There’s something special about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen. It brings back memories of childhood, of baking with family during the holidays, or of indulging in a warm, sweet treat with a cup of tea. Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies take this experience to another level with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle tang from the cream cheese.
I remember the first time I made these cookies with my grandmother. We spent an entire afternoon in her kitchen, surrounded by the comforting hum of the oven and the laughter of family. The moment I took my first bite, I knew these cookies were something special. Unlike traditional sugar cookies that can sometimes be dry or overly sweet, these have the perfect balance of soft, chewy, and buttery flavors. Now, they’ve become a staple in my home, making appearances at every holiday gathering, birthday party, and even those ordinary Tuesday nights when a sweet treat is just what I need.
If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that’s simple to make yet incredibly delicious, this one is for you. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these cookies are practically foolproof—and with the addition of a creamy, dreamy frosting, they’ll become an instant favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
✔ Soft and Chewy – Thanks to the cream cheese, these cookies stay soft for days.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Bake them for holidays, birthdays, or just because.
✔ Easy to Make – No complicated steps, just simple, delicious cookies.
✔ Customizable – Change up the frosting color, add sprinkles, or even experiment with different flavors!
Ingredients you will need
For the Cookies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoon milk (if needed)
- Pink food coloring (optional)
How to Make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by creaming together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies a soft and tender texture. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—overworking the dough can make the cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
This is an essential step! Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to develop and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. If you have time, you can even let it chill for a couple of hours or overnight for even better results.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Use your fingertips or the bottom of a glass to gently flatten each dough ball slightly. This helps them bake evenly and gives them a nice, smooth surface for the frosting.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Be sure not to overbake—the cookies will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet as they cool. Let them cool completely before adding the frosting.
Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
While the cookies cool, it’s time to whip up the frosting!
In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and, if needed, add a tablespoon or two of milk to reach the perfect consistency.
If you want a pop of color, mix in a drop of pink food coloring—or any color you like! This is a great way to customize these cookies for different occasions, from soft pastel hues for baby showers to festive red and green for Christmas.
Step 5: Frost & Decorate
Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread the frosting over each one using a butter knife or an offset spatula. If you’re feeling extra creative, use a piping bag to create decorative swirls and patterns.
Want to take your cookies to the next level? Try adding:
✨ Sprinkles for a fun and festive touch
✨ A dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant look
✨ Edible glitter for a little sparkle
Now, all that’s left to do is enjoy!
Baking Tips for the Best Sugar Cookies
✔ Don’t Skip the Chilling Time – It might be tempting to skip this step, but chilling the dough keeps the cookies from spreading too much and ensures a chewy texture.
✔ Use High-Quality Ingredients – Since this recipe has simple flavors, using good-quality butter and vanilla extract makes a difference.
✔ Don’t Overbake – The cookies should still look soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will firm up as they cool.
✔ Store Properly – Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the fridge for a week. If you want to freeze them, store them unfrosted and add the frosting once thawed.
Variations & Customizations
While these cookies are perfect as they are, here are some ways to switch things up:
- Lemon Lovers: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough and a splash of lemon juice to the frosting for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some white or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the frosted cookies.
- Holiday-Themed: Change the frosting colors to match different holidays—red and green for Christmas, pastel shades for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing better than homemade cookies, especially ones that are as soft, buttery, and delicious as these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or simply a sweet craving, this recipe is a must-try.
I’d love to hear how they turn out for you! Do you have any fun variations or decorating ideas? Share your baking experience in the comments below!
Happy baking!
