Name: Delicious Soft Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 oz cream cheese (for frosting), softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for frosting), softened; 1 1/2–2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting); Optional: red, green, and white sprinkles

Indulging in homemade cookies always brings a smile, especially when they are as delectable as Soft Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies. These delightful cookies are not just your average treat; they are soft, pillowy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, looking for the perfect gift, or simply craving a sweet snack, these cream cheese-infused cookies are sure to impress. Made with rich cream cheese in both the dough and frosting, their creamy texture and delightful sweetness create an irresistible combination that you and your loved ones will cherish.

With a straightforward preparation process and minimal ingredients, anyone can master this recipe. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a fresh batch of these cookies cooling on your countertop, filling your kitchen with an enticing aroma. The addition of colorful sprinkles on top provides a festive touch, making them ideal for any occasion, from Christmas to birthday parties. Plus, these cookies are vegetarian-friendly, ensuring that everyone can enjoy them. Let’s dive into the wonders of this easy yet impressive dessert that is bound to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Soft Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Soft & Chewy: The cream cheese gives these cookies an incredibly soft and chewy texture, making every bite a heavenly experience.
Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together effortlessly and doesn’t require advanced baking skills, making it perfect for beginner bakers!
Versatility: Perfect for any occasion, from festive holidays to casual afternoons, these cookies can fit right in.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it, making cookie-baking day even easier.
Delicious Frosting: The rich cream cheese frosting elevates these cookies to another level, adding just the right sweetness without being overwhelming.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start baking Soft Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen to ensure a smooth cooking process. Start by gathering all the required ingredients and tools, so you have everything handy when you need it. You will need measuring cups and spoons for accurate measurements, separate mixing bowls for wet and dry ingredients, a whisk for mixing the dry ingredients, and a large bowl for your cookie dough. A hand mixer or stand mixer will also come in handy for creaming the butter and cream cheese.

Ensure that your butter and cream cheese are softened at room temperature to blend effortlessly into a creamy mixture. Prepping your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper is crucial to prevent the cookies from sticking, allowing for easy transfer once baked. Remember to chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes; this is a vital step to achieving those velvety-soft yet well-structured cookies. Once you’re ready, preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) sets the stage for baking deliciously soft cookies.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 oz cream cheese (for frosting), softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter (for frosting), softened
1 1/2–2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Optional: red, green, and white sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

Begin by taking a large mixing bowl and adding the softened butter and cream cheese. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about two to three minutes. This step is important as it incorporates air into the dough, enhancing the texture of your cookies once baked.

Step 2: Mix in the Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla

Next, add the granulated sugar into the creamy mixture and continue to mix until well incorporated. Follow up with the addition of the egg and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until you have a fully combined mixture that is smooth and velvety. Don’t rush this step; it lays the foundation for the flavor of your cookies.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour, preventing clumps that could alter the cookie’s texture. Slowly incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing after each addition until a soft dough starts forming.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Once your dough is well mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is crucial as it firms up the mixture, ensuring the cookies hold their shape in the oven while remaining soft on the inside.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

After chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, placing each scoop about two inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes; look for the edges to be set but not browned. Once done, allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until it reaches a spreadable consistency. If necessary, adjust the amount of powdered sugar until the desired texture and sweetness are achieved.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Once the cookies have completely cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on the top of each cookie. For an added touch of festive cheer, sprinkle with red, green, and white sprinkles. These cookies are now ready to be savored and enjoyed!

Variations

Protein: Add in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for an exciting texture contrast.
Vegetables: For a unique twist, try adding a hint of grated lemon or orange zest for a citrus burst.
Spices: Incorporate ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, comforting flavor profile.

Cooking Notes

For the best flavor and texture, always use full-fat cream cheese.
Chilling the dough is a must to prevent spreading and to ensure a thicker cookie outcome.
Store the cookies in a single layer to keep the frosting intact and prevent any smudging.
These cookies will taste even better the day after baking once the flavors meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for afternoon snacks.
Arrange on platters for festive gatherings or holiday parties to impress your guests.

Tips

Experiment with different frosting flavors by adding cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened properly to create a smooth batter.
Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies that will bake uniformly.
If making the dough ahead of time, store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 150
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 85mg

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?

Yes, but using full-fat cream cheese will provide a richer flavor and better texture in the cookies.

How should I store these cookies?

Store your frosted cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Freeze the dough for up to three months, and simply thaw before rolling and baking.

What can I do if my cookies spread out too much?

If your cookies spread too much, future batches may benefit from chilling the dough longer or adding a bit more flour to the mix.

Conclusion

Soft Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are one of those recipes that blend simplicity with irresistible flavor and texture. Their pillowy softness and rich frosting make them a perfect treat for any event, from festive celebrations to casual family gatherings. With easy-to-follow steps and modifications for everyone’s taste, these cookies are bound to be a hit in your home. We hope you give this recipe a try, experiment with some variations, and make it your own. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below, and enjoy every sweet moment that these delightful cookies bring!