Cream Cheese Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cream cheese cookies are irresistibly soft, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. With a slight tang from the cream cheese and a delicate sweetness, they make the perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, these cookies are great for holiday baking, dessert platters, or an everyday sweet indulgence.

this Recipe

Ingredients

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

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
3. Add granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out small dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden.
9. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes

Variations

• Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
• Chocolate Chip Version: Stir in mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
• Almond-Flavored Cookies: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free treat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: Warm cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes for a freshly baked taste.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, but full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor.

How do I make the cookies softer?

Avoid overbaking, and store them in an airtight container to retain moisture.

Can I add mix-ins?

Absolutely! Try adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or white chocolate chips.

Why is my dough too sticky?

Chill the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking if it’s too soft to handle.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter provides the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used as a substitute.

How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened but not overly warm.

Do these cookies need frosting?

They are delicious as-is, but you can drizzle them with a glaze for extra sweetness.

What’s the best way to shape these cookies?

A cookie scoop helps ensure even-sized cookies that bake uniformly.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Simply double all ingredients and bake in batches as needed.

Conclusion

Cream cheese cookies are a simple yet delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their rich flavor and tender texture, they are sure to become a favorite. Try different variations to make them your own and enjoy these delightful cookies with a cup of coffee or tea!

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