Cream cheese sugar cookies offer a delightful twist on the classic treat, blending the smooth, tangy richness of cream cheese with the familiar sweetness of traditional cookies. They’re soft, chewy, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a simple afternoon snack. With a straightforward recipe, making these cookies at home is both enjoyable and rewarding.
Why We Love This Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
One of the main reasons you’ll love cream cheese sugar cookies is their unique texture. The addition of cream cheese keeps the cookies incredibly soft and moist, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that stands out from standard sugar cookies. They retain a slight tanginess that complements the sweetness perfectly, making them irresistible. These cookies are also incredibly versatile and can be decorated for different occasions, allowing you to get creative while baking. Their easy preparation and ability to hold their shape after baking make them great for holiday cookies or cut-out shapes. Plus, the simplicity of the ingredient list means you probably already have everything you need in your pantry, making these cookies an accessible treat that can satisfy your sweet tooth at any time.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or icing
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar to the mixture, beating well until fully incorporated.
- Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts, stirring until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them.
- Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cooled, sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with your favorite icing.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Cream cheese sugar cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate their presentation and taste with a few serving ideas. Consider serving these cookies on a decorative platter, perhaps garnished with seasonal fruits or edible flowers to create a visually appealing display. Pair them with a refreshing glass of milk or your favorite herbal tea for a cozy afternoon treat. For celebrations, decorate the cookies with colorful icing and sprinkles to match the theme of your gathering. They make excellent party favors when packaged in clear bags with ribbons. If hosting a brunch, stack the cookies onto stands and serve alongside fresh fruit and yogurt for a balanced menu. No matter when or how you serve them, cream cheese sugar cookies will charm everyone who tries them.
Expert Tips for Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
To achieve the best cream cheese sugar cookies, consider a few expert tips. Firstly, ensure that both your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature; this helps them blend together smoothly, creating a fluffy dough. When measuring flour, scoop it lightly with a spoon into the measuring cup, then level it off with a knife for accurate measurement. This prevents dense cookies due to excess flour. If you want a richer flavor, try using high-quality butter and pure extracts rather than artificial ones. The dough can be shaped and chilled for about 30 minutes to an hour if you’re working in a warm kitchen; this helps the cookies retain their shape while baking. Finally, experiment with different toppings or glazes to enhance the flavor and aesthetics. Whether you choose to coat them in confectioners’ sugar or a simple icing, don’t shy away from getting creative.
How to Store Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Storing cream cheese sugar cookies properly ensures they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. After the cookies have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container to keep out moisture and air. They will remain fresh for about 5 to 7 days at room temperature. For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. Arrange the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in the freezer for about an hour, or until they are firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the cookies at room temperature or heat them in the microwave for a few seconds for a fresh-baked experience.
Variations of Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
One of the best aspects of cream cheese sugar cookies is their adaptability. You can easily customize the flavor and appearance to suit your taste or the occasion. For a citrusy twist, add lemon or orange zest to the dough. This brightens the flavor and pairs beautifully with the cream cheese. If you prefer chocolate, incorporate cocoa powder into the dry ingredients or add chocolate chips for extra sweetness. You could also try mixing in nuts, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, for added texture. For a festive touch, stir in seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, especially around the holidays. Additionally, you can create sandwich cookies by spreading your favorite frosting or filling between two cookies. This not only enhances their taste but also presents a charming and inviting treat.
FAQ about Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Cream cheese sugar cookies are a beloved choice for many home bakers, and several common questions arise about making these delectable treats. One common question is about the texture of the cookies. How can you ensure they come out soft and chewy? The key lies in not overbaking them—remove the cookies from the oven when they are just set and slightly golden around the edges. Another question often asked is whether you can use light cream cheese instead of regular. While you can, the cookies may not be as rich and fluffy, so consider sticking to full-fat cream cheese for the best results. Sometimes, people worry about the cookies spreading too much. You can chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape. Lastly, how do you decorate them? Using a simple icing mix made of powdered sugar and milk is quick and adds a lovely touch. Feel free to sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles for a festive finish!
Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure it's at room temperature for easier mixing.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened Use full-fat for the best results.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Use pure vanilla for richer flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract Enhances the flavor profile.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Scoop lightly into measuring cup.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- powdered sugar for dusting or icing Optional for decoration.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar to the mixture, beating well until fully incorporated.
- Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts, stirring until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mixing
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them.
- Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
Baking
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cooled, sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with your favorite icing.
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