Name: Easy Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1¾ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

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If you’re searching for a treat that bridges soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture with delightfully rich flavor, you’ll fall head over heels for these Easy Cream Cheese Cookies. This recipe weaves together pantry staples and just a touch of cream cheese for cookies that are pillowy, tender, and irresistibly simple. Whether you grew up nibbling on a family version or just want a sweet project that won’t keep you in the kitchen all afternoon, these cookies are the perfect answer for busy bakers and cookie lovers alike!

Easy Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Cream Cheese Cookies lies in how a handful of everyday ingredients can transform into something truly special. Each ingredient brings its own personality, contributing texture, moisture, or that perfect hint of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each is absolutely essential:

Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Provides that classic cookie richness and keeps the texture incredibly soft.
Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The secret star—adds tanginess and ensures the cookies are unbelievably tender and moist.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): For sweetness and that golden finish as the cookies bake.
Large egg (1): Binds everything together and gives structure to each cookie.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor and brings a comforting aroma to every bite.
All-purpose flour (1¾ cups): Forms the backbone of the dough, holding all the creamy goodness together.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a little lift for that perfect, softly puffed cookie top.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): A finishing touch for a bakery-style flourish and a whisper of extra sweetness.

How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by giving your oven a head start, setting it to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your cookies lift right off without sticking or spreading too much.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to thoroughly beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar. You’re looking for a light, fluffy consistency—this step is key to creating that signature Easy Cream Cheese Cookies texture.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and drizzle in the vanilla extract. Beat again until the mixture is silky smooth and fully combined. The egg brings everything together, while the vanilla adds delicious depth.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and seasoning, which means uniformly baked cookies every time.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing gently as you go. Stop once a soft, pliable dough forms—overmixing can toughen your cookies, so just blend until everything comes together.

Step 6: Scoop and Space

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form rounded mounds of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Give each mound about 2 inches of space—these cookies do spread a little as they bake.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the tops look slightly puffed. Let them rest on the pan for 5 minutes (they’ll firm up a bit), then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, give them a gentle shower of powdered sugar for that special touch.

How to Serve Easy Cream Cheese Cookies

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar is the simplest, most elegant finish you can give these cookies. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a pinch of citrus zest (think lemon or orange) adds a festive twist that pairs beautifully with the tangy, creamy flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve your Easy Cream Cheese Cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or some chai tea—they make any snack break feel like a treat. For special occasions, pair them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an effortless dessert platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies on a tiered tray for an afternoon tea, or layer them in a decorative box for gifting. If you’re baking for the holidays, tuck a few into cellophane bags tied with ribbon—these soft, sweet confections are always a hit as edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the cookies are completely cool, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay wonderfully soft and delicious for up to 5 days at room temperature—perfect for grabbing whenever a cookie craving strikes!

Freezing

Want to get ahead? You can freeze fully baked Easy Cream Cheese Cookies. Just arrange them in layers with parchment between each, seal in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and stash in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for a glorious soft bite anytime.

Reheating

While these cookies are just as good at room temp, you can revive their just-baked warmth by popping them in a 300°F oven for 2 to 3 minutes, or a quick 10-second turn in the microwave. They’ll taste like they were made fresh that day—soft, tender, and comforting.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?

Cream cheese is what gives these cookies their unique tang and softness, but if you’re in a pinch, you could try mascarpone for a milder taste or a dairy-free cream cheese if you need a vegan option. The texture and flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious!

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Too-soft butter or overmixing the dough can make cookies spread more than you’d like. For best results, make sure both your butter and cream cheese are just softened, not melted, and don’t skip lining your baking sheet with parchment paper.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance—just cover and chill in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften so it’s easy to scoop and shape.

Are Easy Cream Cheese Cookies gluten-free?

The classic recipe uses all-purpose flour and so isn’t naturally gluten-free. However, you can substitute a 1:1 baking gluten-free flour blend if needed. Just keep in mind the texture might change a bit, but the cookies will still be tender and tasty!

How can I make these cookies more festive for holidays?

Get creative with colored sugars, sprinkles, or sandwich a bit of jam or frosting between two cookies for extra flair. Citrus zest or seasonal spices (like cinnamon or nutmeg) can also instantly give these Easy Cream Cheese Cookies a holiday twist.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and tender, you have to try Easy Cream Cheese Cookies. Share them with someone you love—or just treat yourself to a batch. One bite, and these will become your newest go-to cookie for any occasion!

Easy Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Easy Cream Cheese Cookies are incredibly soft and flavorful, with a delightful hint of cream cheese in every bite. A simple and quick cookie recipe perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

Additional:

Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla until fully incorporated.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Mix Dough: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Bake: Scoop dough into rounded tablespoons on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set and tops are slightly puffed.
Cool: Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once cooled, dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired.