Get ready to fall in love with the most irresistibly soft and tender cookies you'll ever bake: Cream Cheese Cookies! These delightful treats are a true classic, known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture, subtle tang, and comforting sweetness. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting, this easy recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Cream cheese isn't just for cheesecakes and bagels; it works magic in cookies too! It contributes an unparalleled softness and a delicate richness that sets these cookies apart from your everyday sugar cookie. They're perfect for holiday platters, bake sales, or simply as a comforting treat with your afternoon coffee or tea.
Why You'll Adore This Cream Cheese Cookie Recipe
- Unmatched Softness: Thanks to the cream cheese, these cookies are incredibly tender and chewy, never dry or crumbly.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these staples in your pantry and fridge right now.
- Versatile: Enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or get creative with glazes and decorations.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone, from kids to adults, will rave about these delicious cookies!
Essential Ingredients for Your Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to create these heavenly cream cheese cookies. The quality of your ingredients, especially your cream cheese, can make a difference!
- Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth, creamy dough.
- Cream Cheese: Also softened. Full-fat cream cheese works best for flavor and texture.
- Granulated Sugar: For the perfect amount of sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour: The structure of our cookies.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors.
- Baking Powder & Salt: For lift and to balance the sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Cookies Every Time
Softened Ingredients are Key
Ensure both your butter and cream cheese are truly softened to room temperature. This allows them to cream together smoothly, incorporating air and preventing lumps, which leads to a uniform, tender crumb.
Don't Overmix the Dough
Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher cookies. A few streaks of flour are fine; they'll disappear during baking.
Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough is crucial! It helps the flavors meld, prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, and makes the dough easier to handle. Aim for at least 30 minutes, or even an hour, in the refrigerator.
Evenly Sized Cookies
Use a cookie scoop to ensure all your cookies are the same size. This not only makes for a prettier presentation but also ensures they bake evenly.
Variations to Try
- Citrus Zest: Add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
- Chocolate Chip: Stir in 1/2 cup of miniature chocolate chips for a classic twist.
- Glazed Perfection: Instead of powdered sugar, drizzle cooled cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract.
These cream cheese cookies are more than just a dessert; they're a little bite of comfort and joy. They're quick to prepare, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to disappear fast. So preheat your oven, grab your cream cheese, and get ready to bake some magic!
FAQs
What makes cream cheese cookies so soft?
Cream cheese is the secret ingredient! It adds a significant amount of moisture and fat to the dough, which results in an incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It also contributes a subtle tangy flavor that balances the sweetness.
Can I freeze cream cheese cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, roll it into a log, and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing for up to 3 months. Alternatively, scoop individual cookie portions and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
How long do cream cheese cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cream cheese cookies will remain deliciously soft and fresh for 3-4 days. If you want them to last longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I add different flavors or mix-ins to these cookies?
Yes, these cookies are wonderfully versatile! You can add citrus zest (lemon or orange), a pinch of nutmeg, or even miniature chocolate chips. For a festive touch, try adding sprinkles to the dough or rolling the baked cookies in colored sugar.
Irresistibly Soft Cream Cheese Cookies
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3 dozen cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These cream cheese cookies are incredibly soft, subtly sweet, and boast a delightful tangy note, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
1/2 lb (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until well combined and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
Step 5: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour) to firm it up, which helps prevent spreading.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 7: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. Do not overbake to keep them soft.
Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, dust generously with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
For an extra touch, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking. These cookies are also excellent with a hint of lemon zest added to the dough.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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