Hey y'all! If you love a cookie that's soft, buttery, and just melts in your mouth, these Cream Cheese Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. The cream cheese adds an irresistible tangy richness and a pillowy texture that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee, makes a dreamy addition to your holiday spread, or adds an extra touch of sweetness to any gathering. They're simple to make, hard to forget, and sure to draw plenty of compliments! Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Super soft and melt-in-your-mouth texture with each bite.
- Quick and easy to whip up — perfect for last-minute treats or busy days.
- The tangy flavor from cream cheese balances all the sweetness beautifully.
- Versatile enough for holidays, parties, or an everyday dessert.
- No chilling required so you can satisfy that cookie craving fast!
Cream Cheese Cookies Ingredients
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups (210g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How to Make Cream Cheese Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for best results.
Step 2: Cream the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese using a hand mixer or stand mixer until completely smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add in the granulated sugar and beat for another 1-2 minutes until light.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract just until combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually blend the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until a soft cookie dough forms.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Using a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon per cookie), drop dough balls 2 inches apart onto your prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten tops with your fingers or the back of a spoon. Bake for 9-12 minutes or until the bottoms are just lightly golden and the tops look set but not browned.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, dust with powdered sugar if desired and enjoy!
Cream Cheese Cookies Notes & Tips
- Bring all your ingredients (especially butter and cream cheese) to room temperature for the fluffiest dough. Learn why room temperature dairy matters.
- Don’t overbake — cookies should look pale, not browned, to stay soft and tender.
- Change up the flavor by adding lemon or almond extract for a twist.
Cream Cheese Cookies Variations
- Lemon Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the dough for a bright citrus twist.
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips before baking for a chocolatey upgrade.
- Sprinkle Party: Gently press colorful sprinkles into the tops of dough balls before baking for festive flair.
Equipment Needed for Cream Cheese Cookies
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Wire cooling rack
Cream Cheese Cookies Storage Instructions
Store your Cream Cheese Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying. Refrigeration is not recommended as it can dry out the cookies.
Cream Cheese Cookies: Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside a cup of coffee or hot tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Add to a holiday cookie platter with classic sugar cookies or brownies for variety.
Cream Cheese Cookies Pro Tips
- Use high-quality cream cheese for the richest flavor and creamiest texture — check out Serious Eats’ guide to cream cheese for the best brands.
- Sift your flour if it’s especially lumpy for the most tender cookie crumb.
- For picture-perfect cookies, roll dough balls between your palms before baking for smooth, uniform rounds.
Cream Cheese Cookies FAQ
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but the cookies will be less rich and may have a slightly different texture. - Why are my Cream Cheese Cookies spreading too much?
This may happen if your butter or cream cheese is too soft. Chill the dough for 20-30 minutes if needed. - Can I freeze Cream Cheese Cookie dough?
Absolutely! Shape the dough into balls, freeze on a baking tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen by adding 1-2 more minutes to the bake time.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Bake time: 9-12 minutes
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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2In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
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3Add granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
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4In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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5Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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6Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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