Name: Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 15 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; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; Sprinkles; Powdered sugar for dusting; Royal icing or buttercream frosting

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If you’ve been searching for the ultimate soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie, you’ve just found it! These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are everything you want in a cookie—sweet, buttery, and with a slight tang from the cream cheese that makes them extra delicious. They’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for every occasion, whether it’s a cozy afternoon treat, a holiday dessert, or a bake sale hit. Once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked. Trust me, these cookies will become your new favorite!

Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

These cookies aren’t just your average sugar cookies—they’re elevated with a creamy, tangy twist. Here’s why you’ll love them:

Soft and Chewy: Thanks to the cream cheese, these cookies stay perfectly soft and chewy, making them a dream to bite into. No dry, crumbly cookies here!
A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy: The combination of butter and cream cheese gives these cookies a rich flavor with a hint of tang that keeps you coming back for more.
Easy to Make: These cookies come together quickly and don’t require any fancy techniques. They’re perfect for beginners or busy bakers alike.
Versatile: You can customize these cookies by adding sprinkles, frosting, or a dusting of powdered sugar. They’re perfect for any season and any celebration!
Great for Gifting: Pack a few in a cute box, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade gift that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies:

For the Cookie Dough:

Butter: Provides the rich, buttery flavor that makes these cookies so irresistible.

Cream Cheese: The star ingredient! Cream cheese adds a subtle tang and keeps the cookies soft and tender.

Sugar: Sweetens up the dough and helps achieve that perfect sugar cookie texture.

Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and provides a rich, smooth texture.

Vanilla Extract: A must for any sugar cookie! It enhances the flavors and adds a warm, comforting aroma.

All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough that gives these cookies structure.

Baking Soda: Helps the cookies spread and gives them that perfect texture.

Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavor.

For the Sugar Coating:

Sugar: A bit of extra sugar to roll the dough balls in before baking adds a lovely crunch and sweetness on the outside of the cookies.

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

Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to make these soft, creamy sugar cookies:

Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This will take about 2-3 minutes. The smoother the mixture, the softer your cookies will be!

Add Sugar and Egg

Add the sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well incorporated.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until everything is combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Prepare for Baking

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

Shape the Cookies

Once chilled, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in sugar to coat it, then place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. The centers will remain soft, which is exactly what you want for that chewy texture.

Cool and 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’ve cooled, they’re ready to enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 140

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)

How to Serve Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

These cookies are perfect for any occasion, but here are a few ideas to enjoy them:

With a Glass of Milk: Classic and always satisfying! A cold glass of milk complements these cookies perfectly.
Holiday Treats: Decorate these cookies with colored sprinkles, icing, or festive designs for special occasions like Christmas, Easter, or birthdays.
As a Gift: Pack these cookies in a cute tin or jar for a thoughtful and delicious gift.
Alongside a Cup of Tea or Coffee: These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot beverage, making them perfect for a cozy afternoon snack.

Additional Tips

Customize the Coating: Add colored sugar or sprinkles for a festive touch. You can also roll the dough balls in cinnamon sugar for a twist.
Make Mini Cookies: If you prefer smaller cookies, roll the dough into smaller balls and adjust the baking time accordingly (around 8-10 minutes).
Storing the Cookies: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months, so you always have cookie dough ready to bake.
Add Frosting: If you want an extra indulgent treat, top these cookies with a dollop of frosting or drizzle them with melted chocolate.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use light cream cheese instead of regular?

A1: Yes, light cream cheese can be used, though the cookies may be slightly less rich and creamy.

Q2: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

A2: Make sure to chill the dough before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Q3: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

A3: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, chill it, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Alternatively, freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

Q4: Can I add something extra to the dough?

A4: Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the dough to customize the cookies to your liking.

Q5: How do I store leftover cookies?

A5: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Q6: Can I freeze the baked cookies?

A6: Yes! You can freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Q7: Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

A7: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to check the flour blend instructions for any necessary adjustments.

Q8: How can I make these cookies more festive?

A8: Decorate the cookies with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar to match the season or occasion.

Q9: Can I make these cookies smaller?

A9: Yes! You can roll the dough into smaller balls and adjust the baking time accordingly, baking them for about 8-10 minutes.

Q10: Can I use this dough for cut-out cookies?

A10: Yes! Chill the dough for a little longer, then roll it out on a floured surface and use cookie cutters to shape the dough. Just make sure to adjust the baking time depending on the size of your cookies.

Conclusion

These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and buttery goodness. Soft and chewy, they’re the kind of cookie you’ll want to bake again and again. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, gifting them, or enjoying them yourself, these cookies are sure to bring a little joy to any day. Happy baking!