Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, offering a soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth. The addition of cream cheese not only enhances the flavor but also adds a rich creaminess that makes these cookies stand out. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea or a dessert to impress your guests, Cream Cheese Cookies are the perfect choice.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Cookies
- For the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup sprinkles for decoration
How to Make Cream Cheese Cookies
- Prepare the Dough:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy, using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, and continue to beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- If you’re adding chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles, fold them into the dough with a spatula.
- Shape and Bake the Cookies:
- Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently press the tops of the dough balls with the back of a spoon to slightly flatten them.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still be soft.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Cream Cheese Cookies can be enjoyed on their own, or you can decorate them with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a light icing glaze.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
About the Main Ingredients
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is the star ingredient in these cookies, providing a rich, creamy texture that sets them apart from traditional cookies. It adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Using full-fat cream cheese will give you the best texture and flavor, but you can also opt for reduced-fat versions if desired.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is used in this recipe to control the amount of salt in the cookies. It adds a rich flavor and contributes to the soft texture of the cookies. Be sure to use softened butter to ensure it creams well with the sugar and cream cheese, creating a smooth and fluffy dough.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps achieve the perfect cookie texture. The sugar not only sweetens the dough but also aids in browning, giving the cookies their lightly golden edges.
- Vanilla and Almond Extract: Vanilla extract is a classic addition that enhances the flavor of the cookies, while almond extract adds a hint of nuttiness. The almond extract is optional, but it pairs wonderfully with the cream cheese, adding a layer of complexity to the flavor profile.
- Flour and Baking Powder: All-purpose flour forms the base of the cookie dough, while baking powder helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them soft and tender. The combination of these ingredients ensures a light and airy texture.
- Optional Add-ins: Chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles can be added to the dough to customize your cookies. Chocolate chips add a touch of indulgence, while nuts provide a crunchy contrast to the soft cookies. Sprinkles are a fun way to add color and make the cookies more festive.
Cream Cheese Cookies are a versatile and delicious treat that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you choose to keep them simple or add your favorite mix-ins, these cookies are sure to delight. Their soft, chewy texture and rich flavor make them a perfect addition to any dessert table or a sweet snack to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
