Cream Cheese Cookies

These Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with a sweet and tangy flavor makes them irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a casual get-together, or simply want to enjoy a homemade dessert, these cookies will impress everyone. The balance of cream cheese and vanilla adds a unique richness that sets this recipe apart from traditional cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These cookies are incredibly soft and tender, making every bite a delight.
• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these cookies without any hassle.
• Versatile flavor: The combination of cream cheese and vanilla pairs well with various add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
• Perfect for sharing: With 28 cookies per batch, they’re great for parties or gifting to friends and family.
• Quick prep time: Ready in just about 80 minutes, including chilling time.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, it’s essential to gather your tools and prepare. Having everything ready will streamline your experience and ensure your cream cheese cookies turn out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
• Medium mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or Silpat
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or electric hand mixer: These tools save time and effort when creaming butter and cream cheese together for the perfect texture.
• Medium mixing bowl: Provides ample space for mixing dry ingredients without spilling.
• Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.

Ingredients

These easy cream cheese cookies MELT in your mouth and have a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and vanilla.

For the Cookie Dough

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g, room temperature)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (113g, room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (10mL)
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (210g)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Cream Cheese Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl. Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer:
1. Cream the butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
2. Gradually add the sugar while beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
4. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix one more time to ensure everything is blended.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients:
1. Mix on low speed until just combined.
2. Use a spatula to scrape down any unmixed flour at the bottom of the bowl; give it one last gentle mix.
3. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.

Step 4: Bake Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C):
1. Portion out roughly two tablespoon-sized pieces of dough and roll them into balls.
2. Dampen your hands slightly if needed to manage stickiness.
3. Place dough balls about two inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or Silpat.
4. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the edges are set and just turning golden brown.

Enjoy your homemade cream cheese cookies, perfect for sharing or indulging yourself!

How to Serve Cream Cheese Cookies

Cream cheese cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with coffee, these cookies are versatile and delicious.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Pair your cream cheese cookies with a hot cup of coffee for a comforting morning treat.
• The rich flavor of coffee complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

As Dessert After Dinner

• Serve these cookies as a light dessert after dinner.
• Their soft texture and sweet taste make them a great ending to any meal.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Bring cream cheese cookies to holiday parties for a festive touch.
• They are easy to make in large batches and sure to impress your guests.

With Ice Cream

• Crumble cream cheese cookies over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• This adds an extra layer of flavor and texture, making for an indulgent dessert.

For Kids’ Parties

• These cookies are kid-friendly and perfect for birthday parties.
• Set up a decorating station with icing and sprinkles for added fun.

How to Perfect Cream Cheese Cookies

To elevate your cream cheese cookies, consider these helpful tips for achieving the best results.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients until just combined to ensure your cookies remain tender and soft.
• Watch Your Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; they should be set at the edges but still soft in the center.
• Store Properly: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Best Side Dishes for Cream Cheese Cookies

Cream cheese cookies pair well with certain side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some suggestions:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Offer a variety of cheeses that complement the creamy notes in the cookies.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a delightful contrast alongside your cookies.
4. Chocolate Covered Strawberries: The richness of chocolate pairs beautifully with cream cheese flavors.
5. Nut Mix: A simple mix of nuts provides crunch and contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the cookies.
6. Coffee Cake: This classic accompaniment enhances coffee or tea breaks, making them even more enjoyable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making cream cheese cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and cream cheese can lead to a dense texture. Always use room temperature ingredients for the best results.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your cookies dry. Use a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing spreading during baking. Don’t rush this step; let your dough chill for at least an hour.
• Overbaking the cookies: Keeping an eye on the baking time is crucial. Cookies are done when the edges are set, but they may look slightly underbaked in the center.
• Neglecting to scrape the bowl: Failing to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl can result in uneven mixing. Make sure to mix thoroughly for a consistent dough.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cream cheese cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cream Cheese Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Cream Cheese Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cream cheese cookies without butter?

Yes, you can substitute butter with additional cream cheese or another fat like coconut oil, though it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.

How do I customize my cream cheese cookie recipe?

You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to enhance flavors and textures according to your preference.

What makes these cream cheese cookies so special?

The combination of cream cheese gives these cookies a unique tangy flavor and soft texture that melts in your mouth.

How should I store leftover cream cheese cookies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These cream cheese cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and perfect balance of sweetness make them a delightful treat any time of year. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or enjoy them plain; you can’t go wrong! Try this recipe today and experience their irresistible charm!

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Cream Cheese Cookies

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: About 28 cookies 1x

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Description

Cream Cheese Cookies are a mouthwatering treat that combines a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors. Perfect for any gathering—be it a holiday celebration, a casual get-together, or simply an afternoon indulgence—these cookies will undoubtedly impress your guests. The unique richness from the cream cheese paired with vanilla creates an irresistible dessert that stands out from traditional cookies. With the ease of preparation and the ability to customize with add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

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Ingredients

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• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g, room temperature)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (113g, room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (10mL)
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (210g)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
3. In a stand mixer, cream together butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar until fluffy.
4. Mix in the egg and vanilla until well combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients; mix until just combined. Chill dough for at least one hour.
6. Portion dough into balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheets, about two inches apart.
7. Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 55mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg