Soft Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cream cheese sugar cookie that melts in your mouth with every bite—these are the ultimate cream cheese sugar cookies that elevate your baking game. If you’re tired of dry, crumbly sugar cookies that leave you disappointed, this recipe from cookinwithlalyta.com is your solution. Featuring a rich cream cheese base, it delivers unparalleled moisture and flavor, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family treats. With this cream cheese sugar cookies guide, you’ll master the art of baking treats that everyone raves about, ensuring your desserts stand out every time.

These cream cheese sugar cookies boast a heavenly texture that’s soft on the inside with a slight crisp around the edges, creating a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more. The aroma of vanilla and butter fills your kitchen as they bake, evoking memories of childhood bake sales or festive cookie exchanges. Each cookie offers a subtle tang from the cream cheese, balanced by the sweetness of granulated sugar, resulting in a rich, buttery flavor profile that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or milk, the chewy center and golden edges make every bite a sensory delight.

What sets this cream cheese sugar cookies recipe apart on cookinwithlalyta.com is the expertise of Chef Lalybeth, whose years of testing and refining ensure foolproof results. You’ll discover the “Chef’s Secret” that makes these cookies extra special, along with tips to avoid common pitfalls and achieve that perfect chewy consistency. This comprehensive guide covers everything from ingredient selection to storage, empowering you to bake with confidence and impress your loved ones. Dive in to learn how a simple addition transforms ordinary sugar cookies into an irresistible dessert classic.

Why This Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe is a Game-Changer

The rich cream cheese base is the Chef’s Secret that sets this cream cheese sugar cookies recipe apart, infusing each cookie with extra moisture and a tangy depth that traditional sugar cookies lack. By incorporating softened cream cheese into the butter mixture, we create a dough that’s incredibly pliable and flavorful, locking in that signature chewy texture even days after baking. This technique, honed through multiple test runs, ensures your cookies remain soft sugar cookies without the need for excessive additives.

Unbeatable texture comes from the science of fat content: the cream cheese’s high fat and acidity interact with the butter and egg to produce a tender crumb. When baked at the precise 350°F (175°C), the dough sets just right, preventing over-browning while allowing the sugars to caramelize for that perfect edge. This results in cream cheese sugar cookies that are soft and chewy, not cakey or hard, due to the balanced ratio of flour to fats.

Foolproof for a reason, this recipe has been tested over a dozen times in home kitchens to guarantee success, even for novice bakers. From chilling the dough to precise baking times, every step minimizes errors, making it the most reliable cream cheese sugar cookies guide online. You’ll achieve consistent results with minimal effort, turning your baking sessions into joyful experiences.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

Start with 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is the backbone of your cream cheese sugar cookies, providing richness and structure. High-quality unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level, ensuring the flavors shine through without any bitterness. Opt for European-style butter for higher fat content, which enhances the chewy texture. If substituting, use salted butter but reduce the added salt by half to avoid over-salting.

Next, 3 ounces cream cheese, softened: This is what gives these sugar cookies their extra creamy and rich profile, adding tanginess and moisture that keeps them soft for days. Choose full-fat cream cheese for the best results; low-fat versions can make the dough too watery. A tested substitution is Greek yogurt, but use it sparingly as it might alter the texture—replace only half to maintain that signature chewiness.

1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the dough and aids in browning, creating the caramelized edges that define great sugar cookies. Use pure cane sugar for a cleaner taste; avoid generic brands that might have additives. If you’re watching sugar intake, substitute with an equal amount of coconut sugar, though it will add a slight nutty flavor to your cream cheese sugar cookies.

1 large egg: Acts as a binder, adding moisture and helping the dough set properly for those perfect soft sugar cookies. Fresh, room-temperature eggs incorporate better, leading to even baking. For an egg-free version, try a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), but note it may slightly change the texture.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, complementing the rich cream cheese base with warm, aromatic notes. Always go for pure vanilla extract over imitation for authentic taste; it’s worth the investment. If unavailable, almond extract can substitute, but use half the amount to prevent overpowering the cream cheese sugar cookies.

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure that holds the cookies together without making them tough. Sift it for a lighter dough. For gluten-free cream cheese sugar cookies, swap with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum to mimic the elasticity.

1 teaspoon baking powder: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise slightly for a tender bite. Fresh baking powder is key—test it by mixing with hot water; if it bubbles, it’s good. There’s no direct substitute, but if needed, a pinch extra of baking soda can work in a pinch, though it might affect the flavor slightly.

Finally, 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the rich cream cheese flavors. Use fine sea salt for even distribution. If you’re on a low-sodium diet, reduce to 1/4 teaspoon, but taste the dough to adjust as needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large bowl, cream together the 1 cup unsalted butter and 3 ounces cream cheese until smooth and well combined, using a hand mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. This step ensures the fats emulsify properly, creating a smooth base for your cream cheese sugar cookies.

Pro Tip: Make sure both ingredients are at room temperature to avoid lumps; cold cream cheese can lead to uneven mixing and a grainy texture.

Step 2: Adding the Sugar

Beat in the 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes on medium-high speed. This incorporates air, helping your cream cheese sugar cookies achieve that desirable chewy consistency.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t rush this step—under-mixing can result in dense cookies; always scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Incorporating the Egg and Vanilla

Add the 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then mix well on low speed until fully blended into the batter. This step binds the ingredients and adds moisture for soft sugar cookies.

Pro Tip: Add the egg one at a time if doubling the recipe to prevent curdling; room-temperature eggs blend more seamlessly.

Step 4: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until evenly distributed. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Over-mixing at this stage can develop gluten, making your cream cheese sugar cookies tough; stop as soon as the flour disappears.

Step 5: Chilling the Dough

Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This rest period allows the flavors to meld and makes the dough easier to handle.

Pro Tip: For even better results, chill overnight; this enhances the rich cream cheese base and prevents spreading during baking.

Step 6: Preparing for Baking

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes to ensure even baking; uneven balls can lead to some cookies overcooking.

Step 7: Shaping the Cookies

Flatten each dough ball slightly with the bottom of a glass to about 1/2-inch thickness. This helps them bake evenly and develop the perfect soft sugar cookies shape.

Pro Tip: Lightly dip the glass in flour to prevent sticking, ensuring a smooth surface.

Step 8: Baking the Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye to avoid over-baking, which can dry out the rich cream cheese base.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Rotating the sheets midway can prevent uneven heat distribution in your oven.

Step 9: Cooling the Cookies

Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to finish cooling. This step locks in the chewy texture.

Pro Tip: Use a spatula to move them gently; they’re delicate when warm.

Serving & Presentation

Elevate your cream cheese sugar cookies with creative plating by arranging them on a tiered stand for a stunning display at parties. Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an impressive garnish that complements their rich cream cheese base. For holidays, top with festive sprinkles before baking to tie into themes like Christmas or birthdays. Pair these soft sugar cookies with fresh fruit salads or ice cream for a balanced dessert course, or serve alongside coffee for a cozy afternoon treat, making them the star of any American dessert spread.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

For make-ahead strategies, prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance by chilling it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; simply roll and bake when ready for fresh cream cheese sugar cookies. Storing leftovers is straightforward: keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months to maintain their soft and chewy texture. The best way to reheat is in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes, which restores the original warmth and flavor without making them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

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• Author: Chef Lalybeth
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Soft and chewy sugar cookies made with cream cheese for extra richness and flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Beat in the sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix well.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared sheets.
9. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
11. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Notes

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. For a festive touch, add colored sprinkles before baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Method: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 2g