Description
These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are soft, tender, and buttery with a subtle tang from the cream cheese. Perfect for holiday baking or anytime you crave a classic sugar cookie with a rich, creamy texture. The dough is easy to prepare, chilled for better handling, and baked to golden perfection for delightful cookies that can be decorated or enjoyed plain.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This creates the base of the cookie dough.
- Add the egg and extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until the mixture is fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a cohesive dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two equal discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up. This helps with easier rolling and better cookie shape retention during baking.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Roll out the dough and cut shapes: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each chilled dough disc to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
- Arrange cookies on baking sheets: Place the cut cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for slight spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden color, indicating they are done.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage.
- Decorate or serve: Once fully cooled, decorate the cookies with your favorite icing or enjoy them plain as a delicious treat.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for easier handling and better cookie shape.
- You can omit the almond extract if you prefer a classic vanilla flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- For festive occasions, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar once cooled.
- If dough is too soft after chilling, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling out.
