Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Made with cream cheese for a rich and slightly tangy flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday treat, afternoon snack, or an easy dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. With just a few simple ingredients, they come together quickly and can be customized with different flavors and toppings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft & Buttery – Cream cheese adds an irresistibly tender texture.
- Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples and no complicated steps.
- Perfectly Sweet – Not too sugary, with a balanced, creamy taste.
- Great for Any Occasion – Ideal for holidays, tea time, or everyday snacking.
- Customizable – Add citrus zest, chocolate chips, or sprinkles for extra flair.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Add sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Shape & Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll dough into small balls (about 1 inch) and place them on the baking sheet. Flatten slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool & Serve
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a decorative touch, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Variations
- Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies – Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest for a fresh citrus flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies – Stir in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips.
- Almond-Flavored Cookies – Swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty twist.
- Holiday Version – Top with colored sprinkles or drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating – Roll cookies in cinnamon sugar before baking for a snickerdoodle-like version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 5-10 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
FAQs
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading while baking.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I add frosting?
Yes! A light glaze or cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with these cookies.
What’s the best way to make them extra soft?
Avoid overbaking—remove the cookies when they are just lightly golden on the edges.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute, but the texture may vary slightly.
Can I make these cookies without sugar?
You can use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol, but the texture may be slightly different.
What can I serve these with?
Enjoy them with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for the perfect snack.
Can I make these cookies crispier?
Bake them for 1-2 extra minutes if you prefer a crisper texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Simply double all ingredients and bake in batches as needed.
Conclusion
These Cream Cheese Cookies are a simple, delicious treat with a soft, buttery texture and a lightly sweet flavor. Whether you dust them with powdered sugar, mix in chocolate chips, or add a citrus twist, they’re a delightful addition to any dessert table. Try them today and enjoy a homemade cookie that melts in your mouth!
Print
Cream Cheese Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cream Cheese Cookies are ultra-soft, slightly chewy, and have a delicate buttery flavor. Made with cream cheese and vanilla, they’re a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or dipped in chocolate!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Sprinkles or sanding sugar
- Melted chocolate (for dipping)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy.
- Add sugar and mix until well combined.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
2. Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes to make it easier to handle.
3. Shape & Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Flatten slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just set (cookies should remain soft).
4. Cool & Decorate:
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar or dip in melted chocolate if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add ½ teaspoon almond extract.
- Want a crisper cookie? Bake for 12-14 minutes instead.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.