If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s irresistibly soft, tender, and just a little bit tangy, this Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. I absolutely love how these cookies come out with that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to the cream cheese, which adds a richness you just don’t get from butter alone. They’re subtle, classic, and wonderfully versatile — ideal for both weekday treats and special occasions when you want to impress without fuss.
When I first made these, I was shocked at how simple the ingredients come together yet yield such a delightful cookie. You’ll find that the dough is a little sticky, but don’t let that intimidate you — it’s part of the magic here. Plus, chilling the dough is a game-changer to help your cookies hold their shape while baking, so patience definitely pays off. Whether you dunk them in tea or gift them to friends, this Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe always scores big with my family and guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Soft Texture: Cream cheese keeps these cookies tender and gives them a lovely melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, it’s a recipe anyone can master in their own kitchen.
- Versatile Flavor: The subtle tang pairs beautifully with lemon zest, chocolate, or simple powdered sugar dusting.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual snack or a fancy gift, these cookies always impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in perfect harmony to create cookies that are light, fluffy, and rich. The cream cheese not only adds moisture but also elevates the flavor, making sure every bite is special.
- Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the cream cheese.
- Cream Cheese: Softened too! It’s the secret weapon for soft, tender cookies with a slight tang.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the tanginess.
- Egg: Helps bind everything and adds moisture.
- Vanilla Extract: For that warm, familiar flavor that makes cookies feel like home.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of your dough; measure carefully or weigh for best results.
- Baking Powder: Gives a little lift, keeping these cookies from feeling dense.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe to keep it fresh and suit different moods or holidays. Feel free to make it your own — I’ve played around with adding different flavors or toppings, and it always turns out delicious in new ways!
- Lemon Zest: Adding a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the dough gives the cookies a bright, citrusy kick that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese’s tang.
- Chocolate Chips: My family goes crazy when I fold in mini chocolate chips — it adds just the right amount of indulgence without hiding the cookie’s delicate texture.
- Almond Extract: A splash alongside the vanilla makes for a nutty twist that feels extra special.
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: After baking, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a festive touch and subtle sweetness without overpowering.
How to Make Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together your flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl. This little step helps distribute everything evenly so your cookies rise and bake consistently. I’ve learned the hard way that skipping this can lead to uneven texture, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Then add in the sugar and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy — this step is key for getting that delicate cookie texture. I usually stop to scrape down the sides once or twice to make sure everything is well incorporated before moving on.
Step 3: Mix in the Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix again until everything is combined. This brings the dough together and adds moisture, so be sure to give it a good mix but don’t overdo it to keep those cookies tender.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly stir the dry mixture into the wet on low speed, just until combined. One of my biggest lessons was to avoid overmixing here — stop as soon as you see no more dry flour. Then, use a spatula to scrape the bowl and fold everything together for a perfectly even dough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover your dough and pop it into the fridge for at least one hour. This chill time is crucial because it firms up the sticky dough, making it so much easier to handle and less likely to spread too thin while baking. I often plan this step ahead of time because it really makes a difference.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using roughly two-tablespoon-sized portions, roll the dough into balls. Since the dough is still fairly sticky, I dampen my hands slightly before rolling — it makes the process less messy. Place the balls about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the edges are set and just starting to turn golden. It’s better to slightly underbake than overbake for maximum softness!
Pro Tips for Making Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Measuring Flour Accurately: I always recommend weighing your flour with a kitchen scale, but if you don’t have one, fluff it before spooning into your cup and level with a knife to avoid dense cookies.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: I learned that chilling the dough at least an hour is crucial for handling and shape — your cookies will bake more evenly and keep their perfect form.
- Handling Sticky Dough: Keep your hands damp when rolling the dough balls; it’s a simple trick that saves you from sticky fingers and keeps the dough intact.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Remove cookies as soon as the edges set and lightly golden — they continue baking on the tray and stay softer this way.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I love keeping it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar right after baking or a delicate drizzle of melted white chocolate for a touch of elegance. Sometimes I sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top when the chocolate is still warm—this little sweet-salty combo is a crowd-pleaser!
