These cream cheese cookies are incredibly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients. The cream cheese not only adds flavor but also gives the cookies a uniquely soft and chewy texture that sets them apart from traditional sugar cookies. They hold their shape well, making them perfect for icing or enjoying plain. You’ll love how versatile and crowd-pleasing they are.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter
Cream cheese
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
Add the sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Gently flatten each cookie slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the bottoms are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies. Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 12 minutes Cooling time: 10 minutes Total time: 37 minutes
Variations
Lemon zest: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrus twist.
Almond extract: Replace the vanilla with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
Sandwich cookies: Spread jam or frosting between two cookies to make sandwich cookies.
Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.
Chocolate chips: Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough for a sweet surprise.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled cream cheese cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To freeze, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
How do cream cheese cookies differ from regular cookies?
Cream cheese cookies are softer and have a slightly tangy flavor due to the cream cheese. The texture is more tender and cakey compared to standard cookies.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly less rich. Full-fat cream cheese yields the best results.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling is not necessary for this recipe, but if your kitchen is warm, you can chill the dough for 20–30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Can I add mix-ins to the dough?
Absolutely! Try adding mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Over-softened butter or warm dough can cause excessive spreading. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough briefly if needed.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls. Freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
They should be set around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles well. Just make sure your mixer and bowls can handle the larger quantity.
Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?
Only if you’re storing them for more than 5 days. Otherwise, room temperature storage is fine.
Are these cookies good for decorating?
Yes, their smooth surface and mild flavor make them great for icing or decorating with sprinkles or colored sugar.
Conclusion
Cream cheese cookies are a delightful twist on classic cookies, offering a unique combination of soft texture and rich flavor. They’re easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for sharing. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with icing or fillings, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.
Cream cheese cookies are soft, tender, and rich with a subtle tang from cream cheese. They melt in your mouth and are perfect for any occasion, whether plain or decorated.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:12 minutes
Total Time:37 minutes
Yield:24 cookies
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
Add granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and bottoms are lightly golden.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Chill dough for 20–30 minutes if it becomes too soft to handle.Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor.Add-ins like chocolate chips, lemon zest, or nuts can customize the flavor.Great as sandwich cookies with jam or frosting in the middle.
