These soft and buttery cream cheese cookies are a delightful treat that melt in your mouth with every bite. Slightly tangy from the cream cheese and perfectly sweet, they are great for any occasion, whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply craving a homemade dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super soft and melt-in-your-mouth texture
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect balance of sweetness and slight tanginess
- Great for holidays, tea parties, or an everyday treat
- Customizable with different flavors and toppings
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cream cheese
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Powdered sugar (optional for dusting)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the granulated sugar and continue mixing until well combined.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract 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 until just combined.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a refreshing citrus note.
- Nutty Flavor: Mix in finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for added texture.
- Glazed Cookies: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Roll the dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking for a snickerdoodle-like flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for extended freshness.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: If needed, warm them slightly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds.
FAQs
How do I make these cookies extra soft?
Use room-temperature butter and cream cheese, and do not overbake them.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but the cookies may be slightly less rich and creamy.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store the dough in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
Why did my cookies turn out flat?
Make sure to properly measure your flour and chill the dough if it’s too soft.
Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Yes! Try strawberry or honey pecan cream cheese for a fun variation.
Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?
Not necessarily, but chilling can help the cookies hold their shape better.
Can I substitute baking soda for baking powder?
No, baking soda has different leavening properties and may alter the texture.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute for best results.
What can I use instead of vanilla extract?
Try almond extract, lemon extract, or maple syrup for a different flavor.
Can I add frosting to these cookies?
Yes! A simple cream cheese or buttercream frosting would pair beautifully.
Conclusion
Cream cheese cookies are the perfect combination of soft, chewy, and deliciously rich flavors. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delightful treat that’s great for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or jazzed up with add-ins, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
PrintCream Cheese Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, buttery, and slightly tangy with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Made with simple ingredients like cream cheese, butter, and vanilla, they have a light sweetness that makes them perfect for snacking, holiday baking, or even as a tea-time treat. You can dust them with powdered sugar or add sprinkles for extra flair!
Ingredients
-
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
-
4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
-
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
-
1 large egg
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
-
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
-
Optional: powdered sugar or sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Cream the butter and cream cheese together in a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth.
-
Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
-
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
-
Whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) in a separate bowl.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
-
Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
-
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the cookies remain soft in the center.
-
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Dust with powdered sugar or top with sprinkles before serving, if desired.
Notes
-
These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
-
For a firmer texture, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
-
You can add citrus zest (lemon or orange) for a hint of extra flavor.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *