Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe: A Soft and Delicious Treat
Cream cheese sugar cookies offer a unique twist on the classic sugar cookie, making them softer and richer in flavor thanks to the cream cheese. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make, highly customizable, and melt in your mouth with every bite. Whether you want a simple dessert or a beautifully frosted cookie for special events, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
To make these delightful cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- For the Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For more on frosting techniques, see Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add sugar and beat until fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using), and mix until combined.
- Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms.
- Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Step 2: Shaping and Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface or scoop into balls. Flatten the balls slightly before placing them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting.
If you love classic cookies, don’t miss out on the Ultimate Guide to Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Frosting and Decorating Your Cookies
For the perfect frosting:
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fluffy.
- Spread or pipe the frosting onto cooled cookies, adding sprinkles or other toppings if desired.
For more decorating inspiration, check out Easy Frosting Ideas for Beginners.
Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much, giving them a perfect shape.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature to avoid lumps in the dough.
- Customize with Extracts: Feel free to switch up the flavors by using different extracts, like lemon or peppermint.
For more cookie-making tips, check out Cookie Baking Basics.
Variations of Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
- Chocolate-Dipped Cream Cheese Cookies: Dip half of each baked cookie into melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
- Holiday-Themed Cookies: Add food coloring to the frosting and decorate with festive sprinkles for special occasions like Christmas or Easter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-friendly without losing their soft texture.
Nutritional Information and Healthier Alternatives
Nutritional Estimate Per Cookie:
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 2g
Healthier Substitutions:
- Low-Fat: Replace full-fat cream cheese with a reduced-fat version.
- Lower Sugar: Use a sugar substitute like stevia in both the cookie dough and frosting to reduce sugar content.
For more low-sugar dessert recipes, see Healthy Dessert Ideas.
Storing and Freezing Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
- Storing: Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Bake frozen dough balls directly from the freezer, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Check out Make-Ahead Dessert Ideas for more freezer-friendly recipes.
FAQs About Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Q: Can I make these cookies without cream cheese?
- Yes, but the cream cheese adds extra softness and a subtle tang. Without it, the cookies will be more like traditional sugar cookies.
Q: How long should I chill the dough?
- It’s best to chill the dough for at least 1 hour, but for even better results, chill overnight.
Q: Can I freeze these cookies after baking?
- Yes! Once cooled, you can freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Q: What can I use instead of cream cheese for frosting?
- If you’re out of cream cheese, you can use buttercream frosting or whipped cream as a lighter option.
Internal Linking Opportunities
Here are some relevant internal links from ExoRecipes that can enhance the depth and interconnectivity of this article:
- Slow Cooker Magic: Unveiling the Ease of Crock-Pot Baked Ziti: Great for readers who love make-ahead, simple meals like these cookies.
- Strawberry Freezer Pie: Another no-bake dessert that complements this recipe.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Crockpot Potato Soup with Hashbrowns: Perfect for readers who want hearty meals paired with light, sweet cookies.
Conclusion
Cream cheese sugar cookies are a versatile, easy-to-make dessert that brings a new level of softness and flavor to the traditional sugar cookie recipe. Whether you’re preparing them for holidays or just want a simple treat, this recipe offers endless possibilities for customization. With the addition of cream cheese in both the dough and frosting, these cookies are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
For more delightful dessert inspiration, don’t forget to check out our Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe Collection!
