Alright, pull up a chair and let’s talk cookies! More specifically, let’s talk about cream cheese cookies. Now, I know what you might be thinking: cream cheese in cookies? Trust me on this one. These aren’t just any cookies; they’re melt-in-your-mouth, soft-centered, slightly tangy delights that have become a staple in our family’s baking repertoire. I can’t even remember when I first stumbled upon the idea, but I do remember my initial skepticism. I’m so glad I tried it.

I was searching online for a new recipe to try when I spotted it. I know when I see a delicious treat. The original recipe was good, but it wasn’t great. It needed something special.

What transformed these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary was the addition of a simple glaze. The sweet glaze compliments the tang of the cream cheese cookies beautifully. It makes them pop!

My kids are usually wary of anything new, but one bite of these cream cheese cookies, and they were hooked. They devoured a whole batch in one sitting! I love it when that happens.

My husband, who claims he doesn’t have a sweet tooth, sneaks these cream cheese cookies from the cookie jar when he thinks no one is watching. I always know, and I always laugh!

The best part? These cream cheese cookies are surprisingly easy to make. Even on a busy weeknight, you can whip up a batch in no time. I promise.

Don’t worry about them being too complicated; this is definitely a recipe for the average home baker. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of patience, you’ll have a batch of these cream cheese cookies ready to share (or hoard for yourself – no judgment here!).

I know baking can be intimidating, especially with all the fancy recipes out there, but these cream cheese cookies are foolproof. If I can make them, anyone can! So, are you ready to bake some magic? Let’s do it! I can’t wait for you to try these, they’ve become such a staple in our house! These cream cheese cookies are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients. Nothing too fancy here, mostly things you probably already have in your pantry! I’ll share a few of my favorite brands and some little tweaks I’ve learned along the way. Trust me, it all makes a difference. When it comes to baking, the quality of your ingredients can truly shine through in the final product. Using high-quality vanilla extract or opting for European butter can elevate your cookies to a whole new level of deliciousness. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands and find what works best for your taste.

8 ounces cream cheese, softened: This is the star of the show! Make sure it’s softened; otherwise, you’ll end up with lumpy batter. I always use Philadelphia cream cheese, but any full-fat cream cheese cookies will work just fine.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Again, softening is key! I like to use Kerrygold butter for extra richness, but any good quality butter will do.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that perfect chewy texture. I use regular granulated sugar, nothing fancy.

1 large egg: This binds everything together. I always use large, free-range eggs for the best flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Don’t skimp on the vanilla! It adds a wonderful aroma and enhances the other flavors. I prefer pure vanilla extract, not imitation. I use it in all my cream cheese cookies.
2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our cookie dough. I use unbleached all-purpose flour.

1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
1/4 teaspoon salt: This balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors. I use sea salt.
For the Glaze (optional, but highly recommended!):
- 1 cup powdered sugar: This creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: This thins out the glaze to the perfect consistency. I use whole milk for extra richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: More vanilla! It adds a wonderful aroma and enhances the other flavors.

One tip I have is that if you want extra soft cream cheese cookies, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the dry ingredients. I learned that from my grandma! If you want to make these cream cheese cookies dairy free, there are many cream cheese alternatives that taste great.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here comes the fun part: making these cream cheese cookies! Don’t be intimidated; it’s easier than you think. I’ll walk you through each step, sharing my tips and tricks along the way. I wish I had these tips when I first began! I remember how confused I was! Baking should be a joyful experience, so don’t stress too much about perfection. Embrace the process, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. That’s how we learn and improve our skills in the kitchen. Put on some music, pour yourself a drink, and have fun with it!

Hands Preparing Cream Cheese Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I learned that the hard way, so don’t skip this step! It’s a mess to remove the cookies otherwise.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese, butter, and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use a stand mixer or a hand mixer for this. Just make sure everything is well combined. Don’t overmix! It’s a tip to make sure your cream cheese cookies are nice and soft.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. Again, don’t overmix!
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough! Overmixing will result in tough cookies. It’s important to make sure the dough is thoroughly mixed, but don’t over do it!
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave a little space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly. If you want to measure, you can! I don’t always measure, it depends on how I’m feeling. It’s up to you!
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly. I learned that the hard way! You can use a toothpick to check if they are done, but this isn’t usually necessary.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart. This step is super important. I ruined my cream cheese cookies the first time around by skipping this step.
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze (if using). In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over them. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, you can dip the tops of the cookies in the glaze. I just drizzle it.

Let the glaze set before serving. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it!

That’s it! You’ve just made a batch of delicious cream cheese cookies. See, I told you it was easy! Now, go enjoy them!

