Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

The aroma of freshly baked cookies has a way of making any kitchen feel warm and inviting. When I first experimented with adding cream cheese to a classic sugar cookie recipe, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

Would it make the cookies too dense? Too rich? But from the moment I took my first bite, I knew this was a game-changer. The cream cheese brings an irresistible softness, creating a cookie that’s perfectly chewy with just the right balance of sweetness.

These cookies are incredibly versatile—you can enjoy them plain, decorate them for special occasions, or even sandwich them with jam or Nutella for an extra indulgent treat. I love how they hold their shape for cutouts yet stay soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

They’ve become my go-to recipe for holidays, bake sales, and those random evenings when I just want something sweet and homemade. If you love sugar cookies but crave something a little more tender and flavorful, this recipe might just become a new favorite in your kitchen too.

Short Description

These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet with a slight tang from the cream cheese. They hold their shape beautifully, making them great for cut-outs, drop cookies, or even sandwich cookies. Decorate them with sprinkles, icing, or enjoy them plain for a delicious treat!

Key Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter , softened
• 4 oz cream cheese , softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

For Decorating (Optional):

• Colored sugar sprinkles
• Royal icing (for piping designs)
• Sandwich filling : Jam, Nutella, or more cream cheese frosting

Tools Needed

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Rolling pin (for cut-out cookies)
• Cookie cutters (optional)
• Wire cooling rack

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until light and fluffy—this takes about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix—the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

For Drop Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place them on the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.

For Cut-Out Cookies: Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create shapes, then transfer them to the baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Do not overbake—these cookies should remain pale and chewy.

Step 7: Cool & Decorate

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional: Decorate with sprinkles before baking or pipe royal icing once cooled. For sandwich cookies, spread a thin layer of jam, Nutella, or cream cheese frosting between two cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and Buttery: The cream cheese adds richness, making them softer than traditional sugar cookies.

Holds Shape Well: Perfect for cut-out designs or drop-style cookies.

Easy to Customize: Enjoy plain, with sprinkles, or as sandwich cookies.

Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or casual baking days.

Long-Lasting Freshness: They stay soft for days, making them ideal for make-ahead baking.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Overmixing the Dough

Mistake: Mixing too long makes the cookies tough.

Solution: Mix just until the flour is incorporated.

2. Overbaking

Mistake: Waiting for them to turn golden brown all over.

Solution: Remove when the edges are lightly golden, but the centers look soft.

3. Not Chilling for Cut-Out Cookies

Mistake: Skipping refrigeration causes shapes to spread.

Solution: Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before rolling and cutting.

4. Using Too Much Flour

Mistake: Adding extra flour makes them dense.

Solution: Measure accurately and don’t pack the flour into the cup.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

With coffee or tea: A perfect afternoon treat.

With milk: A classic pairing for kids and adults.

As a dessert platter: Serve with fruit, chocolates, and other cookies.

Holiday cookie trays: Decorate with festive designs and wrap them for gifts.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

Freezing:

Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

Freeze unbaked dough balls and bake directly from frozen, adding 2 extra minutes to baking time.

Reheating:

If you like warm cookies, microwave for 5–10 seconds before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

2. How do I make these gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

3. Why is my dough too sticky?
If it’s warm, chill for 30 minutes before handling. If still sticky, add 1 tbsp flour at a time.

4. Can I add flavors like almond or lemon?
Absolutely! Swap half the vanilla extract for almond or lemon extract.

5. Do I have to chill the dough?
For drop cookies, no. For cut-out cookies, chilling helps keep the shape while baking.

Tips & Tricks

Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth, even dough.

For extra softness, add 1 tsp cornstarch to the dry ingredients.

Decorate before or after baking—sprinkles can go on before, icing after.

Double the batch and freeze extra dough for later!

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Cream Cheese Cookies

Swap 1/4 cup flour for 1/4 cup cocoa powder for a rich chocolate version.

2. Lemon Sugar Cookies

Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and 1 tsp lemon juice for a fresh citrus twist.

3. Spiced Sugar Cookies

Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp nutmeg for a cozy, spiced flavor.

Final Thoughts

Cream cheese sugar cookies have a way of disappearing fast—every time I make them, they barely last a day. Their soft texture, buttery richness, and delicate sweetness make them irresistible, whether enjoyed on their own or decorated for a festive occasion. What I love most is how adaptable they are; you can roll them out for cutouts, shape them into simple rounds, or even turn them into sandwich cookies with your favorite fillings.

Baking these always feels like a small act of comfort and creativity, a simple way to brighten an afternoon or share something special with loved ones. If you give them a try, don’t be surprised if they quickly become one of your most requested recipes.