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee, and on special mornings, I serve them alongside some fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful brunch treat. They also make a festive addition to any dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, I like to stack these cookies tied with a pretty ribbon or arrange them on a tiered platter with a few fresh flowers for a charming display. I once made a cookie bar where guests could sprinkle toppings like chopped nuts or edible glitter. It was such a fun and interactive way to enjoy the Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover cream cheese cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between parchment paper sheets to prevent sticking. They stay fresh and soft for about 3-4 days this way, and honestly, they often disappear faster than that in my house!
Freezing
If I’m making these ahead, I freeze the dough balls on a lined tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When I’m ready to bake, I simply pop the frozen dough balls onto the baking sheet and add a minute or two to the bake time. It’s great for quick fresh cookies anytime!
Reheating
To warm up leftover cookies, I pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes or microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This revives their soft texture and makes them taste freshly baked again, which is a little kitchen trick I always use.
FAQs
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Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else in this recipe?
While cream cheese is key for the soft texture and signature tang, you could try using mascarpone or ricotta cheese as alternatives, though the texture and flavor will differ. Regular cream cheese works best for authentic results.
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Why is my dough sticky — is that normal for cream cheese cookies?
Yes! The dough for Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe tends to be stickier than typical cookie dough due to the moisture from cream cheese. Dampen your hands before rolling and chill the dough well to make shaping easier.
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Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Adding mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit can add fun texture and flavor variations. Just fold them in gently after mixing the dough.
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How should I measure the flour to avoid tough cookies?
The best way is to weigh your flour. If you don’t have a scale, fluff the flour before scooping, spoon it lightly into your measuring cup, and level it off with a knife. Packing the flour tightly can lead to dense, dry cookies.
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Can I skip chilling the dough?
While you technically can, chilling the dough for at least an hour makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape. It’s a step I wouldn’t skip if you want the best results.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe really holds a special place in my heart because it’s both simple and sophisticated — the kind of cookie that impresses without stress. I love reaching for this recipe whenever I want something comforting and a little different from your run-of-the-mill sweet treat. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll enjoy the soft, buttery edges and buttery-tangy center as much as I do. Trust me, these cookies will soon become your new go-to for a delicious homemade snack or gift!
Print
Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 28 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully soft and creamy, these cream cheese cookies blend the richness of cream cheese and butter with a tender crumb created by a balanced combination of flour and baking powder. Perfect for those who enjoy a melt-in-your-mouth cookie, these treats have a subtle vanilla aroma and a delicate golden edge from a quick bake at 375°F.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g), room temperature
- 4 ounces cream cheese (113g), room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (10mL)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (210g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Mix: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside to be incorporated later.
- Cream Butter and Cheese: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and cream cheese together. Mix until the combination is smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Flavors: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the creamed butter and cream cheese. Continue beating until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well blended. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Scrape down the bowl to ensure an even mixture and mix once more.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until the dough comes together. Use a spatula to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl, and give it one final gentle mix. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This resting time helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and enhancing the cookie texture.
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat to prevent sticking.
- Shape Cookies: Using dampened hands to manage the sticky dough, scoop out roughly two tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll each into a ball and place them about two inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for approximately 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and just starting to turn golden. The centers should still look slightly soft for a tender bite.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate for added visual and flavor appeal.
Notes
- Measure your flour correctly to avoid dense cookies: use a scale when possible, or fluff the flour, spoon it into your measuring cup, and level with a knife.
- Scrape the bowl down before mixing in the dry ingredients to ensure even distribution without overmixing.
- The dough will be sticky, so dampen your hands while rolling and wash them if cookie batter builds up.
- Enhance presentation with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate after baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 74
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 57mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 19mg
