Buttery Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe: Sweet Heaven on a Plate

Who doesn’t melt for a batch of soft, decadent cream cheese cookies that practically dissolve on your tongue?

These delightful treats combine the tangy richness of cream cheese with classic cookie sweetness.

Bakers love how this recipe creates a perfectly balanced texture that’s both tender and satisfying.

The secret lies in blending cream cheese seamlessly into the dough, which adds an unexpected creamy dimension.

Each bite promises a luxurious experience that elevates ordinary cookies to something extraordinary.

Simple ingredients and straightforward mixing make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Dive into this delectable journey and treat yourself to a cookie that redefines comfort and indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 9-11 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 100 kcal

Servings: 22

Cream Cheese Cookies: What You’ll Need

• Butter: Rich foundation that creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture; select high-quality unsalted butter for pure flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Delivers luxurious tanginess and soft crumb; opt for full-fat, room temperature cream cheese for smooth blending.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create delicate cookie structure; choose fine, pure white sugar for even distribution.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness; select fresh, large eggs at room temperature for optimal integration.

• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, comforting depth; seek pure extract over artificial versions for authentic taste.
• Almond Extract: Provides subtle nutty undertone; use sparingly to complement without overwhelming.

• Cake Flour: Creates delicate, tender texture; ensure fresh flour stored in cool, dry place for best results.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light; check expiration date for maximum leavening power.

Equipment for Baking Cream Cheese Cookies

• Electric mixer: Powerful tool for creaming butter, cream cheese, and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining ingredients and preparing cookie dough.
• Baking sheet: Essential for baking and holding cookies during the cooking process.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cup or glass: Used for gently flattening cookie dough balls before baking.
• Wire rack: Perfect for cooling cookies after they come out of the oven.
• Flour sifter or small bowl: Helpful for flouring hands and surfaces when shaping cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cream Cheese Cookies

Cloud-Soft Cream Cheese Delights

• Butter and Cream Cheese Blend

Mix softened butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until silky smooth, creating a luxurious base for your cookies.

• Sugar Magic

Fold granulated sugar into the creamy mixture, whipping until the texture becomes light and billowy. Add an egg and blend until perfectly combined.

• Flavor Infusion

Splash in vanilla and almond extracts, stirring gently to distribute those aromatic notes throughout the dough.

• Flour Foundation

Gradually incorporate cake flour and baking powder, mixing until a tender dough forms. The key is a gentle touch to keep the texture delicate.

• Chill Time

Wrap the dough and let it rest in the refrigerator for an hour, allowing flavors to mingle and the mixture to firm up.

• Cookie Shaping

Roll the chilled dough into small rounds, spacing them on a lined baking sheet. Use a flour-dusted glass to create gentle indentations on top.

• Oven Transformation

Bake at 375°F, watching carefully until the edges turn a soft golden brown. The goal is a cookie that’s tender and light, not crisp or dark.

• Cooling Moment

Let the cookies rest briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack. These cloud-like treats are perfect with an afternoon coffee or shared with friends.

Helpful Tips for Cream Cheese Cookies Success

• Dust the cookies with powdered sugar, colored sprinkles, or roll them in cinnamon sugar before baking to add extra visual and taste excitement.
• Transform these cookies into sandwich treats by adding a dollop of jam, chocolate ganache, or cream cheese frosting between two cooled cookies for a decadent twist.
• Store these delicate cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them flat in a single layer for up to 3 months to enjoy later.
• Swap cake flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies accessible for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful treat.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Cookies

• Tea Time Companion: Pair these delicate cream cheese cookies with a steaming cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Holiday Cookie Platter: Add these soft cookies to your festive dessert spread, creating a beautiful and delicious addition to Christmas or family gatherings.
• Dessert Upgrade: Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light vanilla glaze to enhance their elegant and delicate flavor profile.
• Sweet Gift Idea: Package these cookies in a cute vintage tin or clear cellophane bag with a ribbon, making them a perfect homemade gift for friends and neighbors.

Storing Cream Cheese Cookies Properly

• Smart Storage Solutions
• Airtight Container Magic: Store cooled cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them soft and delicious. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap individual cookies or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy fresh cookies anytime a craving hits.
• Dough Preparation Hack: Refrigerated cookie dough stays fresh for 3 days before baking. For longer storage, shape into balls and freeze raw dough for up to 2 months – perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute treats.
• Temperature Wisdom: Keep cookies away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Room temperature storage maintains their delicate texture and prevents them from becoming too dry or crumbly.

Soft Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 22 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Sweet cream cheese cookies blend creamy richness with delicate texture. Bakers discover a simple yet elegant dessert that satisfies classic cookie cravings with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ¾ cups (219 grams) cake flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Cream butter and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until achieving a smooth, homogeneous consistency using an electric mixer.
2. Sugar Integration: Gradually add granulated sugar, whipping until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, then incorporate egg, vanilla, and almond extracts, blending thoroughly.
3. Flour Incorporation: Gently fold in baking powder and cake flour in three stages, creating a cohesive dough that doesn’t overmix.
4. Chilling Process: Encase the dough and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes to enhance flavor melding and structural integrity.
5. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie release.
6. Shaping Technique: Dust hands with flour and roll chilled dough into uniform balls, placing them on the prepared sheet with ample spacing.
7. Flattening Method: Utilize a flour-dusted glass bottom to gently press each dough ball, creating a slight depression while maintaining cookie structure.
8. Baking Execution: Bake for 9-11 minutes, watching for golden-edged perfection that signals optimal doneness.
9. Cooling Protocol: Transfer cookies to a wire rack immediately after removing from the oven, allowing them to cool and set completely.

Notes

• Chill for Success: Refrigerating the dough for at least 1 hour helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor development, ensuring a perfect cookie texture.
• Softened Ingredients Matter: Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to create a smooth, homogeneous mixture that blends seamlessly.
• Gentle Flattening Technique: Use a flour-dusted glass to lightly press cookies, maintaining their delicate structure while creating an even surface.
• Precise Baking Watch: Monitor cookies closely during the 9-11 minute baking window, removing them when edges turn golden to prevent over-browning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 9-11 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 22
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 4.5g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg