Dreamy Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies: A Simple Recipe for Soft, Delicious Treats

Are you ready to bake up a batch of the softest, most delightful sugar cookies you’ve ever tasted? These cream cheese sugar cookies are the answer! The addition of cream cheese elevates the classic sugar cookie, creating a tender crumb and a slightly tangy flavor that’s simply irresistible. Forget dry, crumbly cookies; these melt in your mouth with every bite. This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, making it perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these incredibly delicious cream cheese sugar cookies!

## Why Cream Cheese in Sugar Cookies?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why cream cheese is the secret ingredient that makes these cookies so special. Cream cheese adds moisture and a delicate tanginess that balances the sweetness of the sugar. It also helps to create a softer, more tender texture, preventing the cookies from becoming dry or tough. In essence, cream cheese transforms ordinary sugar cookies into extraordinary treats.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create these heavenly cream cheese sugar cookies:

* **All-Purpose Flour:** 3 cups, plus more for dusting
* **Cream Cheese:** 8 ounces, softened to room temperature (very important!)
* **Unsalted Butter:** 1 cup (2 sticks), softened to room temperature
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1 ½ cups
* **Large Egg:** 1
* **Vanilla Extract:** 2 teaspoons
* **Baking Powder:** 1 teaspoon
* **Salt:** ½ teaspoon

**For the Optional Frosting:**

* **Powdered Sugar:** 3 cups
* **Unsalted Butter:** ½ cup (1 stick), softened to room temperature
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces, softened to room temperature
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon
* **Milk or Cream:** 2-4 tablespoons (to adjust consistency)
* **Sprinkles:** For decoration (optional)

## Equipment

* **Mixing Bowls:** You’ll need a couple of different sizes.
* **Electric Mixer:** A stand mixer or hand mixer will make your life much easier.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurement.
* **Baking Sheets:** Two large baking sheets are ideal.
* **Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats:** To prevent sticking.
* **Rolling Pin:** For rolling out the dough.
* **Cookie Cutters:** In your favorite shapes (optional).
* **Wire Rack:** For cooling the cookies.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed steps to create the perfect cream cheese sugar cookies.

**Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Cream Cheese**

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. This is a crucial step for creating a smooth and creamy base for your cookies.

**Step 2: Add the Sugar and Egg**

Gradually add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, beating until well combined. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and creamy. Again, scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

**Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients**

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking helps to distribute the baking powder evenly throughout the flour, which will result in a more consistent cookie texture.

**Step 4: Gradually Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients**

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cookies. Mix until the dough just comes together. It will be a bit soft and sticky, and that’s perfectly fine.

**Step 5: Chill the Dough**

This is a very important step! Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and flatten it into a disc. This helps it to chill more evenly. Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Don’t skip this step!

**Step 6: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets**

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

**Step 7: Roll Out the Dough**

Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. If the dough is still a bit sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on top. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. If you don’t have cookie cutters, you can simply use a knife to cut the dough into squares or rectangles.

**Step 8: Bake the Cookies**

Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch of space between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily.

**Step 9: Cool the Cookies**

Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking while they are still warm and delicate.

**Step 10: Make the Frosting (Optional)**

While the cookies are cooling, you can prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If you want a thinner frosting, add more milk or cream. If you want a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar.

**Step 11: Frost and Decorate the Cookies**

Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting. Decorate with sprinkles, colored sugar, or any other decorations you like. Get creative and have fun!

## Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** This is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy dough. Make sure your butter and cream cheese are properly softened before you start baking.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
* **Chill the Dough:** Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and for making the dough easier to roll out.
* **Roll the Dough Evenly:** Rolling the dough to an even thickness will ensure that the cookies bake evenly.
* **Don’t Overbake the Cookies:** Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies. Bake the cookies until the edges are lightly golden brown.
* **Let the Cookies Cool Completely Before Frosting:** Frosting warm cookies will cause the frosting to melt and slide off.

## Variations and Add-Ins

* **Lemon Zest:** Add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Almond Extract:** Substitute almond extract for vanilla extract for a slightly different flavor profile.
* **Sprinkles:** Add sprinkles to the dough or the frosting for a festive touch.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped nuts to the dough or sprinkle them on top of the frosting.
* **Food Coloring:** Add food coloring to the frosting to create colorful cookies.

## Serving Suggestions

These cream cheese sugar cookies are perfect for:

* **Holidays:** Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, etc.
* **Parties:** Birthday parties, baby showers, etc.
* **Gifts:** Homemade cookies make a thoughtful and delicious gift.
* **Snacks:** Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
* **Dessert:** A simple and satisfying dessert after dinner.

## Storage Instructions

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for a few hours until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.

## Troubleshooting

* **Cookies Spreading Too Much:** This is usually caused by not chilling the dough long enough or using too much butter. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 2 hours and use the correct amount of butter.
* **Cookies Too Dry:** This is usually caused by overbaking or using too much flour. Bake the cookies until the edges are just lightly golden brown and measure the flour accurately.
* **Cookies Too Tough:** This is usually caused by overmixing the dough. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

## Recipe Summary

**Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies**

A soft and delicious sugar cookie recipe enhanced with cream cheese for a tender crumb and subtle tanginess.

**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Chill time:** 2 hours
**Cook time:** 8-10 minutes
**Total time:** 2 hours 38 minutes
**Yield:** About 24 cookies

**Ingredients:**

* 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
* 1 large egg
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* ½ teaspoon salt

**Optional Frosting:**

* 3 cups powdered sugar
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2-4 tablespoons milk or cream
* Sprinkles (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Cream together butter and cream cheese.
2. Add sugar and egg, mix well.
3. Whisk together dry ingredients.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mix until just combined.
5. Chill dough for at least 2 hours.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll out dough to ¼ inch thickness, cut out shapes.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
9. Cool cookies on baking sheets, then transfer to wire rack.
10. Make frosting (optional).
11. Frost and decorate cookies.

Enjoy these delightful cream cheese sugar cookies! They are sure to become a family favorite.

By following this recipe and tips, you’ll be baking perfect cream cheese sugar cookies in no time. Happy baking!