Serving Ideas

Okay, so you’ve got a batch of warm, gooey cream cheese cookies ready to go. Now what? Well, the possibilities are endless! But I’ll share some of my family’s favorite ways to enjoy these little treats. Serving cookies can be more than just placing them on a plate. Get creative with your presentation! Use tiered stands, colorful platters, or even individual mini dishes to make your cookies look even more appealing. Adding a few fresh berries or a sprig of mint can also elevate the overall presentation and make your cookies look irresistible.

Honestly, the best way to serve these cream cheese cookies is warm, straight from the oven. But that’s not always practical, is it? So, here are a few other ideas:

With a glass of cold milk: Classic, simple, and always a winner. My kids love this! It’s the best way to eat cream cheese cookies.
With a cup of coffee or tea: The perfect afternoon treat for adults. The tanginess of the cream cheese cookies pairs perfectly with the bitterness of coffee.

As part of a dessert platter: These cookies are a great addition to any dessert spread, especially around the holidays.
As a gift: Package them up in a cute box or tin, and they make a thoughtful and delicious gift for friends and family.
At a potluck or party: These cookies are always a crowd-pleaser. I bring them to every potluck and they never last long!

With ice cream: You can even serve them in an ice cream sandwich! I haven’t tried it with these cookies, but it would probably taste great.
Plain: Sometimes, you just want to enjoy the cookies on their own. And that’s perfectly fine too!

No matter how you choose to serve them, these cream cheese cookies are sure to be a hit. They’re perfect for any occasion, big or small. And they’re so easy to make that you can whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes. My family likes to eat cream cheese cookies all year round.

If you have leftover cream cheese cookies (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Or, you can freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

I know you probably have some questions about these cream cheese cookies, so I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions (and their answers!) to help you out. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask in the comments below! Baking can sometimes feel like a science, and it’s natural to have questions or encounter issues along the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out to fellow bakers or consult online resources for guidance. The baking community is incredibly supportive and always willing to share their knowledge and expertise.

Q: Can I use a different type of flour?A: While all-purpose flour is the best choice for these cookies, you can substitute it with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser, nuttier cookie. Just keep in mind that they may not be as soft and chewy. I haven’t tried it, so I’m not entirely sure how it will turn out. The cream cheese cookies are made with all-purpose flour because that’s the classic recipe.

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?A: Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you really want to make your baking easier, you can prepare the cream cheese cookies ahead of time.

Q: Can I freeze these cookies?A: Yes! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?A: Absolutely! Chocolate chips would be a delicious addition to these cookies. I recommend using semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can use any type you like. That would turn the cream cheese cookies into chocolate chip cookies.

Q: Can I use a different type of extract instead of vanilla?A: Yes! Almond extract, lemon extract, or orange extract would all be delicious in these cookies. Just use the same amount as the vanilla extract. My family loves almond extract. So that’s a good substitute for the cream cheese cookies.

Q: My cookies spread too much. What did I do wrong?A: There are a few reasons why your cookies might have spread too much. First, make sure your butter and cream cheese are not too soft. They should be softened, but not melted. Second, don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing can cause the gluten in the flour to develop, which can lead to spreading. Third, make sure your oven is at the correct temperature. If your oven is too hot, the cookies will spread before they have a chance to set. The recipe for cream cheese cookies includes all the tips you need to avoid spreading.

Conclusion

So, there you have it: my family’s favorite recipe for cream cheese cookies. They’re soft, chewy, slightly tangy, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion. I hope you’ll give them a try! Baking is not just about following a recipe; it’s about creating memories and sharing love through food. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or even just for yourself, take pride in the effort you put in and enjoy the process. The aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home is a reward in itself!

Finished Cream Cheese Cookies with Handwritten Note

Here are a few final tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly:

Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Use softened, but not melted, butter and cream cheese. This will help create a soft and chewy texture.

Bake the cookies until the edges are lightly golden. This will ensure that they are cooked through but still soft in the center.

My family likes to eat these cream cheese cookies plain, but you can add anything you want to them. A little chocolate drizzle goes a long way! My kids have lots of fun decorating the cream cheese cookies and coming up with creative designs.

Remember, baking is all about experimenting and having fun. So, don’t be afraid to try new things and put your own spin on this recipe. Maybe your family will love the addition of chocolate chips. I’d love to hear what you do to these cream cheese cookies!

I truly hope you enjoy these cookies as much as my family does. They’ve become a cherished part of our family traditions, and I hope they become a part of yours too.

Happy baking, and I hope these cream cheese cookies become as beloved in your kitchen as they are in mine! Try these links for more delicious creamy cheesy meals, https://kierasrecipes.com/delicious-creamy-cheesesteak-tortellini/, https://kierasrecipes.com/cheesesteak-tortellini-in-creamy-provolone-sauce/.

Creamy Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

Discover 5 incredible cream cheese cookie recipes that are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. These cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion!

Author: Kiera
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Cookies

Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar and beat until well combined.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For best results, make sure your cream cheese and butter are fully softened before starting. You can also add chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles to customize your cookies!