Soft and tender with a subtle tang from cream cheese, these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are versatile and perfect for decorating or enjoying plain. Whether it’s for a holiday, a celebration, or just because, these cookies are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The cream cheese adds a delicious tanginess, making these cookies extra special.
They bake up soft and tender with a perfect texture for cutting and decorating.
Easy to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
A great recipe to personalize with your favorite cookie cutters and decorations.
Ideal for any occasion, from festive gatherings to everyday treats.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms.
Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 1 inch of space between each.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate as desired with icing or enjoy plain.
Servings and Timing
Servings: Makes about 36 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Calories: 130 kcal per cookie
Variations
Flavor Options: Swap the almond extract for lemon or orange extract for a citrus twist.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
Festive Additions: Mix in colored sprinkles or finely chopped nuts into the dough for extra flair.
Icing Fun: Decorate with royal icing, melted chocolate, or a simple glaze for added sweetness.
Thicker Cookies: Roll the dough slightly thicker for softer cookies, adjusting bake time as needed.
Storage/Reheating
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freezing Dough: Freeze the dough discs for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
Freezing Cookies: Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature before enjoying.
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FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.
Do I need to use cream cheese?
Cream cheese is what gives these cookies their unique flavor and texture, but you could substitute mascarpone for a similar effect.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking while rolling?
Lightly flour your rolling surface and rolling pin. If the dough gets too soft, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
Can I use this recipe for drop cookies instead of rolled ones?
Yes, you can scoop and flatten the dough slightly before baking for an easier approach.
What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
I like using royal icing for detailed designs, but a simple powdered sugar glaze works wonderfully too.
Conclusion
Cream cheese sugar cookies are a delightful addition to any occasion. They’re easy to make, customizable, and always a hit with family and friends. Try this recipe for your next baking adventure, and enjoy the soft, tangy goodness of these classic treats.
📖 Recipe:
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Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: About 36 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and tender cream cheese sugar cookies are a versatile treat perfect for any occasion. These cookies are subtly tangy, easy to make, and ideal for decorating or enjoying plain. Perfect for festive gatherings or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms.
- Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use cookie cutters to create desired shapes.
- Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges begin to turn golden.
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate with icing or enjoy plain.
Notes
For a citrus twist, replace almond extract with lemon or orange extract.
Adjust baking time for thicker cookies.
Lightly flour rolling surfaces to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 36 cookies
- Calories: 130 kcal per cookie
