Cream Cheese Cookies

There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, and that first bite of a perfectly baked cookie can transport you back to happier times. The Cream Cheese Cookies recipe has a special place in my heart as it reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where she would whip up these delectable treats during family gatherings. The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a rich, tender cookie that melts in your mouth, making it impossible to stop at just one. These cookies are not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

I can still picture my grandmother guiding me through the process, her hands expertly mixing the butter and cream cheese, while I eagerly awaited the moment I could roll the dough into little balls. As we prepared to bake, the anticipation was palpable, and the joy of sharing these delightful cookies with family is unmatched. That’s what makes the Cream Cheese Cookies truly special – they bring people together and create lasting memories.

Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a special occasion, or simply to indulge your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress. The subtle hint of almond extract adds a unique twist, making every bite a delightful surprise. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s create a batch of these scrumptious Cream Cheese Cookies that will have everyone coming back for more!

Key Ingredients for Cream Cheese Cookies

When it comes to crafting the perfect Cream Cheese Cookies, the ingredients play a crucial role in flavor and texture. Each element works harmoniously to create a cookie that’s soft, sweet, and utterly delicious. The key players in this recipe include cream cheese, which adds richness, butter for moisture, and granulated sugar for sweetness. Together, they create a delightful treat that you won’t be able to resist!

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened): This ingredient adds a rich, creamy texture to the cookies, making them soft and decadent.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): The fat from the butter contributes to the cookies’ tenderness and flavor, complementing the cream cheese perfectly.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is essential, and this ingredient ensures your cookies have that delightful sugary taste.
• 1 large egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the ingredients together and giving the cookies structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This classic ingredient adds a warm, sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies.
• 1 ¼ teaspoon almond extract: The almond extract introduces a subtle, nutty flavor that elevates the cookies to the next level.
• 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour: This provides the bulk needed for the cookies, helping them hold their shape when baked.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise slightly, resulting in a lighter texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt: A bit of salt enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness of the sugar.

The Method for Cream Cheese Cookies

Ready to bake some delicious cookies? The process for making Cream Cheese Cookies is straightforward and very rewarding. Let’s get started on this delightful journey of baking! Just follow these steps to create your cookies.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) and 4 oz cream cheese (softened). Using a hand mixer, beat them together for about 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Look for a light, fluffy texture that indicates they’re well combined.
2. Add 1 cup granulated sugar to the mixture and continue mixing for 1 minute. The sugar should fully incorporate into the butter and cream cheese mixture, resulting in a sweet, fluffy base.
3. Crack in 1 large egg and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract along with 1 ¼ teaspoon almond extract. Mix everything until it’s well combined, ensuring the egg is fully integrated into the batter.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Properly measuring the flour is crucial; always spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, mixing at low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky but smooth.
6. Once combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and roll into balls.
7. While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper for easy removal of the cookies.
8. After chilling, scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls using your hands. Place these dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each for spreading.
9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should look lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
10. Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them onto a cooling rack to cool completely. Finally, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving to add a touch of sweetness.

Things Worth Knowing

Change It Up

Feeling adventurous? Here are some ideas to change up your Cream Cheese Cookies. You can make small tweaks, add some fun flavors, or adjust the presentation!

• Add a twist: Mix in chocolate chips or nuts to enhance flavor and texture.
• Different extracts: Swap out the almond extract for orange or lemon extract for a citrusy flavor.
• Decorate: Consider icing the cookies or adding sprinkles for a festive touch.
• Dip in chocolate: Dip half of the cookies in melted chocolate for a decadent finish.
• Serve warm: Try serving the cookies warm right out of the oven for a gooey experience.
• Use seasonal spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal twist during the holidays.

Serving Options for Cream Cheese Cookies

When it comes to serving your Cream Cheese Cookies, the options are endless! Here are some delightful suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

• Great for dessert platters: These cookies make a fantastic addition to dessert tables at parties and gatherings.
• Perfect for tea time: Serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Ideal for gift-giving: Package them in a decorative box or tin as a sweet gift for friends or family.
• Birthday celebrations: These cookies are a hit at birthday parties; consider making a large batch to share!
• Pair with ice cream: Try serving them with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Seasonal gatherings: These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holidays to casual get-togethers.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Cream Cheese Cookies are truly special, with their rich texture and delightful flavor, they stand out in any cookie lineup. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, as the process is straightforward, and the results are fantastic. You’ll enjoy not only the baking experience but also the delicious cookies that come from it. Happy baking!

Cream Cheese Cookies

The ultimate comfort food, Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, sweet, and effortlessly easy to make. With a delicious creamy texture and the perfect blend of flavors, these cookies are bound to satisfy any sweet craving. Make a batch tonight, and see why they’re a family favorite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Oven
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 4 oz Cream Cheese softened
• ½ cup Unsalted Butter softened
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 large Egg
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 ¼ teaspoon Almond Extract
• 1 ¾ cup All-Purpose Flour
• ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
• ½ teaspoon Salt

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) and 4 oz cream cheese (softened). Using a hand mixer, beat them together for about 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
• Add 1 cup granulated sugar to the mixture and continue mixing for 1 minute. The sugar should fully incorporate into the butter and cream cheese mixture.
• Crack in 1 large egg and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract along with 1 ¼ teaspoon almond extract. Mix everything until it’s well combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Properly measuring the flour is crucial; always spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, mixing at low speed just until combined.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
• While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
• After chilling, scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place these dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets.
• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes. They should look lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
• Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Tip 1: Make sure to soften the butter and cream cheese: Cold ingredients will not whip properly.
• Tip 2: Proper flour measurement is key: Whisk the flour in your container before spooning it into your measuring cup.
• Tip 3: Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to customize your cookies.
• Tip 4: Cookie storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Keyword cream cheese cookies, easy cookie recipe, Homemade Cookies, soft cookies

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Meet Lydia James

I’m Lydia! I love the challenge of experimenting with new ingredients and finding creative, delicious ways to use up leftovers. My goal is to make your weeknight cooking feel stress-free, exciting, and full of flavor. I loved the creative process behind this dish, and I really hope it becomes a new favorite in your weekly rotation. I can't wait to hear what you think!