If you’re on the hunt for the kind of treat that gets squeals of delight from both kids and adults, these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are the answer. Soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture meets a delicate tang from cream cheese, all wrapped up in an easy-to-handle dough that keeps its shape for perfect cutouts. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a birthday, or just because your sweet tooth demanded it, this recipe will become your go-to. With a hint of almond and vanilla to round out the flavors, you’ll find yourself coming back to make these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something special about simple, high-quality ingredients coming together to create something absolutely delicious. Each of these pantry staples plays a role, bringing flavor, texture, and color to the cookies you’ll crave all year long.
- Unsalted butter: Using softened butter helps create a beautifully tender crumb and rich flavor that’s classic in sugar cookies.
- Cream cheese: The secret star, cream cheese gives the cookies their signature soft texture and a subtle, grown-up tang.
- Granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and that lovely golden finish as the cookies bake.
- Large egg: Acts as the binder, ensuring everything sticks together and adds a bit of richness too.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to each bite; don’t skip this classic flavor enhancer.
- Almond extract: Just a touch brings a bakery-style aroma that truly sets these cookies apart.
- All-purpose flour: Offers structure to the dough and gives you cookies that hold their shape when cutting out fun designs.
- Baking powder: A bit of lift for a cookie that’s soft but never flat or dense.
- Salt: Balances all the sweetness and brings out the subtle cheesiness of the dough.
How to Make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
This is genuinely where all the magic starts. Beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Give it a good 2 to 3 minutes—they should look pale and fluffy when ready. This step adds air to the base, ensuring your cookies turn out light instead of heavy.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts
Crack in the large egg, then pour in the vanilla and almond extracts. Beat again until the mixture looks smooth and fully combined. The trick is not to rush, since these liquids weave more flavor into every bite of your Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Giving them a quick mix helps distribute the rising agent and salt evenly, laying the groundwork for that satisfyingly soft center every good sugar cookie needs.
Step 4: Bring the Dough Together
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low or stirring by hand just until combined. It’s important not to overmix here—once you see no dry flour left, you’re good to go. Your dough will be soft, but it shouldn’t be sticky.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half, shape each portion into a disk, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least two hours. This patience pays off, making the dough easier to roll and ensuring your Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies keep those crisp, picture-perfect edges.
Step 6: Roll, Cut, and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out one portion of the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick. Cut into desired shapes, then arrange the cookies 1 inch apart on the sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are starting to turn golden—then cool briefly on the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
Let your cookies cool completely before decorating, if desired. The sturdy yet tender crumb makes these cookies the perfect canvas for royal icing, colored sugar, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Have fun, and make them as festive or simple as you like.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
A classic finish for these cookies is a simple dusting of powdered sugar or some brightly colored sanding sugar for holiday cheer. Try drizzling with melted white chocolate or decorating each with piped royal icing for extra pizzazz—Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are endlessly versatile!
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or a creamy latte for the ultimate comfort snack. They also shine alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or nestled into a dessert platter with fresh berries and lemon bars for a colorful spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Gift them in pretty boxes with ribbon for a homemade present, or stack and wrap them in cellophane for party favors. For holidays, let kids help decorate—they make adorable edible ornaments for festive gatherings. Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are a baker’s dream for showing off creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep these cookies irresistibly soft, store cooled Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer them between sheets of parchment or wax paper to protect the decorations and prevent sticking.
Freezing
One of the best things about this recipe? Both the dough and baked cookies freeze exceptionally well. Store shaped, unbaked cookies between parchment layers in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Baked cookies can also be frozen and thawed as needed, so you’re always ready for last-minute guests or dessert cravings.
Reheating
If your cookies have been frozen, let them come to room temperature on the counter. For an extra-fresh feel, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3 to 5 minutes—just enough to warm them without drying them out. This little burst of heat revives their softness beautifully.
FAQs
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and helps the dough firm up, making it much easier to roll and cut into shapes. It’s an essential step for perfect Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies every time.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge before rolling out if frozen—this is a lifesaver during busy holiday seasons.
Do these cookies hold their shape if I use intricate cookie cutters?
Yes, thanks to the cream cheese and chilling process, these cookies hold up beautifully to even detailed shapes. Just be careful to not overbake, and your Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies will show off every curve and edge.
What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
You can keep decoration simple with colored sugars, or get elaborate with royal icing for detailed designs. Because the cookies aren’t overly sweet, they welcome a rich buttercream or tangy glaze, too—the options are endless!
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
For best flavor and texture, stick with full-fat cream cheese. Low-fat versions often contain extra moisture, which can make the dough sticky or cause the cookies to spread more during baking.
Final Thoughts
Baking a batch of Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies is like wrapping up a little bit of joy in a golden, sweet package. Whether you’re baking with kids or creating something beautiful for a party tray, give these cookies a try and enjoy the smiles they bring. Let yourself experiment with shapes and colors—before you know it, this recipe will be the star of your celebrations, big and small!
Print
Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat with a hint of tanginess from cream cheese. Soft and tender, these cookies are perfect for decorating and enjoying during the holidays.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add egg and extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Chill the dough: Divide dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven and roll out dough: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.
- Bake: Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Cool and decorate: Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate as desired.
Notes
- For softer cookies, avoid overbaking.
- These cookies hold their shape well, making them perfect for decorated holiday cookies.
- Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
