Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Cream cheese cookies are tender, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. With a subtle tang from the cream cheese and a soft texture, these cookies make a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Confectioners sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375℉ and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer, add butter and cream cheese and beat until smooth and combined. Add sugar and beat for 1 minute. Mix in egg and vanilla extract. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Step 4: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture to the wet ingredients, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed and mixing until just combined. Do not over mix.
5. Step 5: Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop dough onto lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
6. Step 6: Bake 10-12 minutes, or until the tops of the cookies are set.
7. Step 7: Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool fully. Dust the tops of cookies with confectioners sugar once cool.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract to the dough.
• Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized cookies that bake consistently.
• Make sure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you prefer thicker cookies.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to refresh softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?

Cream cheese gives these cookies their unique texture and flavor, but you could try mascarpone or softened Neufchâtel cheese as alternatives. However, the results may vary slightly.

Why should I not overmix the dough?

Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can make the cookies tough. Mixing just until combined keeps them tender and soft.

Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 123 reviews

Delightfully soft and buttery cream cheese cookies featuring a tender crumb and a subtle vanilla flavor, finished with a light dusting of confectioners sugar. These easy-to-make cookies deliver a rich texture and melt-in-your-mouth experience, perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For Finishing

• Confectioners sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set them aside.
2. Cream Butter and Cheese: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a large bowl using an electric hand mixer, beat the room temperature butter and softened cream cheese together until smooth and fully combined.
3. Add Sugar and Flavorings: Add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture and beat for about 1 minute until light and fluffy. Then mix in the egg and vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
5. Mix Dry into Wet: With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed, mixing just until all the flour is incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender cookie texture.
6. Portion the Dough: Use a medium cookie scoop to drop rounded scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
7. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops of the cookies are set and show no signs of wet dough.
8. Cool and Dust: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes to firm up. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the tops generously with confectioners sugar for a sweet, delicate finish.

Notes

• Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth, creamy mixture for the dough.
• Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to keep cookies tender and avoid toughness.
• The confectioners sugar dusting adds a nice visual appeal and subtle sweetness but can be omitted if desired.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
• Using parchment paper makes cleanup easier and helps cookies bake evenly.

Keywords: cream cheese cookies, soft cookies, vanilla cookies, easy dessert, homemade cookies, buttery cookies