If you have a soft spot for classic sugar cookies but crave something with an extra tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, you are going to love this Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies Recipe. It combines the buttery richness of cream cheese with the sweet simplicity of sugar cookies, resulting in treats that are perfectly soft yet hold their shape beautifully for all your favorite holiday or everyday cookie cutters. These cookies are just the right balance of flavor and texture, making them an irresistible addition to any cookie platter or gift box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating that iconic texture and flavor we adore in sugar cookies. From the creamy fat of butter and cream cheese to the perfect balance of flour and leavening, every component contributes to the magic of this recipe.
- 1 cup butter, softened: Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 package cream cheese, softened: Adds moisture and a slight tang for extra softness and flavor depth.
- 1 1/2 cups sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve a light, fluffy texture.
- 2 eggs: Bind the dough together and contribute to its structure.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, ensuring it holds shapes well during baking.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Gives a slight lift, helping the cookies stay soft but not flat.
How to Make Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and prepare
Start by setting your oven at a steady 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature to ensure your cookies bake evenly, developing those golden edges while staying soft inside.
Step 2: Cream the fats and sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and smooth. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies their light texture.
Step 3: Mix in eggs and vanilla
Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract, blending them in thoroughly. These ingredients help bind everything together, while vanilla brings that nostalgic, fragrant warmth.
Step 4: Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour with baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently but thoroughly until you have a smooth, soft dough that’s easy to handle.
Step 5: Roll and cut out shapes
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create shapes that are perfect for any occasion, whether classic circles or festive holiday designs.
Step 6: Arrange on baking sheet
Place your cut cookies on a baking sheet spaced about an inch apart to give them room to spread just a bit while baking without sticking together.
Step 7: Bake until golden
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges begin to turn a delicate golden brown. This timing ensures a soft center without undercooking.
Step 8: Cool before decorating
Allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before you decorate or enjoy. This step is key to preventing your icing or toppings from melting or running.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Once cooled, these cookies are perfect canvases for sprinkles, colored sugar, or a simple glaze. Royal icing works beautifully if you want precisely decorated cookies that can charm any party guest.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a warm cup of tea, coffee, or even a cold glass of milk for a comforting pairing. The mild tang of cream cheese enhances the sweet notes in these drinks wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies tied with a ribbon or arranging them on a festive platter with edible flowers or fresh fruit. They also make gorgeous edible gifts when packaged in decorated tins or cellophane bags.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough or fully baked cookies. Wrap dough tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, use a similar airtight approach and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy these cookies warm, pop them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat briefly in a low oven. This brings back their soft, fresh-baked feel without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
The cream cheese is what gives these sugar cookies their unique tenderness and slight tang. Substituting it with sour cream or yogurt might alter the texture and flavor, so cream cheese is highly recommended for best results.
Do I have to chill the dough before rolling?
While chilling isn’t necessary for this particular recipe, you can refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes if you find it too sticky to work with. However, it rolls out nicely fresh too.
How long can I keep these cookies decorated?
Decorated cookies usually stay fresh for up to 3-4 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is the best option.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
This recipe includes butter, cream cheese, and eggs, which are hard to replace without significant texture changes. For vegan versions, consider specialized vegan cream cheese and egg substitutes, though the texture may differ.
Why do my cookies sometimes spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough briefly or check that your butter wasn’t too soft or melted before mixing. Too much warmth can cause cookies to lose shape during baking.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies Recipe is one of those delightful finds that feel both classic and a little extra special. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because you deserve a sweet treat, these cookies never fail to impress with their buttery, tender crumb and versatile flavor. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and find it as joyful to bake and share as I do!
Print
Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cream Cheese Cut Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and mildly sweet with a tender texture thanks to the addition of cream cheese. Perfectly baked to golden edges, they make a delightful treat for any occasion, easily customized with your favorite shapes and decorations.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the ideal temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
- Mix Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until the mixture becomes fluffy and smooth, forming the base of your cookie dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the mixture, beating until everything is fully blended for consistent flavor and texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients while stirring to combine the dough evenly without overmixing.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes carefully for a uniform batch.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown, signaling they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely before decorating or serving to ensure they hold their shape.
Notes
- Make sure both the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a better dough texture.
- Do not overmix once the flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it becomes too soft to handle during rolling.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat on your baking sheet to prevent sticking and for even baking.
- Decorate the cooled cookies with icing, sprinkles, or enjoy plain as a simple sweet treat.
