Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

If you’re looking for the perfect sugar cookie that’s soft, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and just a little bit tangy, then these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are calling your name. These beauties are everything you want in a sugar cookie—delicately sweet, buttery, and with just the right amount of fluffiness. And that hint of cream cheese? It adds a slight richness that takes these cookies to a whole new level. You’ll be making these again and again, trust me!

Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Let me tell you why this is your new go-to sugar cookie recipe:

• Soft & Tender: These cookies are the ultimate in softness—no hard, crunchy cookies here. Thanks to the cream cheese, they stay tender and chewy even after they’ve cooled.
• Simple Ingredients: You probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry and fridge, so no need for a special trip to the store. Easy to make and easy to love!
• Versatile: These cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re decorating them for a holiday, bringing them to a bake sale, or just enjoying them with a cup of tea.
• A Little Something Extra: The cream cheese adds a subtle tanginess that’s just different from a regular sugar cookie. It’s the secret ingredient that makes them extra special.
• Easy to Decorate: These cookies have the perfect texture for rolling out and cutting into shapes, and they hold up well to fun frosting and sprinkles. Make them your own!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cookies:

• Butter: Softened, so it mixes in easily and gives that rich, buttery flavor.
• Cream Cheese: This is the star ingredient, making the cookies extra soft and giving them a slight tang.
• Sugar: For sweetness and to roll the cookies in before baking.
• Egg: It binds the dough together and helps the cookies rise just a bit.
• Vanilla Extract: A classic addition to give these cookies that warm, comforting flavor.
• Flour: All-purpose flour for the dough base.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies puff up, giving them that soft, cake-like texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
• Sugar (for rolling): To coat the cookies before baking, giving them that signature sugar cookie crunch and sparkle.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make some magic happen in the kitchen? Here’s how you’ll make these irresistibly soft cookies:

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.

3. Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix—this will keep the cookies soft.

4. Roll the Dough

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then roll each ball in sugar, making sure it’s coated evenly. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.

5. Flatten the Dough

Use the bottom of a glass or your hand to gently flatten each dough ball to about 1/4-inch thick. This will help them bake evenly and give them that perfect sugar cookie look.

6. Bake

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden but the centers are still soft. Be careful not to overbake; these cookies should stay soft and chewy.

7. Cool & Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’re cool, feel free to frost or decorate them, or just enjoy them as they are.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 150 (depending on size and ingredients)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes

How to Serve Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own, but here are some ways to jazz them up if you’re in the mood to get a little fancy:

• Frosting: You can top them with a simple buttercream frosting, royal icing, or even a glaze. Pink or white frosting makes them extra special for holidays like Valentine’s Day or Christmas.
• Sprinkles: Add sprinkles on top of the frosting for a festive, colorful touch. Nonpareils, colored sugar, or holiday-themed sprinkles make them look even more fun.
• Pair with Milk: These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, making them the perfect treat for dunking.
• Gift Them: Pack them up in a cute tin or box to give as a homemade gift. Everyone loves receiving freshly baked cookies!

Additional Tips

• Chill the Dough: If you find the dough a bit too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This will make it easier to work with.
• Roll the Dough in Colored Sugar: For extra fun, roll your cookies in colored sugar for a pop of brightness, especially around the holidays.
• Add Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding lemon zest, almond extract, or a dash of cinnamon to the dough for a new twist.
• Make Them Bigger or Smaller: Adjust the size of the dough balls depending on how big or small you want your cookies to be. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly—larger cookies will take a bit longer to bake.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A1: Yes! You can use reduced-fat cream cheese, but the texture may be slightly different. The cookies might not be quite as soft, but they’ll still taste delicious.

Q2: How do I store these cookies?
A2: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to stay extra soft, you can place a slice of bread in the container with them—it helps keep the cookies moist!

Q3: Can I freeze the dough?
A3: Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls, coat them in sugar, and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q4: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A4: Yes! These cookies are great for making ahead. You can store them in an airtight container for a few days, or freeze them and thaw them when you’re ready to serve.

Q5: Can I make these cookies without cream cheese?
A5: You can make sugar cookies without cream cheese, but they won’t have that soft, tender texture. If you need to skip the cream cheese, you might want to add a little more butter to compensate.

Q6: Can I decorate these cookies?
A6: Definitely! These cookies are perfect for decorating. Frost them with buttercream, royal icing, or a glaze, and use sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored sugar for a fun, festive look.

Q7: Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips?
A7: Yes! If you want to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit, feel free to fold them into the dough before rolling the cookies. Just be mindful that it will change the texture slightly.

Q8: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A8: The cookies are done when the edges just start to turn golden brown but the centers are still soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft when you first take them out.

Q9: Can I use a cookie cutter for these?
A9: Yes! This dough is perfect for rolling out and cutting into shapes. Just make sure to chill the dough if you’re rolling it out, so it’s easier to handle and won’t spread too much.

Q10: How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A10: You can make these cookies gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Conclusion

These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are everything you’ve ever dreamed of in a cookie—soft, buttery, just sweet enough, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. With that subtle cream cheese tang and a perfectly tender texture, they’re bound to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Whether you’re decorating them for a special occasion or enjoying them as a simple treat, they’ll quickly become your favorite cookie recipe. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake up a batch of cookie perfection!

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