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If you love cookies that feel like a warm, soft hug with every bite, then this Delicious Soft Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These cookies are perfectly tender thanks to the secret weapon of cream cheese in the dough, making them irresistibly soft and rich. Topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting and adorned with festive sprinkles, they bring both comfort and a touch of elegance to any cookie plate. Whether you’re serving them at a party or just sneaking a treat for yourself, these sugar cookies deliver that perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness that you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance of this Delicious Soft Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe. From the creamy butter to the vanilla punch, every element contributes to the magic.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds a rich, creamy base that helps the cookies stay tender and flavorful.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient that creates an incredibly soft texture and subtle tang.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to a slightly crisp edge.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together while adding moisture and structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Offers warm, aromatic notes that elevate the flavor beautifully.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookies, providing structure without toughness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle rise to keep them light and airy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 4 oz cream cheese (for frosting), softened: Creates a luscious, tangy frosting that’s smooth and spreadable.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for frosting), softened: Adds richness and helps the frosting hold its shape.
- 1 1/2–2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Infuses the frosting with a lovely vanilla aroma.
- Optional: red, green, and white sprinkles: Brings a festive and colorful touch to the finished cookies.
How to Make Delicious Soft Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Start by placing the softened butter and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes around two to three minutes and is essential for that velvety texture we’re after.
Step 2: Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, pour in the granulated sugar and mix it into the creamy base until it’s fully incorporated. Then crack in the egg along with the vanilla extract and continue beating until everything is smooth and well combined, creating a luscious dough base.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing carefully after each addition so a soft, cohesive dough begins to form. Be gentle to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it helps the dough firm up, making the cookies easier to shape and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the dough in tablespoon-sized amounts, spacing them about two inches apart to give the cookies room to spread. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are just set but the centers remain soft.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cookies bake, mix together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar along with the vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. Adjust the sugar quantity for your preferred sweetness and consistency.
Step 7: Frost and Decorate
After the cookies have cooled completely, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on top. Finish with a sprinkle of red, green, and white sprinkles for a festive, cheerful look that’s perfect for sharing.
How to Serve Delicious Soft Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are fantastic on their own but adding a few garnishes can take them to the next level. Try a dusting of edible glitter or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate to add sparkle and elegance, or swap in colored sprinkles to match different seasons or celebrations.
Side Dishes
Pair your Delicious Soft Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe with a warm cup of tea, a frothy cappuccino, or even a cold glass of milk to enjoy the perfect sweet and creamy bite. They’re also lovely alongside fresh berries for a contrast of tartness and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation makes these cookies even more inviting! Consider stacking them on a decorative cake stand, arranging them in festive boxes for gifting, or using cookie cutters to make fun shapes before baking for themed parties. Wrapping a few cookies in parchment tied with twine makes a heartfelt homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their soft texture. To keep the frosting fresh, it’s best to refrigerate the cookies if you plan to keep them longer, but bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezing
If you want to save cookies for later, these freeze beautifully. Freeze them unfrosted on a parchment-lined tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely and then frost fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To warm your cookies back up gently, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This refreshes their softness and flavor. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cookies tough or overly gooey.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
While cream cheese is the secret to the softness and tanginess of these cookies, you can experiment with mascarpone or softened ricotta for a similar texture. However, the flavor and softness may vary slightly.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend should work, but look for one that contains xanthan gum for better structure. Keep an eye on the dough consistency since gluten-free flours can behave differently.
How long will the cookies stay soft?
Thanks to the cream cheese, these cookies stay soft for about three days when stored properly at room temperature. Refrigeration can extend their shelf life but may firm them up, so bring them back to room temperature before enjoying.
Can I use these cookies without frosting?
Absolutely! These cookies are delicious on their own with their tender crumb and subtle sweetness. The frosting just adds an extra layer of creamy flavor and festive fun, but the cookies shine even without it.
What is the best way to get perfectly even cookie sizes?
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out dough ensures each cookie is uniform and bakes evenly. This saves time and helps your batch come out beautifully consistent every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a cookie that’s both soft and flavorful, and this Delicious Soft Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these cookies are an easy go-to that never fail to impress. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a batch of cookies that will quickly become a delightful tradition in your kitchen.
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Print
Delicious Soft Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delicious soft cream cheese sugar cookies offer a perfect combination of tender texture and rich flavor. Made with cream cheese and butter, these cookies are soft and moist, topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting and festive sprinkles, making them perfect for any celebration or holiday treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2–2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Red, green, and white sprinkles
Instructions
- Mix Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla: Add the granulated sugar to the creamy mixture and blend well. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, beating all together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, place scoops of dough about two inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes in the preheated oven until set but still soft in the center. Remove and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until spreadable.
- Frost and Decorate: Once cookies are completely cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over each cookie and sprinkle with red, green, and white sprinkles if desired.
Notes
- For best results, ensure butter and cream cheese are fully softened before mixing.
- Do not overbake to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Chilling the dough helps to prevent spreading during baking.
- Adjust powdered sugar amount in frosting to reach desired sweetness and consistency.
- Sprinkles are optional and can be tailored to any occasion or left off entirely.
