If you love soft, buttery sugar cookies, these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are about to become your new favorite! The addition of cream cheese makes them extra soft and slightly tangy, creating the perfect balance of flavors. They hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for cut-out cookies, holiday baking, or just because you’re craving something sweet!

Why You’ll Love These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

✔ Super Soft & Tender – The cream cheese adds a melt-in-your-mouth texture!
✔ Perfect for Decorating – Holds shape well for cut-out cookies.
✔ Rich, Buttery Flavor – Not too sweet, with a deliciously smooth taste.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, no fancy techniques needed!
✔ Great for Any Occasion – Holidays, birthdays, or just a fun baking day!

What Do These Cookies Taste Like?

These cream cheese sugar cookies have a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of vanilla and a slight tang from the cream cheese. They’re not overly sweet, which makes them perfect for pairing with frosting, royal icing, or even a sprinkle of sugar!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and a soft texture.
• 3 oz cream cheese, softened – Makes the cookies extra tender and slightly tangy.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Just the right amount of sweetness.
• 1 large egg – Helps bind the dough.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth of flavor.

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The perfect base for soft but sturdy cookies.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies stay light and tender.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors.

Optional Add-Ins & Toppings:

• ½ teaspoon almond extract – Adds a subtle nutty sweetness.
• Sprinkles or colored sugar – For extra festive cookies!
• Royal icing or buttercream frosting – Perfect for decorating!

How to Make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter & Sugar

1. In a large bowl, beat together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 2: Add the Egg & Vanilla

2. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract (and almond extract if using), beating until smooth.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. (Don’t overmix—this keeps the cookies soft!)

Step 4: Chill the Dough

5. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours). This makes the dough easier to roll out and helps the cookies keep their shape.

Step 5: Roll & Cut the Cookies

6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness.
8. Use cookie cutters to cut into shapes, then transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

9. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden (don’t overbake!).
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Decorate & Enjoy!

11. Once cooled, decorate with frosting, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar!

What to Serve with Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

🍵 A warm cup of tea or coffee – The perfect pairing!
🥛 A glass of cold milk – Classic and comforting.
🍓 With fresh fruit – Adds a refreshing contrast.
🍦 With a scoop of ice cream – Turn them into ice cream sandwiches!

Pro Tips for the Best Sugar Cookies

✔ Use room temperature ingredients – Ensures a smooth, even dough.
✔ Chill the dough – Prevents spreading and keeps the cookies thick and soft.
✔ Don’t overbake – The cookies should be set but not browned on top.
✔ Re-roll scraps gently – Overworking the dough can make cookies tough.
✔ Let cookies cool before decorating – So the frosting doesn’t melt!

Storage & Freezing Tips

Refrigerator:

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days.

Freezer (Unbaked Dough):

• Wrap dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling.

Freezer (Baked Cookies):

• Freeze undecorated cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw and decorate when ready!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these without chilling the dough?

You can, but the cookies may spread more. Chilling helps keep their shape!

Can I use this dough for slice-and-bake cookies?

Yes! Shape the dough into a log before chilling, then slice and bake.

What’s the best frosting for these cookies?

Royal icing, buttercream, or a simple powdered sugar glaze all work beautifully.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.

What’s the difference between these and classic sugar cookies?

The cream cheese makes them softer, richer, and slightly tangy compared to regular sugar cookies!

Final Thoughts on Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you make them for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just a fun weekend treat, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!

Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest and share your baking photos! 🍪💖✨