Introduction

Cream cheese cookies are soft, tender, and subtly tangy treats that melt in your mouth. These delightful cookies combine cream cheese and butter for a rich flavor and perfect texture, making them an irresistible snack or dessert.

A stack of three square dessert bars is shown on a white plate, each bar having three layers. The bottom layer is a light golden brown crust with a slightly crumbly texture. The middle layer is a creamy, pale off-white filling, smooth and thick. The top layer is chunky and pale yellow with small pieces, resembling nuts or a baked topping. The edges are slightly uneven and the bars are neatly stacked, with the top bar tilted slightly. The background shows a white marbled surface and a blurry white cup. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add the sugar and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 5: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 7: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract to the dough.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if you want thicker cookies.
Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a crunchy topping.
You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds to regain softness.

How to Serve

The image shows a stack of three square dessert bars on a white plate, each bar layered with a golden crumbly crust at the bottom, topped by a creamy, slightly glossy white layer with small chunks mixed inside. The bars have a rough texture on the edges, and the top bar is slightly tilted. The background is a white marbled surface with a blurry white cup and saucer visible behind the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese for these cookies?

It’s best to use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. Reduced-fat versions may make the cookies less tender and flavorful.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough. Shape it into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Slice and bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 51 reviews

These Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, tender, and irresistibly rich with a subtle tang from the cream cheese. Perfectly balanced with sweetness and a hint of vanilla, these cookies offer a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them ideal for any occasion.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 27-30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature by the time your dough is ready.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and pale in color.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter and cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Shape the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set.
Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Ensure both butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for a smooth dough.
Do not overmix after adding the flour to maintain cookie softness.
For a richer flavor, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea.

Keywords: Cream Cheese Cookies, Soft Cookies, Tender Cookies, Cream Cheese Dessert, Easy Cookie Recipe