These Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful treat that melts in your mouth, boasting a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and vanilla. Ideal for any occasion—from casual gatherings to holiday celebrations—these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike. Their unique texture and flavor profile make them stand out from traditional cookies, making them a must-try recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These cookies offer a soft, delicate bite that is incredibly satisfying.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile flavors: While delicious on their own, these cookies can be customized with add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
- Perfect for sharing: With 28 servings, they’re great for parties or as a sweet gift for loved ones.
- Quick prep time: You can whip up these cookies in just 10 minutes, plus some chilling time!
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect cream cheese cookies, you will need a few essential tools and equipment. Having the right tools makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or Silpat
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer: These tools help achieve the creamy, fluffy texture needed for the dough.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple mixing bowls allows you to easily combine wet and dry ingredients without mess.
- Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet ensures even baking 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 Cookies
- 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
How to Make Cream Cheese Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
- Whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
- Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer, cream the butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
- Gradually add in the sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed well.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients.
- Mix on low speed until just combined. Use a spatula to scrape down the bottom of the bowl for even mixing.
- 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).
- Portion out roughly two tablespoon-sized pieces of dough and roll them into balls. Dampen your hands slightly to manage stickiness if needed.
- Place cookie balls about two inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or Silpat.
- Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges are set and lightly golden.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Cookies
Cream cheese cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a simple snack or a festive treat, these cookies can fit any occasion.
With Coffee or Tea
- Pair with Coffee: The slight tang from the cream cheese complements the bitterness of coffee perfectly.
- Enjoy with Tea: These cookies also pair wonderfully with herbal or black tea for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
As Party Favors
- Gift in a Jar: Layer the cookies in a mason jar for an attractive party favor that guests will love.
- Decorate with Ribbon: Add a ribbon for a beautiful touch that enhances their appeal during holidays or gatherings.
Topped with Glaze
- Lemon Glaze: Drizzle a zesty lemon glaze over the cookies for added sweetness and flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: A simple chocolate drizzle can elevate these cookies into gourmet treats.
With Ice Cream
- Cookie Sandwiches: Use two cream cheese cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream flavor for a delightful dessert.
- A La Mode: Serve warm cookies topped with ice cream for an irresistible dessert experience.
How to Perfect Cream Cheese Cookies
To achieve the ultimate cream cheese cookie, follow these tips. They will ensure your cookies are perfectly soft and flavorful every time.
- Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps prevent spreading and results in thicker cookies.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures even mixing and helps create a smooth texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until combined prevents tough cookies.
- Check Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer can help verify that your oven is at the correct temperature for baking.
- Cool on Baking Sheet First: Letting them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring will help maintain their shape.
Best Side Dishes for Cream Cheese Cookies
Cream cheese cookies pair well with various side dishes, enhancing your dessert table. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad balances the richness of the cookies while adding freshness.
- Cheese Platter: Offer assorted cheeses alongside crackers, which complement the creamy texture of the cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a wholesome side that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of cookies.
- Savory Nuts: Roasted, seasoned nuts provide a crunchy contrast to soft cream cheese cookies.
- Mini Muffins: Serve an assortment of mini muffins as another sweet option at gatherings.
- Chocolate Fondue: A fun interactive dish where guests can dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate adds excitement to dessert time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making cream cheese cookies can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and cream cheese. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense texture instead of the light and fluffy cookies you want.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mixing the dough too much can make your cookies tough. Mix just until combined for the best results.
- Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping the chilling step can lead to cookies spreading too much while baking. A good chill helps maintain their shape.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated properly. An oven that’s too hot or too cold can result in unevenly baked cookies.
- Using Old Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh. Expired baking powder won’t give your cookies the lift they need.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Keep cookies at room temperature for optimal taste and texture.
Freezing Cream Cheese Cookies
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
- They will keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Cream Cheese Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes for a fresh-baked texture.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds; be careful not to overdo it.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick pan on low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes cream cheese cookies different?
Cream cheese cookies are unique because cream cheese adds moisture and a slight tanginess, resulting in a tender cookie with a rich flavor.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, but it may alter the texture slightly. Full-fat cream cheese gives the best results.
How do I customize my cream cheese cookies?
You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to your dough for extra flavor. Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg also work well!
How long do these cream cheese cookies last?
When stored correctly in an airtight container, they can last up to one week in the refrigerator and three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
These cream cheese cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and perfect balance of sweetness, they make an excellent treat for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or serve them plain! Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Cream Cheese Cookies
Indulge in the delightful experience of Cream Cheese Cookies, a perfect blend of sweetness and tang that melts in your mouth. These cookies are not only easy to make but also versatile, allowing you to customize them with chocolate chips, nuts, or spices for a personal touch. The soft, fluffy texture makes them an ideal choice for any occasion—whether it’s a casual get-together or a holiday celebration. With just 10 minutes of prep time and 28 delicious servings, these cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Treat yourself to a batch of these irresistible cookies that are sure to impress everyone.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 28 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 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 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl; set aside.
- In a mixer, cream butter and cream cheese until smooth; add sugar and mix until fluffy.
- Incorporate egg and vanilla; mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until just combined.
- Chill dough covered in plastic wrap for at least one hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll dough into balls and place on lined baking sheet.
- Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg