Easy Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
If you are looking for a delightful treat that combines simplicity with rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor, the Easy Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies boast a tender crumb and a subtle tang from the cream cheese that makes every bite irresistibly soft and flavorful. Whether you are baking for a cozy afternoon tea or a festive gathering, this recipe is straightforward, quick, and produces a batch of cookies that feel special yet are so easy to make!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Easy Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe lies partly in its straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly delightful. Each component plays a crucial role: butter and cream cheese bring richness and tenderness, sugar adds the perfect sweetness, and vanilla and optional almond extracts introduce fragrant notes that elevate the cookie’s flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides the base fat for a tender, rich cookie texture without added salt interfering with sweetness.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds moisture and a tangy richness that keeps cookies soft and flavorful.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough while helping with the lovely golden edges during baking.
- Large egg (room temperature): Binds the ingredients and adds softness and structure to the dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, comforting aroma.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle nutty hint that makes these cookies extra special.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The framework that gives the cookies their shape and chew.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly for a light texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): Adds an elegant, delicate finish if you want a little extra sweetness and visual appeal.
How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Cream Cheese
Begin by beating the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is silky smooth. This step ensures the base of your cookie dough is creamy, which is key to achieving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Add Sugar and Beat Until Fluffy
Next, mix in the granulated sugar. Continue beating until the mixture lightens in color and becomes fluffy. This aerates the mixture, helping your cookies rise nicely and stay soft.
Step 3: Incorporate Egg and Extracts
Add the egg along with vanilla and almond extracts (if using). The vanilla adds warmth and depth, while almond extract provides a gentle, nutty fragrance. Beat everything until combined, making sure your dough is smooth and evenly flavored.
Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Combining these ingredients separately ensures even distribution, preventing pockets of baking powder or salt from affecting the dough’s balance.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients Into Wet Mixture
Gradually add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix gently but thoroughly until the dough comes together into a soft, cohesive ball. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate it for an hour. Chilling is crucial because it firms the dough, making it easier to handle and roll out. It also helps the flavors meld beautifully, and the cookies bake up with perfectly defined edges.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
When the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup afterward.
Step 8: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the parchment-lined sheet, spacing them evenly. Gently flatten each ball just slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to form an even cookie.
Step 9: Bake Until Lightly Golden
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until the cookie edges turn a light golden color. This brief baking time maintains a tender, delicate crumb while giving you subtle crispness on the edges.
Step 10: Cool and Optional Dusting
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For a pretty finishing touch, dust them with powdered sugar if you like.
How to Serve Easy Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delicious on their own, you can add a little extra charm by dusting them with powdered sugar for a delicate snowy effect. For a festive occasion, consider drizzling melted white chocolate or sprinkling finely chopped nuts on top right after baking.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a classic afternoon treat. They also go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream, turning them into a delightful dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies stacked on a pretty platter tied with a ribbon for gift-giving or holiday parties. Or arrange them in small gift bags decorated with a hand-written note for a sweet, personal touch. They’re perfect for sharing the warmth of homemade baking with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Easy Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Their soft texture holds nicely, making them just as enjoyable even after a few days.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough or the baked cookies. For dough, shape into balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag—bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. For baked cookies, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then move to a container or bag; thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds to revive that fresh-baked softness. Avoid overheating or they may become too soft or dry. A quick reheat brings back that cozy homemade feel perfectly.
FAQs
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese is essential for the unique texture and flavor of these cookies, but if you need a substitute, try mascarpone or a full-fat Neufchatel cheese for similar results. Keep in mind it will slightly alter the taste and texture.
Why do I need to chill the cookie dough?
Chilling firms the dough, which prevents spreading during baking and helps develop the flavors. It also ensures your cookies hold their shape and have that lovely soft, buttery texture you want.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit can be stirred into the dough after the dry ingredients are incorporated. This adds texture and flavor variety while keeping the cookie base wonderfully soft.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days at room temperature. Beyond that, freezing is your best bet for longer storage.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, doubling the Easy Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe works great. Just make sure you have a large enough mixing bowl and baking sheets to handle the increased dough. You may need to bake in batches.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Easy Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe, you’ll find it hard to go back to ordinary sugar cookies. The combination of cream cheese and butter makes every bite luxuriously soft, while the subtle flavors create a cookie that feels both classic and special. Invite your loved ones to share these, and soon it will be your go-to recipe for any occasion that calls for a sweet, homemade treat!
Print
Easy Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, tender, and packed with rich cream cheese flavor. Perfectly sweet and lightly crisp on the edges, these cookies require just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. Refrigerated dough helps maintain their shape and results in a delightful texture. Ideal for tea time or as a sweet snack, they can be dusted with powdered sugar for extra charm.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Finishing
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Beat Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add granulated sugar into the butter and cream cheese mixture. Continue to beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps to create a tender cookie texture.
- Incorporate Egg and Extracts: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) into the wet mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until the dough just comes together and forms a soft dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their shape when baked.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to ensure even baking.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten each ball slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked without overcooking.
- Cool and Finish: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Chilling the dough is essential for texture and shape, do not skip this step.
- If almond extract is omitted, the cookies still taste delicious with just vanilla.
- Watch the cookies closely in the last minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
