Cream Cheese Cookies

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Cream Cheese Cookies

These cream cheese cookies are soft, lightly sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Think of them as a cross between a classic sugar cookie and a tender shortbread, with just a hint of tang from the cream cheese. They’re simple, unfussy, and perfect for decorating or enjoying just as they are.

This is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. The dough comes together quickly with pantry staples, and the cookies bake up thick, tender, and never dry.

They’re great for holidays, cookie trays, baby showers, or anytime you want a soft, not-too-sweet cookie.

Why You’ll Love These Cream Cheese Cookies

• Soft and tender with a delicate crumb
• Not overly sweet, making them perfect for frosting or sprinkles
• Easy to make with basic ingredients
• Dough chills well and can be made ahead
• Perfect base for holidays and special occasions

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional for topping:

• Powdered sugar, sprinkles, or frosting

How to Make Cream Cheese Cookies

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until fully combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
5. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Lightly flatten with the bottom of a glass if desired.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
10. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Decorating Ideas

These cookies are delicious plain, but they also make a great base for decorating. Dust them with powdered sugar, roll the dough in colored sugar before baking, or frost with a simple vanilla or cream cheese frosting. You can also add sprinkles to match any holiday or celebration.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Baked cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. These cookies also freeze beautifully, both baked and unbaked.

Jennie’s Thoughts

This is one of those quiet, classic recipes that doesn’t need anything fancy to shine. The cream cheese adds just enough richness to make these cookies feel special without overpowering that familiar sugar cookie flavor.

I love keeping a batch of these in the freezer so I can bake them fresh whenever the mood strikes—or when company shows up unexpectedly.

If you’re looking for a simple, dependable cookie recipe that works for every season, these cream cheese cookies are it.

Soft, tender, and endlessly versatile, they’re the kind of cookie everyone loves—and the kind you’ll be asked to make again and again.