If you have a soft spot for cookies that balance rich, buttery flavor with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, you’re going to adore this Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe. These cookies are wonderfully tender thanks to the addition of cream cheese, which brings a subtle tang and sumptuous creaminess that sets them apart from your average sweet treat. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or looking for a charming addition to your holiday cookie platter, this recipe delivers irresistibly soft cookies that are as easy to make as they are delightful to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking the perfect batch of cookies, and this Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe keeps it simple yet essential. Each ingredient works in harmony to create the cookies’ tender crumb, rich flavor, and beautiful appearance.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base and ensures a tender texture without adding extra saltiness.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The secret to those irresistibly soft, moist cookies with a slight tang.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with the cookies’ light, fluffy structure.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and contributes to a soft cookie texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warm, aromatic flavor to complement the cream cheese.
- All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups): Gives the cookies structure and the perfect bite.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them light and tender.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- Optional powdered sugar or colored sprinkles: For a pretty finishing touch and extra sweetness or festive flair.
How to Make Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze. Setting the stage well is an essential step to make sure these cookies bake evenly and come out just right.
Step 2: Creaming Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and free of lumps. This step is crucial as it sets the foundation for the cookies’ tender texture. Taking the time here will yield that unbeatable softness you’re aiming for.
Step 3: Incorporating Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla
Add the granulated sugar to the butter-cream cheese mixture and beat until it becomes light and fluffy. Then, mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly. This combination not only sweetens the dough but also infuses it with flavor and moisture, making every bite delightfully rich.
Step 4: Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients separately ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning, which translates into perfectly textured cookies.
Step 5: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix here, as this could make the cookies tough instead of tender.
Step 6: Shaping the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each to allow for spreading. Press each cookie gently with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to slightly flatten them. This gives the cookies their classic, delicate shape and ensures even baking.
Step 7: Baking and Cooling
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges just start to set and the bottoms are a light golden color. After removing them from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting period helps the cookies firm up without losing their tender bite.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delightful on their own, dusting them with powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and a hint of extra sweetness. For a fun, colorful twist—particularly during holidays or celebrations—sprinkle some colored sugar or festive sprinkles on top before baking to make your cookies as visually appealing as they taste.
Side Dishes
Serve these cream cheese cookies alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. They also pair beautifully with fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced citrus, which complements the cream cheese’s tang and keeps the snack light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Stack the cookies with layers of cream cheese frosting or a dollop of fruit jam for a sophisticated dessert treat. Placing them in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with a colorful ribbon makes for charming homemade gifts that show you care.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten Cream Cheese Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh and soft for up to four days. Proper storage preserves the delicate texture and flavor, so you can enjoy them just as much the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies once fully cooled by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to three months, giving you a convenient stash of sweet treats ready whenever you crave.
Reheating
To revive your frozen or stored cookies, simply warm them in a low oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes or until just warmed through. This gentle reheating helps restore their softness and freshly baked feel without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese is key to achieving the cookie’s signature softness and tang, so while some recipes may suggest substitutes, none deliver quite the same rich, tender results. For best results, stick with cream cheese.
What makes these cookies soft and tender?
It’s the combination of butter and cream cheese, plus careful mixing and baking at the right temperature, that keeps these cookies soft inside while slightly set on the outside. Avoid overbaking to maintain that perfect texture.
Can I add flavor variations to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding lemon or orange zest to the dough gives a bright, citrusy twist that complements the cream cheese beautifully. You can also mix in mini chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of jam for extra flavor.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so they are not gluten-free as is. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend that measures similarly to all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version, though texture may vary slightly.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
This Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe makes about 24 delectable cookies, perfect for sharing with friends and family or for nibbling on throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a cookie that is both simple and sophisticated, and this Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for those moments when you crave buttery, tender cookies with a touch of tangy creaminess. So go ahead and bake a batch—you won’t regret making this your new favorite cookie to share or savor solo!
Print
Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and creamy cream cheese cookies that combine the richness of cream cheese and butter for a melt-in-your-mouth dessert. Perfect for holiday treats or everyday indulgence, these cookies are easy to make and can be customized with a dusting of powdered sugar or colorful sprinkles.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Colored sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating the base for your cookies.
- Add Sugar and Flavorings: Add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture and continue beating until light and fluffy. Then mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms without overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Flatten and Bake: Gently flatten each cookie slightly using your fingers or the bottom of a glass for an even shape. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the bottoms turn a light golden color.
- Cool and Decorate: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar or add colorful sprinkles if desired for extra sweetness and decoration.
Notes
- For a refreshing citrus twist, add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
