Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

The allure of Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies takes hold as the rich aroma of vanilla and fresh-baked sweetness fills your kitchen. Each bite reveals a tender texture that melts in your mouth, while the delicious hint of creamy goodness reminds you of home. With this step-by-step recipe, you’ll be whisking and rolling your way to cookie perfection in no time. Whether you’re looking for a delightful afternoon treat or planning to impress at your next gathering, these cookies are sure to evoke feelings of warmth and joy in everyone who gets to enjoy them.

History / Fun Fact

Sugar cookies have been a beloved treat for centuries, with origins tracing back to 18th century Europe. Originally, these simple cookies were made with basic ingredients that were readily available. Many cultures have their own interpretations, making them a global favorite. The addition of cream cheese into this traditional recipe adds a rich depth and tang, elevating the cookie to a new level of decadence. Interestingly, cream cheese frosting became immensely popular in American baking during the late 19th century, often paired with rich cakes. These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are a delightful intersection of history and modern flavor profiles, bringing a classic favorite into today’s baking scene.

Ingredients

For these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies, you will need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – yielding that rich, creamy base.
• 3 oz cream cheese, softened – adding a luxurious, tangy layer of flavor.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – for that sweet, delightful essence.
• 1 large egg – a binding hero that brings everything together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – infusing warmth and familiarity in each bite.
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – ensuring a tender, delicate crumb.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – helping your cookies rise ever so slightly.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – balancing all the sweetness perfectly.
• 2 cups powdered sugar – for a silky, sweet glaze.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk – to ensure your icing reaches the perfect consistency.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing) – adding that delightful flavor to the outside.
• Green food coloring (for decoration) – a visually appealing touch perfect for celebrations.
• Green sugar sprinkles (optional) – for extra festivity and sparkle.

Every ingredient is carefully selected to create a cookie experience that is both indulgent and soul-soothing.

Cooking Time & Tips for Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

When it comes to preparing Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You can choose to whip up a batch in less than an hour (quick preparation) or take your time to add special touches for a more detailed approach (slow preparation).

Quick Preparation
If you’re in a hurry, these cookies can be prepared in about 20 minutes, plus baking time. This quick approach is perfect for unexpected guests or when a dessert craving strikes.

Slow Preparation
For a more relaxed baking experience, take an additional 30 minutes to chill the dough or get creative with your decorating. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and encourages the cookies to have a crisp edge while remaining soft inside.

Practical Tips for Success:

1. Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
2. Don’t overmix the dough; the less you handle it once the flour is added, the tenderer the cookies will be.
3. Always bake a test cookie first to gauge timing and adjust as needed.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mats. This step is crucial to prevent your lovely cookies from sticking and helps maintain their shape.

Step 2: Cream the Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a beautiful blend that fills the air with comforting aromas. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, beating them in until the mixture is fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is key to evenly distributing the baking powder and ensuring your cookies rise beautifully. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Feel the soft, pliable dough in your hands as you shape each ball with love. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to gently flatten each ball, giving them a lovely shape.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them: you’re looking for the edges to be lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 6: Prepare the Icing

In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If you’re feeling festive, add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until you achieve your desired shade.

Step 7: Ice Your Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cooled, take a moment to spread the icing on top of each one, letting the glaze coat them beautifully. You can sprinkle green sugar sprinkles over the icing for that extra touch of flair.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Lastly, take a step back, admire your handiwork, and enjoy your Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies! Each bite will be soft, sweet, and utterly delightful, transporting you to a world of bliss.

Serving Suggestions & Occasions

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are incredibly versatile. Serve them at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or as a delightful afternoon snack with tea or coffee. They also make for an excellent treat in lunchboxes, offering children a sweet surprise. Add personal touches like frosting colors that match the holiday theme for an extra-special touch. Picture a platter of these soft, sparkling cookies at a bridal shower or holiday party; the visual alone will entice guests!

Common Mistakes for Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

One prevalent mistake when baking cookies is overmixing the dough once the flour is added. This action can lead to tough cookies, which are the opposite of what you want in a tender sugar cookie. Additionally, make sure not to skip chilling the dough if you find it too sticky; a brief chill can help maintain the cookie shape and texture. Finally, ensure your oven is preheated correctly—baking at the wrong temperature can drastically affect your results.

Healthier Alternatives & Variations

For those looking to make a lighter version of Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies, consider swapping out half the butter for applesauce, which will keep them moist while reducing fat. Alternatively, substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. You might also try different extracts like almond or coconut for a unique flavor profile. Don’t forget that these cookies can be made festive with different colors or shapes, especially during holidays!

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

   • Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used, but it might affect the texture slightly.

2. How long can I store these cookies?

   • You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

3. Can I freeze the dough?

   • Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls and freeze them. Just remember to thaw before baking.

4. What can I use if I don’t have green food coloring?

   • You can use any color you like, or tint with natural colorants like spinach powder or beet juice.

5. Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

   • Both options would be delightful additions! Just fold them in gently before shaping the dough.

6. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

   • Look for edges that are lightly golden while the centers should still look soft. They will firm up as they cool.

Conclusion

The moment you take a batch of Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies out of the oven, the rich aroma will captivate you and everyone around. With their soft texture and beautiful topping, these cookies promise to bring delight to your palate and warmth to your heart. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and begin your baking adventure today. You won’t regret diving into this sweet experience!

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of these soft and delightful cookies that promise a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to impress your guests.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Baked Goods

Calories: 120

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Yielding that rich, creamy base.
• 3 oz cream cheese, softened Adding a luxurious, tangy layer of flavor.
• 1 cup granulated sugar For that sweet, delightful essence.
• 1 large egg A binding hero that brings everything together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Infusing warmth and familiarity in each bite.
• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Ensuring a tender, delicate crumb.
• 0.5 teaspoon baking powder Helping your cookies rise ever so slightly.
• 0.25 teaspoon salt Balancing all the sweetness perfectly.

For the icing

• 2 cups powdered sugar For a silky, sweet glaze.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk To ensure your icing reaches the perfect consistency.
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing) Adding delightful flavor to the icing.
• green food coloring (for decoration) A visually appealing touch perfect for celebrations.
• green sugar sprinkles (optional) For extra festivity and sparkle.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to gently flatten each ball.

Baking

1. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers remain soft.
2. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Icing

1. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. If desired, add green food coloring until you achieve the desired shade.
3. Spread the icing on each cooled cookie and optionally sprinkle with green sugar sprinkles.

Enjoy

1. Admire your handiwork and enjoy the Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies!

Notes

Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature. Don't overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender. Always bake a test cookie first to adjust timing as needed.