Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, promising a melt-in-your-mouth experience thanks to the magic of cream cheese in the dough. Each bite strikes the perfect balance between soft and tender, with just the right level of sweetness and an almost velvety richness that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special celebration, or just because, these cookies always get rave reviews and look beautiful whether plain, frosted, or covered in sparkling sprinkles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With a handful of simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients, Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies come together easily—and each one brings something special to the party. You’ll love how every addition, from butter to almond extract, builds flavor, moisture, and the perfect texture in every cookie.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter is essential for that fluffy, tender crumb and rich flavor.
- Cream cheese: The secret ingredient! It adds creaminess and makes each cookie super soft.
- Granulated sugar: Classic granulated sugar brings the perfect sweetness and helps create those beautiful, delicate edges.
- Large egg: This binds your dough together and gives the cookies some lift.
- Vanilla extract: For a warm, comforting aroma and that classic sugar cookie flavor.
- Almond extract: Just a touch delivers a subtle, addictive nutty note.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookies, giving shape while keeping them soft rather than crumbly.
- Baking powder: Ensures just the right amount of rise for a pillowy texture.
- Salt: A little goes a long way, perfectly balancing out the sweet and amplifying flavors.
How to Make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Cream Together Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
Begin by beating the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese with the granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. You want to mix until the mixture looks pale, light, and a little fluffy—this step is crucial because it gives the cookies their signature tender bite, while also ensuring everything is well blended for a silky dough.
Step 2: Add Egg and Extracts
Next, incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into your creamed mixture. Beat until everything is nicely combined and the mixture looks creamy and smooth. The extracts add fragrance and a subtle complexity to the dough, making these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies totally irresistible.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Giving these dry ingredients a quick whisk ensures even distribution of the baking powder and salt throughout the flour, preventing clumps and giving each cookie the same perfect texture.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently after each addition. Stir just until everything is combined; over-mixing can make cookies tough instead of soft. You’ll end up with a smooth, slightly sticky dough that’s easy to shape once chilled.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the cookie dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Pop them into the fridge for at least an hour. Don’t skip this step—the chill time helps the flavors develop, makes the dough easier to roll, and prevents cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Step 6: Roll and Cut
Once your dough is well chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into your favorite shapes with cookie cutters. This is where you can get creative—stars, hearts, or classic circles all work fabulously for Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies.
Step 7: Bake
Arrange your cut-out cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn golden. This gives you cookies that are set but still super soft inside. Allow to cool for a few minutes on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
Decorating these cookies is half the fun! Try a dusting of sparkling sugar, colorful sprinkles for a celebratory feel, or drizzle with royal icing for extra elegance. The soft surface of Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies holds decorations like a dream, and the mild flavor pairs beautifully with any topping you fancy.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk, a piping hot mug of cocoa, or even a fruity tea. If you want to make things extra festive, serve alongside a fresh fruit platter or small scoops of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert plate that truly shines.
Creative Ways to Present
Gift these cookies stacked and tied with a ribbon, layer them in a vintage cookie tin, or arrange them artfully on a platter for parties and potlucks. For holidays, using shaped cutters and themed sprinkles makes Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies a showstopper centerpiece everyone will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, and they’ll stay soft and luscious. Place a slice of sandwich bread in the container if you want to keep them extra moist—it helps prevent them from drying out!
Freezing
One of the best things about Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies is how beautifully they freeze! You can freeze the unbaked dough disks for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling out and baking. Baked cookies also freeze well; separate layers with parchment in an airtight container to prevent sticking.
Reheating
If you’d like to serve your cookies warm, gently heat them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes until just soft and fragrant. Be careful not to over-bake during reheating; a short warm-up enhances their fresh-from-the-oven taste without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making the dough ahead of time and chilling it in the fridge for up to three days actually improves the texture and makes rolling and cutting a breeze.
Can I freeze shaped, unbaked cookies?
Yes, after cutting the dough into shapes, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer. You can bake from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
While almond extract adds a lovely undertone, you can simply omit it or substitute with extra vanilla extract for a slightly different but still delicious batch of Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
Usually, this happens if the dough wasn’t chilled long enough or the butter was too soft. Make sure your dough is nice and cold before rolling and cutting, and always bake on cool, parchment-lined sheets.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend—just make sure it contains xanthan gum. Your cookies may vary slightly in texture, but they’ll still be delicious and soft.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a surefire crowd-pleaser, these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are about to become your new go-to. Soft, tender, and unbelievably flavorful, they’re perfect for sharing—or for keeping all to yourself. Grab your mixing bowl and join the cookie magic!
