Cream cheese cookies are a delightful twist on traditional cookie recipes, offering a uniquely soft texture and a rich, tangy flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking a batch for a holiday, a special event, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress with their melt-in-your-mouth goodness. This recipe is simple, requiring just a few ingredients and steps, yet the result is absolutely exquisite.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
How to Make Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese:
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. This base will give the cookies their characteristic richness.
- Add Sugar and Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the granulated sugar to the creamed mixture and continue to beat until light and incorporated. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, ensuring the mixture is well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to form a soft dough.
Shape and Bake:
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Form Cookies and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoons of the dough, roll them into balls, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Be careful not to overbake to maintain their soft texture.
- Cool:
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips For Making This Recipe
- Ingredient Temperatures:
- Ensure that the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth and even cream.
- Avoid Overmixing:
- Mix the dough until just combined to keep the cookies tender. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Uniform Size:
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure all your cookies are the same size, which helps them bake evenly.
- Experiment with Flavors:
- Add lemon zest or almond extract to the dough before baking for a different twist on the classic recipe.
- Storage:
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
- For the best flavor and texture, full-fat cream cheese is recommended. Low-fat versions can alter the richness and consistency of the cookies.
- How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- Swap the all-purpose flour for an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.
- Can I add mix-ins to the cookie dough?
- Yes, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit can be added to the dough just before chilling for added texture and flavor.
- Why did my cookies come out flat?
- Flat cookies often result from the dough not being chilled sufficiently, or the butter being too soft. Make sure to chill the dough as directed and check that your baking powder is fresh.
- Can I freeze the dough for later use?
- Absolutely! The cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Scoop and shape the dough balls, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
This Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is designed to be foolproof and delicious. Enjoy baking these delightful treats that combine simplicity with irresistible taste!