Name: Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional); 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

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If you’re searching for a cookie that’s rich, tender, and absolutely melts in your mouth, Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies might just be your new obsession. These aren’t your everyday sugar cookies — the secret addition of cream cheese takes the texture and flavor to new heights, making the cookies luxuriously soft inside with just the right amount of chew. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, hosting a party, or simply want to treat yourself, you’ll find that Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies deliver sweetness, buttery flavor, and decorating fun in every bite.

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things delightfully simple, using staple ingredients that come together for classic flavor but with a creamy twist. Each ingredient plays a key role, from adding richness to holding the perfect shape, so don’t skip any of them!

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): This gives your cookies a buttery richness and ensures a tender crumb.
Cream cheese (3 oz, softened): The surprise ingredient that makes these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies soft, moist, and irresistible.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): For sweetness and that beloved sugar cookie sparkle.
Large egg (1): Binds the dough and adds gentle richness.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Classic flavor that balances the tangy cream cheese.
Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds an aromatic hint that makes your cookies stand out.
All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The sturdy backbone to help cut and hold those fun shapes.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough lift for lightness without losing shape.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and keeps the cookies from tasting one-note sweet.

How to Make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and a good hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is super light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes and really sets up the cookies for that soft texture. Creaming properly means your cookies will bake up with the perfect tender crumb we all crave!

Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts

Once your creamed mixture looks pale and airy, it’s time to add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you want a lovely nutty note. Mix again until everything is totally combined. You’ll notice the dough takes on a smooth, velvety look—always a good sign.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures the baking powder gets distributed evenly, so your Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies bake up just right every time. No one wants a pocket of salt or flour—so don’t skip this quick step!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

On low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to the wet bowl. Mix just until combined, because overmixing can make your cookies tough. If you see a few streaks of flour, finish by hand with a spatula. The dough should come together and feel soft but not sticky.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. This helps the dough chill evenly and makes it much easier to roll out later. Wrap the discs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling is the secret to cookies that hold their shape and have that classic sugar cookie texture.

Step 6: Roll, Cut, and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough at a time to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters for festive or fun shapes, and transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are barely golden. Let the cookies rest on the tray for 2 minutes before cooling fully on a wire rack—this helps them firm up without drying out.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies are truly a blank canvas for creativity! Before baking, you can sprinkle colored sugars or nonpareils on top for sparkle and crunch. Or, if you love decorating, wait until the Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies cool—then have fun with royal icing, buttercream, or a quick glaze. Sprinkles, sanding sugar, or edible glitter take them from everyday treat to showstopper.

Side Dishes

Pairing these cookies with a cozy beverage turns snack time into something special. A mug of hot chocolate, a steaming cup of chai, or even a simple glass of cold milk all complement Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies beautifully. For parties or dessert platters, serve alongside lemon bars, chocolate-dipped pretzels, or fresh fruit to add variety in flavor and color.

Creative Ways to Present

For the ultimate wow factor, stack decorated cookies in clear gift bags tied with bright ribbon for easy gifting. As a festive dessert centerpiece, arrange cookies on a decorative cake stand and scatter fresh flowers or holiday greenery around the base. For kids’ parties, set up a decorating station and let everyone make their own Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie masterpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra fresh and soft, add a slice of bread to the container—it works wonders at keeping cookies from drying out!

Freezing

If you love planning ahead, Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies freeze beautifully either before or after baking. For unbaked dough, wrap discs tightly in plastic wrap and freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling. For baked cookies, layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, then let them come to room temperature before serving or decorating.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked taste, pop a cookie (or several!) into a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 2 to 3 minutes. This gives them a gentle warmth and brings out their aroma. Be careful not to overdo it—just a minute or two does the trick!

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese in Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies?

While you technically can, regular cream cheese produces the softest, richest cookies. Low-fat varieties may result in a less tender texture and slightly different taste, so classic full-fat is the way to go for best results.

How do I keep Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before rolling and baking is absolutely key—it firms up the butter and cream cheese, so your cookies hold their cut shapes perfectly. Always make sure your baking sheets are cool to the touch before adding more dough, too.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe doubles beautifully for big holiday batches or parties. Just be sure your stand mixer can handle the extra dough, or work in two separate bowls if needed. You’ll thank yourself when you smell that sweet aroma x2 in the kitchen!

What kind of frosting works best for Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies?

Royal icing is great for sharp designs and detailed decorating, while buttercream gives a soft, creamy finish. A simple powder sugar glaze tinted with food coloring works great for quick, fun designs—choose whatever matches your mood or occasion!

Is it okay to make the dough ahead and bake later?

Definitely! Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie dough actually benefits from some extra fridge time—it helps develop flavor and prevents spreading. The dough can chill for up to two days before rolling and baking, making it perfect for advance prep.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies, you’ll see why they’re an all-time favorite for so many bakers. Their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and endless decorating possibilities make them a true crowd-pleaser. Grab your ingredients and let your creativity shine—these cookies are ready to become your family’s new tradition!

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 36 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these soft and flavorful Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies that are perfect for any occasion. With a hint of cream cheese and vanilla, these cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Creaming the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
Adding Flavors: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.
Preparing the Dough: 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.
Chilling and Baking: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters and place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.