If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s irresistibly soft, subtly tangy, and kissed with a lovely vanilla sweetness, this Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is absolutely the answer. These cookies bring a perfect balance of tender crumb and rich flavor, thanks to the star ingredient—cream cheese—which makes every bite feel delightfully moist and melt-in-your-mouth good. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or a festive gathering, these cookies offer a comforting sweetness that feels like a warm hug in cookie form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a cookie with superb texture and flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the smoothness of cream cheese to the delicate rise from baking powder—ensuring your cookies have that perfect soft bite.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure while keeping cookies tender.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness that complements the tangy cream cheese.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle lift, making them soft and fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat): The hero ingredient that brings moisture, tang, and richness to the cookie dough.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds creaminess and depth of flavor while helping create that tender crumb.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and enhances the cookie’s flavor with its aromatic sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add to the soft, chewy texture.
How to Make Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This step is key to ensuring even baking and perfectly shaped cookies.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will evenly distribute the raising agent and seasoning throughout the flour, setting the stage for tender, flavorful cookies.
Step 3: Cream Cream Cheese and Butter
In a separate larger bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This combination makes the dough velvety, contributing to that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Add Sugar and Eggs
Slowly add the granulated sugar to your creamy mixture, blending well until everything is light and fluffy. Then, incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. This helps to trap air and create a delicate, tender crumb.
Step 5: Stir in Vanilla Extract
Mix in the vanilla extract, which adds a lovely depth and aromatic sweetness that perfectly complements the tangy cream cheese.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Fold the dry flour mixture gently into the wet ingredients just until combined. Overmixing here can lead to tougher cookies, so stop as soon as you don’t see any flour streaks—it’s all about keeping that soft texture.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop, drop dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart to allow for gentle spreading. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Remove from oven and let cookies cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar over these cookies adds a pretty finish and a subtle touch of extra sweetness. For a festive twist, sprinkle some finely chopped nuts or a pinch of cinnamon on top before baking to introduce added texture and warmth.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for relaxed afternoons. Alternatively, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries to elevate your dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching two Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe cookies with a smear of jam or chocolate ganache in between for a delightful treat. You can also drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies to add a glossy, decadent finish that will wow everyone who tries them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keeping them sealed prevents drying out, so they stay soft and tender like when fresh out of the oven.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, pop your cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds. This briefly softens and revives the cookies without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
While full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor, you can use low-fat cream cheese in a pinch. Just keep in mind your cookies might be slightly less rich and tender.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
You can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty cookie.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit can be folded into the batter for extra flavor and texture. Just add about 1 cup to your dough once the wet and dry ingredients are combined.
How thick should the cookie dough be when scooping?
The dough will be soft but scoopable—kind of like a thick batter. If it feels too wet, you can chill it for 30 minutes before scooping to make handling easier.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is a true gem for anyone who wants a cookie that combines simplicity with exceptional flavor and texture. From its soft, tender crumb to the subtle tang of cream cheese, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of homemade cookies that everyone will love.
Print
Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these soft and slightly tangy Cream Cheese Cookies, perfectly balanced with a tender crumb and a subtle vanilla flavor. These cookies combine the richness of cream cheese and butter with a soft, chewy texture, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat), softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine and aerate the ingredients.
- Cream Cheese and Butter: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Sugar and Eggs: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the cream cheese mixture. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the batter becomes light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout the batter for a fragrant sweetness.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined, taking care not to overmix which can toughen cookies.
- Portion and Bake: Use a cookie scoop to drop dough evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the cookies are set and lightly golden on the edges.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
