Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies – glassika recipes

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies: Soft, Sweet, and Irresistible

Cookie lovers, get ready for the best sugar cookies you’ve ever tasted! These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are incredibly soft, rich, and buttery, with a delicious melt-in-your-mouth texture. Made with simple ingredients, these cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special event, or simply craving a classic sweet treat, this easy sugar cookie recipe will become your new go-to.

Introduction

There’s something truly comforting about homemade cookies, especially when they have the perfect balance of sweetness, softness, and a slight tang from cream cheese. Unlike traditional sugar cookies, these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies stay extra soft for days thanks to the cream cheese in the dough. The result? A light, pillowy, and tender cookie that’s simply irresistible.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can enjoy these cookies plain, decorate them with icing, or roll them in sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Plus, with just 15 minutes of prep time, they’re quick and easy to make, perfect for beginner bakers and experienced pros alike.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies, you’ll need:

Essential Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour

Optional Add-Ins

1/2 teaspoon almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor
1/2 teaspoon baking powder for a slightly puffier cookie
Sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration
Royal icing or buttercream for frosting

How to Make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven

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

2. Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the Egg and Vanilla Extract

Once the butter mixture is well combined, mix in the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated.

4. Mix in the Flour

Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before rolling.

5. Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop small portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. You can flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass for a more uniform shape.

6. Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. The cookies should not brown much; they should stay pale and light for a soft texture.

7. Cool & Serve

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them plain or decorate as desired!

Helpful Tips for the Best Sugar Cookies

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and cream cheese mix more smoothly, creating a better texture in the cookies.
Chill the Dough if Necessary: If your dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before baking to make handling easier.
Don’t Overbake: These cookies should remain soft and chewy. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are set but before they start browning.
Experiment with Flavors: Add lemon zest, almond extract, or cinnamon for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips

For perfect Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies, follow these additional tips:

For Extra Softness: Replace half of the granulated sugar with powdered sugar for an ultra-tender texture.
For a Crispy Edge: Sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top before baking.
For Even Baking: Bake one tray at a time in the center of the oven to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delicious on their own, but they can be even better with these serving ideas:

With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy them as a perfect snack with your favorite warm beverage.
Holiday Cookies: Decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar for a festive touch.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to make a soft and creamy ice cream sandwich.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a nutritional breakdown per serving (1 cookie):

Calories: 160
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Sugar: 12g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sodium: 50mg
Calcium: 2%

Storage & Leftovers

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate: If you prefer a firmer texture, store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freeze: Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cream cheese will give a richer and softer texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Can I frost these cookies?
Yes! These cookies are perfect for decorating with buttercream, royal icing, or glaze.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

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Conclusion

These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves soft, buttery, and slightly tangy cookies. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and endless customization options, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain, frosted, or decorated, this easy homemade cookie recipe will be a staple in your kitchen. Try them today and indulge in soft, melt-in-your-mouth goodness! 🍪