Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Name: Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum if not included); 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Optional: 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Isabella

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Buttery and soft, these gluten-free cream cheese sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion. With a subtle tang from the cream cheese and a tender texture, they can be enjoyed plain or decorated for festive events. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual treat, these cookies are easy to make and delicious to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Texture: Soft, buttery, and slightly chewy, these cookies melt in your mouth.

Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.

Versatile: Ideal for decorating with icing, sprinkles, or enjoying plain.

Gluten-Free: A great treat for those with gluten intolerance without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Crowd Pleaser: A recipe everyone, gluten-free or not, will love.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum if not included)

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional: 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (for extra flavor)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. Set the mixture aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy. This step usually takes 2-3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer.

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), ensuring the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough feels too soft, I recommend chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your fingers.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the bottoms are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake to keep the cookies soft.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorate with icing, sprinkles, or leave them plain and enjoy.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 110 kcal per cookie

Variations

Flavored Frosting: Add a touch of lemon or orange zest to icing for a citrusy twist.

Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.

Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some gluten-free chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies for a fun addition.

Festive Sprinkles: Customize the cookies for any holiday by using colored sprinkles or shaped icing decorations.

Almond Lovers: Add chopped almonds or almond extract for an extra layer of nutty flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freezing: Place cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating: If desired, warm the cookies slightly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to bring back their soft texture.

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FAQs

How do I keep these gluten-free cookies soft?

To keep the cookies soft, avoid overbaking them and store them in an airtight container. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help maintain moisture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready, let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling and baking.

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! If gluten isn’t a concern, substitute the gluten-free flour with all-purpose flour. Just omit xanthan gum if it’s already in the flour mix.

Why is my dough sticky?

Gluten-free dough can sometimes be stickier than regular dough. If it’s too soft to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm it up.

Can I freeze the baked cookies?

Yes, these cookies freeze well. Once they’re fully cooled, store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

These gluten-free cream cheese sugar cookies are a delightful addition to any occasion. With their soft, buttery texture and subtle cream cheese flavor, they’re easy to make and perfect for decorating. Whether you enjoy them plain, iced, or sprinkled with decorations, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give them a try, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing treat that everyone will enjoy, gluten-free or not.

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