why make this recipe
I love these cookies because they feel a little fancy but stay really easy. The cream cheese keeps them soft and slightly tangy. They bake up tender. They also hold their shape well for decorating. I often make a batch when friends stop by. They pair surprisingly well with a cozy bowl of creamy tomato basil soup with grilled cheese dippers for a sweet finish to a simple dinner.
how to make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 3 oz cream cheese, softened, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until it’s all blended beautifully.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
how to serve Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Serve them plain for a tender, buttery bite. Add a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty look. Frost them with simple vanilla glaze for parties. Sandwich two together with jam for a lovely treat. These cookies also make a sweet finish to a family dinner that stars something hearty like a creamy rigatoni pasta bake.
how to store Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer life, refrigerate up to 1 week. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then move to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
tips to make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Use room-temperature butter and cream cheese. They cream together faster and smoother. Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling. Don’t overwork the dough. Stop mixing when just combined. Chill the dough for 15–30 minutes if it seems very soft. Press a light coating of sugar on top before baking for a lovely sparkle. For a cozy meal plan, I often pair cookies with comfort mains like creamy Colby-Jack mac and cheese and a green salad.
variation (if any)
Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest for a bright twist. Stir in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips for a simple upgrade. Roll dough and use cookie cutters for shapes. Frost with cream cheese frosting for a richer cookie. Make sandwich cookies with jam, chocolate spread, or lemon curd.
FAQs
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: Yes. The texture will be slightly different. Full-fat gives the softest cookies.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes. Scoop balls onto a tray and freeze. Transfer to a bag once frozen. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the time.
Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
A: Your dough may be too warm or you added too much butter. Chill the dough briefly and use a cooler baking sheet.
Q: Can I make these egg-free?
A: You can try an egg substitute like a flax egg, but texture may change. The cookie may be a bit more crumbly.
Q: How do I make them more golden?
A: Brush with a light egg wash before baking, or bake a minute longer and watch closely.
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Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and slightly tangy cream cheese sugar cookies that hold their shape well for decorating.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until it’s all blended beautifully.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
For a prettier presentation, dust with powdered sugar or frost with vanilla glaze. They can also be made into sandwich cookies with jam.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cookies, cream cheese, dessert, baking, sweet treats
