Name: Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-490835H37M14S
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Optional: 1/4 tsp almond extract; Optional: frosting, sprinkles, or colored sugar for decorating

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Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are soft, melt-in-your-mouth treats with a rich, creamy flavor that makes them extra special. These cookies hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for cut-out shapes, decorations, or enjoying plain. I love how they strike a perfect balance between classic sugar cookie sweetness and a slight tang from the cream cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I always reach for this recipe when I want sugar cookies that are soft, tender, and flavorful. The cream cheese adds a richness that makes the dough super smooth and easy to work with, especially for rolling and cutting shapes. I like that they bake up with slightly crisp edges and soft centers, and they don’t spread too much in the oven. Whether I’m decorating them with frosting or enjoying them plain, they’re always a hit. Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter (softened)
Cream cheese (softened)
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Optional: almond extract for extra flavor
Optional: frosting, sprinkles, or colored sugar for decorating

Directions

I start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, I cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
I beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
I slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined—being careful not to overmix.
I divide the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Once chilled, I roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
I use cookie cutters to make shapes, then transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
I bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are set but not browned.
I let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, I decorate with frosting or sprinkles—or enjoy them as-is.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 3 dozen cookies, depending on the size of the cutters I use. It takes around 20 minutes to prepare the dough, at least 1 hour to chill, and 8–10 minutes to bake each batch.

Variations

I sometimes add a touch of almond extract for a bakery-style flavor.
For holiday themes, I use seasonal cookie cutters and colored sugars or frosting.
If I want a lemony twist, I swap the vanilla for lemon extract and add some lemon zest.
I love sandwiching two cookies with jam or frosting in between for a fun variation.
Rolling the dough balls in coarse sugar before baking gives them a sparkly finish without decorating.

Storage/reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If I’ve frosted them, I keep them in a single layer or separate layers with parchment paper. They also freeze well—either the baked cookies or the unbaked dough disks. I thaw the dough in the fridge overnight before rolling and baking. To refresh a baked cookie, I warm it for 5 seconds in the microwave. Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

FAQs

What does cream cheese do in sugar cookies?

I find that cream cheese makes these cookies extra soft and adds a slightly tangy flavor that balances the sweetness. It also makes the dough smoother and easier to handle.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge. I’ve also frozen the dough for up to a month—just thaw it overnight before using.

Do I have to chill the dough?

I highly recommend it. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and makes rolling much easier.

Can I frost these cookies?

Absolutely. I love decorating them with royal icing or buttercream, especially for holidays. They also taste great plain or sprinkled with sugar before baking.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

If that happens, the dough may have warmed up too much. I pop the shaped cookies into the fridge for 10–15 minutes before baking if the dough has gotten soft.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are the kind of treat I keep coming back to—they’re soft, flavorful, and so easy to personalize for any occasion. Whether I’m baking them for the holidays, gifting, or just enjoying a cozy baking day, these cookies always deliver. The cream cheese gives them a unique twist that makes them truly unforgettable.