an extra 1-2 minutes.
Store in an airtight container to keep them soft for days.
Freeze the dough for up to three months for easy, fresh-baked cookies anytime.
Faq’s
Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Yes, but full-fat cream cheese gives the best flavor and texture.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Do I need to chill the dough? Nope! These cookies are ready to bake right away.
Can I freeze the dough? Yes! Roll it into balls and freeze them. Bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two.
What frosting pairs well with these cookies? A simple vanilla glaze, cream cheese frosting, or even a chocolate drizzle works great.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips? Of course! Mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra texture.
Why do my cookies spread too much? Make sure your butter isn’t too soft and don’t overmix the dough.
Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour for a good gluten-free blend.
What if I don’t have baking powder? You can use a mix of baking soda and cream of tartar as a substitute.
Can I use almond or other extracts instead of vanilla? Yes! Almond extract adds a lovely nutty flavor.
Conclusion
These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are everything you want in a cookie—soft, buttery, and full of rich flavor. Whether you enjoy them plain, frosted, or dunked in your favorite drink, they’re guaranteed to bring a little extra joy to your day. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and savor the homemade goodness!
Print
Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus optional chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert / Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A soft and tender sugar cookie with a delightful cream cheese twist. These cookies are subtly tangy with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them perfect for any occasion. Ideal for holiday baking or a sweet everyday treat, they combine the classic flavors of a sugar cookie with the richness of cream cheese.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until smooth and light in color.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
-
Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
-
Shape & Bake:
- Scoop the dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear soft but will set as they cool.
- Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Optional Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Experiment with adding a bit of lemon zest to the glaze for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: ~120 kcal
- Sugar: ~8 g
- Sodium: ~90 mg
- Fat: ~7 g
- Saturated Fat: ~4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~3 g
- Trans Fat: ~0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~14 g
- Fiber: ~0.5 g
- Protein: ~2 g
- Cholesterol: ~25 mg