Hey cookie lovers! If you’re craving cookies that are soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, you’re in for a treat.
Today, I’m going to walk you through the ultimate Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie Recipe that’s perfect for holidays, snacks, or just indulging in a little sweetness anytime.
These cookies are not your ordinary sugar cookies—they’re rich with cream cheese, which makes them extra soft, slightly tangy, and absolutely irresistible.
Plus, they hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for decorating if you’re feeling fancy. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this fun and easy recipe!
What Makes These Sugar Cookies Special?
Traditional sugar cookies are delightful, but adding cream cheese elevates them to a whole new level. The cream cheese:
- Adds a luxurious softness
- Gives a slight tang that balances the sweetness
- Helps the cookies stay chewy for days
- Adds richness without overpowering the classic sugar cookie flavor
The result? Cookies that are perfect for family gatherings, gift boxes, or your Pinterest-worthy cookie photos!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple table for all the ingredients you’ll need for this Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie Recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (softened) |
| Cream cheese | ½ cup (softened) |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Optional: Sprinkles or sugar for topping | As desired |
Pro Tip: Use room-temperature cream cheese and butter for a perfectly smooth dough and soft cookies.
Step-by-Step Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Set this aside for later. This keeps your leavening agents evenly distributed and prevents dense cookies.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese & Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat:
- Softened butter
- Cream cheese
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy—this usually takes 2–3 minutes. This step is key for soft, tender cookies.
Step 4: Add Egg & Vanilla
Beat in 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The dough should be smooth, creamy, and slightly sticky.
Step 5: Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid over-mixing; we want the cookies tender, not tough.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
- Scoop dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon.
- Roll into balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Optional: Roll the tops in granulated sugar or add sprinkles for a festive look.
Pro Tip: Slightly flatten the balls with your palm or the bottom of a glass for even baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. The centers might look soft, but they will set as they cool.
Pro Tip: Don’t overbake! Cream cheese cookies stay soft when baked just right.
Step 8: Cool & Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve these soft, chewy, and flavorful cream cheese sugar cookies with a glass of milk, tea, or coffee. Trust me, one bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
- Room-temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and cream cheese are soft for smoother dough.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the dough activates gluten, making cookies tough.
- Chill the dough (optional): For thicker cookies, chill dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Customize your toppings: Use colored sugar, chocolate chips, or sprinkles for fun.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
FAQ About Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Q1: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cream cheese yields the softest, richest cookies.
Q2: Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Shape dough into balls and freeze on a tray. Transfer to a bag once frozen and bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
Q3: Can I make these cookies without brown sugar?
Yes, but brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor that enhances softness.
Q4: How long do cookies stay soft?
Properly stored, these cookies stay soft for 4–5 days at room temperature.
Q5: Can I add flavors like lemon or almond?
Definitely! Add ½ tsp almond extract or a teaspoon of lemon zest for a flavorful twist.
Fun Variations
- Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies: Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips before baking.
- Cinnamon Sugar Twist: Roll dough balls in cinnamon sugar for a spiced touch.
- Decorated Cookies: Perfect for holidays—frost and decorate after cooling.
These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are perfect for family gatherings, gifting, or creating Pinterest-worthy cookie boards. Soft, chewy, and slightly tangy—they’re a treat everyone will love!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and bake a batch of dreamy cream cheese sugar cookies today.
Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup cream cheese softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: Sprinkles or sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.Cream Butter, Cream Cheese & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).Add Egg & Vanilla: Beat in 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix just until combined.Shape Cookies: Scoop dough into balls (about 1–2 tbsp each) and place 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Optional: roll tops in sugar or add sprinkles. Slightly flatten each ball.Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Centers will be soft but will set as they cool.Cool & Enjoy: Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
