Name: Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; powdered sugar for dusting or colored sprinkles for topping

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Get ready to fall for the melt-in-your-mouth magic of Cream Cheese Cookies! These tender, buttery treats have a pillowy-soft center and a hint of tanginess from real cream cheese that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you serve them dusted with powdered sugar, sparkling with sprinkles, or simply as they are, these cookies are the perfect answer for bake sales, holidays, or just a cozy baking day at home. Let’s dive into the delicious world of Cream Cheese Cookies and discover why this classic is a keeper in any cookie lover’s recipe box!

Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about Cream Cheese Cookies is how they turn simple, everyday pantry staples into something completely special. Every ingredient plays a unique role in creating that tender crumb and signature flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): The star of the show, cream cheese adds richness, moisture, and just a touch of tang for that signature taste.
Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): Butter brings all the lush, melt-in-your-mouth texture and pairs beautifully with the cream cheese.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetness is key to balancing the creamy tang—this also helps lighten the texture.
Large Egg (1): The egg binds everything together and gives structure to the cookies so they’re wonderfully soft, not crumbly.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla brings aroma and warmth, making each bite comforting and classic.
All-Purpose Flour (1¾ cups): The foundation—flour gives the cookies their stability and helps them hold just the right amount of softness.
Baking Powder (½ teaspoon): Baking powder ensures a bit of lift so your cookies don’t end up flat or dense.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to make all the flavors pop and keep the cookies from tasting too sweet.
Optional: Powdered Sugar or Colored Sprinkles: For a pretty, festive touch or an extra hint of sweetness!

How to Make Cream Cheese Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets and Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, which guarantees your Cream Cheese Cookies bake up golden on the bottoms and don’t stick. Take a moment to set out your butter and cream cheese—they mix best when softened to room temperature!

Step 2: Cream Together the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is super smooth and creamy. This step is foundational for that dreamy, tender texture—don’t rush it! A stand mixer or electric hand mixer works wonders here, but plenty of elbow grease will do the trick too.

Step 3: Sweeten and Lighten the Dough

Next, add your granulated sugar to the bowl, then beat until the mixture gets light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like. This is where the magic happens: you’re working air into the dough, setting the stage for those irresistibly soft Cream Cheese Cookies.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is perfectly combined—your dough should look rich and inviting, with a gentle pale yellow color that’s oh-so-promising.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. The whisk helps evenly distribute the baking powder and salt so the cookies rise uniformly. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Step 6: Shape and Space the Cookies

Grab a tablespoon (or a cookie scoop for picture-perfect rounds) and scoop dough portions, rolling each into a ball. Space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared pans. Gently flatten each cookie with your fingers or the bottom of a glass—this helps them bake evenly and get that signature look.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are set and the bottoms are a lovely light golden color. Don’t overbake—these cookies are best when soft and tender. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack.

Step 8: Decorate (Optional)

Once completely cool, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a snowy finish or decorate with sprinkles for a festive pop of color. This finishing touch brings Cream Cheese Cookies to the next level of celebration, but they’re equally delicious left plain!

How to Serve Cream Cheese Cookies

Garnishes

There’s so much fun to be had with garnishes! A generous shower of powdered sugar gives your Cream Cheese Cookies a classic, elegant look and a subtle sweetness. For extra flair—especially during holidays—colorful sprinkles turn them into whimsical treats everyone will love. You can even drizzle with a bit of melted chocolate or a touch of citrus zest for something unexpected.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cozy mug of coffee, hot cocoa, or black tea, making them a perfect afternoon pick-me-up or dessert after dinner. For a party platter, nestle them among fresh berries, chocolate-dipped fruit, or alongside other soft cookies for a dreamy dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Cream Cheese Cookies love to steal the show at bake sales and gatherings. Stack them high on a vintage cake stand, arrange in a pretty tin lined with parchment for gifting, or set out on a rustic wooden board with bowls of toppings for DIY decorating at parties. Their soft, pillowy look makes them just as photogenic as they are delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, keep your Cream Cheese Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They’ll stay soft and lovely, thanks to that cream cheese base. Avoid humid spots to prevent them from getting too sticky.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls—just thaw and bake as usual when you’re ready for fresh Cream Cheese Cookies. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

If you love a warm cookie, just pop a few Cream Cheese Cookies into the microwave for about 10 seconds. They’ll taste like they’re straight from the oven—soft, fragrant, and perfect for dunking!

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for these cookies?

Full-fat cream cheese brings richness and moisture to Cream Cheese Cookies, but you can try low-fat in a pinch. Just know that the texture may be slightly less tender, and the flavor a bit less creamy.

Why do my cookies look flat?

Flat cookies usually happen if your dough is too warm or the butter has melted too much. Make sure your ingredients are just softened, not melted, and chill the dough for 20 minutes if your kitchen is very warm.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! Cream Cheese Cookies are a fantastic canvas for creativity. Stir in up to 1 cup of mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or even dried cranberries for a personalized twist.

How do I make the cookies extra soft?

The key to extra-soft Cream Cheese Cookies is not overbaking them. Pull them from the oven when the edges are just set and the centers look slightly puffed—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free flour?

You can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour with good results. The texture will be a bit different, but the cream cheese’s softness still shines through. Check your blend to ensure it contains xanthan gum for structure.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s irresistibly soft, lusciously creamy, and charming enough for any occasion, these Cream Cheese Cookies are about to become your new go-to treat. Give them a try and share them with your favorite people—they’re bound to bring smiles and maybe a few recipe requests, too!

Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, buttery delights that are perfect for any occasion. With a hint of cream cheese flavor and a dusting of powdered sugar, they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

Optional:

powdered sugar for dusting or colored sprinkles for topping

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar and beat until fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Shape and Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on the baking sheets. Flatten slightly and bake for 10–12 minutes until set. Cool before serving.