Cream Cheese Cookies

Name: Cream Cheese Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g, room temperature); 4 ounces cream cheese (113g, room temperature); 1 cup granulated sugar (200g); 1 egg (room temperature); 2 tsp vanilla extract (10mL); 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (210g); 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt

Published: July 2, 2025

by Dian

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These cookies have a soft, tender bite that simply melts when you enjoy them.
Quick and easy preparation: With minimal steps, you can whip up a batch in no time.
Versatile flavor: The blend of cream cheese and vanilla makes them perfect for any occasion.
Perfectly sweet: They strike the right balance between sweetness and tanginess without being overpowering.
Great for sharing: Ideal for parties or gatherings, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or Silpat

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer or electric hand mixer: These tools make creaming the butter and cream cheese effortless, resulting in a light and fluffy mixture.
Mixing bowls: Adequate bowl space allows for easy mixing without spills.
Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even baking of your delicious cookies.

Ingredients

These easy cream cheese cookies MELT In your mouth and have a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and vanilla.

Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g, room temperature)
– 4 ounces cream cheese (113g, room temperature)
– 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
– 1 egg (room temperature)
– 2 tsp vanilla extract (10mL)
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (210g)
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt

How to Make Cream Cheese Cookies

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl. Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer:
1. Cream the unsalted butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
2. Gradually add in the granulated sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
3. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures

Add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients:
1. Mix on low speed until just combined.
2. Use a spatula to scrape the bottom of the bowl.
3. Give it one last mix then cover the dough and chill for at least an hour.

Step 4: Bake Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375°F:
1. Portion out roughly two tablespoon-sized pieces of dough and roll them into balls.
2. Dampen your hands slightly to handle the sticky dough easily.
3. Place cookie balls about two inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or Silpat.
4. Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges are set and just turning golden.

Enjoy your delicious Cream Cheese Cookies!

How to Serve Cream Cheese Cookies

Cream cheese cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a casual snack or a festive gathering, here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your cookie experience.

For Tea Time

Pair with Tea: Serve your cream cheese cookies alongside a cup of herbal or black tea for a comforting afternoon treat.
Create a Platter: Arrange them on a beautiful platter with other baked goods for a charming tea party display.

With Fresh Fruits

Fruit Garnish: Top each cookie with a slice of fresh fruit like strawberries or kiwi for an added burst of flavor.
Fruit Dip: Serve with a side of yogurt or fruit dip to complement the sweet and tangy notes of the cookies.

As Party Favors

Gift Bags: Package individual cookies in cute bags tied with ribbon to give as thoughtful party favors.
Cookie Jars: Fill mason jars with cookies and decorate them for an eye-catching centerpiece at gatherings.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ice Cream Filling: Use two cookies to create delicious ice cream sandwiches, perfect for warm days.
Flavor Variety: Experiment with different ice cream flavors to match your cream cheese cookies.

How to Perfect Cream Cheese Cookies

Perfecting your cream cheese cookies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they come out just right.

Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps it firm up, making it easier to handle and resulting in better texture.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough until just combined to avoid tough cookies; overmixing can lead to gluten development.
Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
Cool Completely Before Storing: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing them in an airtight container.

Best Side Dishes for Cream Cheese Cookies

While these cream cheese cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing salad that adds a burst of color and flavor.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a creamy side that balances sweetness.
Cheese Platter: Offer assorted cheeses that pair well with the tanginess of the cream cheese cookies.
Nut Mix: A simple bowl of mixed nuts provides crunch and contrast in texture.
Chocolate Fondue: Dip your cookies into warm chocolate for an indulgent treat that will impress guests.
Smoothie Bowls: Serve alongside smoothie bowls topped with seeds and fruits for a healthy twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making cream cheese cookies is simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Using cold ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smooth batter. Cold ingredients can lead to lumps and uneven mixing.
Overmixing the dough: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can result in dense cookies instead of the desired light texture.
Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial for shaping and helps prevent spreading during baking. Don’t skip this step if you want beautifully shaped cookies.
Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate flour measurement. Too much flour can make your cookies dry and crumbly.
Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Every oven is different, so check for doneness a minute or two early to avoid overbaking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Cream cheese cookies can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Freezing Cream Cheese Cookies

Place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container.
They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating Cream Cheese Cookies

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5 minutes.
Microwave: Warm one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds.
Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making cream cheese cookies.

How do I make cream cheese cookies?

Making cream cheese cookies involves creaming butter and cream cheese, adding sugar, egg, and vanilla, mixing dry ingredients, and then baking them until golden.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used; however, it may affect the texture slightly. The cookies might not be as rich or fluffy but will still taste delicious!

How do I know when my cream cheese cookies are done?

Your cream cheese cookies are done when the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden brown. The centers may look slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.

Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to customize your cream cheese cookies according to your taste preferences.

What should I serve with my cream cheese cookies?

These delightful cookies pair wonderfully with coffee or tea. You could also serve them with fresh fruit or whipped cream for added flavor!

Final Thoughts

These easy cream cheese cookies are sure to impress with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and delightful balance of sweetness. Their versatility allows for endless customization — try adding citrus zest or different extracts! Don’t hesitate; give this recipe a try today!

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