Fluffy Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe: Sweet Joy in Every Bite

Sweet and soft cream cheese sugar cookies dance with buttery elegance on your taste buds, promising a delightful treat that melts in your mouth.

These cookies blend classic comfort with a luxurious twist that sets them apart from ordinary desserts.

cream cheese brings a rich, velvety texture that elevates every single bite.

Bakers of all skill levels can whip up this simple yet impressive recipe with just a few basic ingredients.

The subtle tanginess of cream cheese perfectly balances the sweet, sugary notes of these delectable cookies.

Each golden-edged cookie offers a tender crumb that crumbles delicately on your tongue.

Prepare to fall in love with these irresistible morsels that are sure to become a cherished favorite at every gathering.

What Makes Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Special

• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Crafted with irresistible layers of creamy filling, crunchy toasted pecans, and rich caramel that will make everyone at the table ask for seconds.
• Super Simple Preparation: No baking required, just mix, layer, and chill – perfect for cooks of all skill levels who want a delicious treat without complicated steps.
• Versatile Party Showstopper: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or any occasion where you want to impress guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Can be prepared well in advance and stored in the freezer, making it a stress-free dessert option for busy hosts who want to plan ahead.

Ingredients List For Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Cream Cheese: Adds moisture and creates a soft, tangy base for the cookies.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure to the cookie dough.

• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp cookie edge.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies with its warm, sweet aroma.

• All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt: Create the basic structure of the cookie, helping it rise and maintain its shape while baking.

• Powdered Sugar, Royal Icing, Festive Toppings: Provide decorative options for personalizing the cookies.

Easy-To-Follow Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie Steps

Step 1: Blend Soft Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip together butter, cream cheese, and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale. The texture should look fluffy and smooth.

Pour in the egg and vanilla extract, blending until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 2: Create Cookie Base

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully until the dough just comes together.

Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 3: Rest and Chill Dough

Wrap the dough completely in plastic wrap and slide it into the refrigerator.

Let it rest and firm up for at least one hour or overnight. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

Step 4: Prepare Cookie Shapes

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Cover baking sheets with parchment paper.

Dust a clean countertop with a light layer of flour. Roll out the chilled dough to a thin, even thickness.

Use festive cookie cutters to create delightful shapes, transferring each carefully to the prepared baking sheets.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the trays into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Watch for edges turning a delicate golden color. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a cooling rack.

Step 6: Add Festive Finishing Touches

Sprinkle with powdered sugar, add colorful sprinkles, or create elegant royal icing designs to make these cookies extra special.

Helpful Hints For Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

• Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the texture tender and delicate.
• Refrigerate dough to prevent spreading and maintain clean cookie shapes during baking.
• Use parchment paper or a silicone mat when rolling out dough to prevent sticking and ensure smooth cookie cutting.
• Prepare cookie dough in advance and freeze for up to 3 months, perfect for spontaneous baking sessions.
• Experiment with different frosting techniques, sprinkles, or edible glitter to personalize your sugar cookies.

Different Takes On Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

• Gluten-Free Cream Cheese Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Lemon Zest Variation: Add fresh lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the cream cheese base.
• Chocolate Chip Version: Fold in mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate to create a rich, indulgent cookie variation.
• Spiced Holiday Cookies: Mix in ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm, festive flavor perfect for seasonal celebrations.

Food Matches For Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

• Pair Sweet Sips with Delicate Cookies: Serve these cream cheese sugar cookies alongside a steaming mug of chamomile tea, which complements the cookies' gentle sweetness and provides a soothing backdrop.
• Create Dessert Wine Magic: Select a light, slightly sweet dessert wine like Moscato d'Asti, whose soft bubbles and fruity notes will beautifully enhance the cookie's delicate cream cheese flavor.
• Match Creamy Beverages: Enjoy these cookies with a warm vanilla latte or a smooth cappuccino, where the coffee's rich depth balances the cookie's subtle sweetness and creates a delightful taste experience.
• Elevate with Seasonal Pairings: During holiday seasons, serve these cookies with spiced apple cider, letting the warm cinnamon and apple notes dance perfectly with the cookie's delicate texture.

How To Store Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Properly

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container layered between parchment paper for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing crumbling.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers, lasting up to 3 months for longer storage.
• Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving, ensuring soft texture.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-4 minutes to restore their just-baked warmth and softness.

FAQs

• Why do I need to chill the cookie dough?

Chilling helps solidify the butter and prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring a more precise shape and better texture.

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or eliminate added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

• How thin should I roll out the dough?

Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness for consistent, evenly baked cookies that maintain their shape and have a soft texture.

• What's the best way to transfer cut cookies to the baking sheet?

Use a thin spatula or offset spatula to gently lift the cut cookie shapes, ensuring they stay intact and transfer cleanly without distorting their shape.

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet cream cheese sugar cookies deliver a melt-in-your-mouth experience with delicate richness and subtle tang. Buttery, delicate rounds promise simple pleasure that connects home bakers to classic comfort and joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 3 ounces (85 grams) cream cheese, softened

Baking Essentials:

• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Additional Flavor:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Combine softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl. Whip the mixture vigorously until it becomes airy and voluminous, approximately 2-3 minutes. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly.
2. In a separate container, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently introduce the dry ingredients into the creamy mixture, stirring minimally until a cohesive dough forms.
3. Encase the dough completely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the dough to firm up and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
4. Heat the oven to 350°F. Cover baking sheets with parchment paper. Dust a clean work surface with flour and roll the chilled dough to approximately 1/4-inch thickness.
5. Use festive cookie cutters to create desired shapes, carefully transferring each delicate cutout onto prepared baking sheets. Ensure minimal space between cookies.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden hue. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack.
7. Personalize the cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar, sparkling sprinkles, or elaborate royal icing for a whimsical presentation.

Notes

• Softening dairy ingredients like butter and cream cheese at room temperature ensures smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
• Chilling dough prevents spreading and helps cookies maintain crisp, defined shapes during baking.
• Use parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cookie removal and preventing bottom burning.
• Avoid overmixing dry ingredients to keep cookies tender and prevent tough, dense results.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 177 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 87 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 26 mg