Name: Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487715H31M22S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 tsp vanilla extract; Extra sugar for rolling

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies have a light, tender texture thanks to the addition of cream cheese in the dough. Unlike traditional sugar cookies, these cookies are slightly soft and chewy while maintaining a slight crispiness on the outside. The cream cheese adds a subtle tanginess that elevates the flavor and makes these cookies stand out from your average sugar cookie recipe. Plus, they are easy to make and perfect for decorating with sprinkles or frosting!

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
Extra sugar for rolling

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy, about 3 more minutes.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in sugar, then place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Gently flatten each cookie with the bottom of a glass or your fingers.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add sprinkles: Roll the cookie dough balls in colorful sprinkles before baking for a fun touch, perfect for celebrations.
Frosting: Top these cookies with a simple buttercream frosting or cream cheese frosting for extra sweetness and decoration.
Lemon zest: Add 1 tsp of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist on the classic flavor.
Cinnamon sugar: For a warm, spiced version, roll the dough balls in cinnamon and sugar instead of just granulated sugar.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To bring back that fresh-baked taste, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different. Full-fat cream cheese yields the best texture and flavor.

Can I make these cookies without rolling them in sugar?

Yes, you can skip rolling the cookies in sugar if you prefer. They will still be delicious but slightly less sweet on the outside.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter provides the best flavor and texture, you can use margarine in place of butter if needed.

How do I prevent these cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Be sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

You can add food coloring to the dough or decorate them with sprinkles, frosting, or sugar crystals to make them more festive for holidays or special occasions.

Are these cookies soft or crunchy?

These cookies are soft and chewy with a slight crispness on the outside, thanks to the cream cheese in the dough.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you’re making cookies for a larger crowd. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if needed, as you may need to bake in batches.

Can I use a cookie cutter for these cookies?

Yes, you can roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to shape the cookies. Just make sure to chill the dough first to help maintain the shape.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough is not required, but it helps prevent spreading and ensures the cookies hold their shape better during baking.

Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Yes, you can add chocolate chips to the dough for an extra treat. About 1 cup of chocolate chips should be a good amount.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are a soft, delicious, and slightly tangy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to make, customizable, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you enjoy them plain or decorated with frosting, these cookies are bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy!