If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that combines simplicity with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, then you’ve just stumbled upon a winner. This Easy Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is my go-to when I want soft, tender cookies that carry a subtle tang from cream cheese, balanced perfectly with sweet vanilla and a hint of buttery richness. These cookies bake up beautifully golden on the edges yet stay tender inside, making them irresistible whether you need a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
As with many of the best recipes, the magic here comes from a handful of basic, wholesome ingredients. Each one is essential, lending flavor, texture, or just the right touch of sweetness that brings these Easy Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe to life.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base and helps achieve a tender crumb.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds moisture and a deliciously tangy softness unique to this cookie.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cookies without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- Egg (1 large): Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, comforting aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): The foundation of the cookie’s tender but sturdy texture.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the cookies a light, airy lift.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting): Adds an elegant finish and a touch of extra sweetness.
How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Combine the Wet Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until your mixture is light, fluffy, and irresistibly smooth. This step is crucial because it builds the base for those melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated and has a lovely sheen.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the dough, which helps your cookies rise properly and enhances their flavor.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until everything comes together in a soft, pliable dough. Resist the urge to overmix here because less mixing means more tender cookies!
Step 4: Shape and Bake Your Cookies
Using a tablespoon scoop or your hands, portion the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye out—once the edges start turning lightly golden, they’re done. Let them rest on the baking sheet a few minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want to add a little extra love, dust them lightly with powdered sugar.
How to Serve Easy Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are lovely on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar instantly elevates their appearance and sweetness. For a festive feel, sprinkle with a bit of finely chopped nuts or colored sugar sprinkles. You can also try a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a thin spread of lemon glaze to add a fresh twist.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a cold glass of milk for nostalgic comfort. They work beautifully alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more decadent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these cookies into delightful sandwich treats by spreading jam or Nutella between two cookies. For gatherings, present them on decorative platters with seasonal fruit or edible flowers around to add a pop of color and make your cookie table stand out.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Make sure the container is sealed well to maintain their soft texture and prevent them from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these delicious cookies ahead and enjoy them later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to three months without losing their tender crumb.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked feel, reheat cookies in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps restore their soft, pillowy texture beautifully.
FAQs
Can I substitute cream cheese in this recipe?
Cream cheese is key to these cookies’ unique softness and tang. Substituting it may change texture and flavor significantly, but you could experiment with mascarpone or a soft goat cheese for a slightly different twist.
What if I don’t have baking powder?
Baking powder helps give the cookies a delicate lift. If you don’t have it, try 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar as a homemade substitute, but the texture might be a bit different.
Is it necessary to soften the butter and cream cheese?
Yes! Softening these ingredients makes it easier to cream them together smoothly, ensuring an even texture and proper mixing which is essential for tender cookies.
Can I add flavors like lemon or almond?
Definitely! A teaspoon of lemon zest or a dash of almond extract mixes wonderfully into the dough, adding a lovely layer of flavor that complements the cream cheese beautifully.
How do I make sure the cookies don’t overbake?
Keep a close eye on your oven during the last few minutes. The edges should just turn a light golden color while the centers remain soft. Overbaking will make your cookies dry and less tender.
Final Thoughts
I hope after reading all this you feel inspired to bake up a batch of these wonderful treats. This Easy Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe truly is one of those comforting, no-fuss bakes that brings joy every time you take a bite. Whether it’s a simple indulgence for yourself or a sweet surprise for friends and family, these cookies are sure to become an adored favorite in your recipe box.
Print
Easy Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, tender, and bursting with rich cream cheese flavor. Perfect for a simple dessert or holiday treat, they combine creamy butter and cream cheese with classic sugar cookie ingredients for a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream butter, cream cheese, and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth, ensuring an even batter.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening agent evenly.
- Mix dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together without overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Shape cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional dusting: Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar if desired for a festive touch.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add lemon zest or almond extract to the dough to enhance the taste profile.
- These cookies freeze well; store them in an airtight container to maintain softness.
- Avoid overbaking to keep the cookie centers tender and moist.
