These cream cheese cookies are like biting into a cloud!
They’re pillowy and soft with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a subtle tang from the cream cheese. Every bite is both light and indulgent.
I love dusting them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
They look and taste bakery-worthy. And yet, they’re so simple to whip up!
Why You’ll Love These Cream Cheese Cookies
Easy Prep: Made with basic baking staples, this cookie recipe is super easy, no matter your skill level.
Irresistible Texture: The combination of cream cheese and butter gives these cookies an incredibly soft and tender texture.
Versatile: They’re perfect for holidays, bake sales, or just when you need something a little sweet.
Customizable Toppings: Try powdered sugar, sprinkles, or lemon zest. Choose your own adventure!
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese: It gives the cookies a delightfully soft texture and slightly tangy flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: For a rich, buttery flavor and tender texture.
- Granulated Sugar: It sweetens the cookies and helps create a slightly crisp exterior.
- Egg: It acts as a binder.
- Vanilla and Almond Extract: Flavor enhancers take the cookies up a notch!
- All-Purpose Flour: It forms the cookies’ structure.
- Baking Powder: It helps the cookies rise, contributing to a light texture.
- Salt: Use just a tiny pinch to enhance the flavor.
- Optional Toppings: Powdered sugar, sprinkles, or lemon zest are all great choices!
How to Make Cream Cheese Cookies
Ready to indulge? Then grab your mixing bowl, and let’s bake these easy cookies!
1. Prepare. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Beat. Beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
3. Add the wet ingredients. Add the granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well incorporated.
4. Mix the dry ingredients. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
5. Mix it all together. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients.
6. Let it chill. Chill the dough covered with plastic wrap for 30 minutes.
7. Roll into balls. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the baking sheets.
8. Bake the cookies. Bake for 10–12 minutes. Cool completely.
9. Garnish and serve. Decorate with powdered sugar, sprinkles, or lemon zest if desired. Serve at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Cookies
For the perfect cream cheese cookies, follow these tips.
- Room temperature is key. For the smoothest texture, ensure the butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
- Be precise. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure to avoid adding too much flour, which can make the cookies dense.
- Don’t overmix! Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Get out of a sticky situation. When rolling the dough into balls, coat your hands lightly with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Mix things up. Roll the cookies in cinnamon sugar for a Snickerdoodle touch. You can also mix in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
How to Store
Keep your cookies fresh with these tips.
To Store: Place cookies in an air-tight container. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 7 days.
To Freeze: Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before serving.
More Tasty Cookie Recipes You Need to Try
Lemon Thumbprint Cookies
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Lace Cookies
Pinwheel Cookies
Cream Cheese Cookies
24
servings20
minutes15
minutes111
These cream cheese cookies are so delicious and easy to make! With a powdered sugar topping, no one can pass up this delightful treat.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for added flavor)
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional Toppings:
Powdered sugar for dusting
Sprinkles or sanding sugar
Lemon zest for a citrusy twist
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls or use a cookie scoop for uniform size. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar, add sprinkles or garnish with a touch of lemon zest if desired. Enjoy!
Oh my goodness, these are wonderful!! Am in the process of making a second batch to freeze and have on hand!! I love serving assorted cookies or breads when friends come by for coffee or tea, and these will now be added to them!!! Thank you 👏