Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

By Paula

These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and rich in flavor, thanks to the addition of cream cheese in the dough. The slight tanginess from the cream cheese enhances the vanilla and almond extract, making these cookies perfect for decorating or enjoying plain. Chilling the dough is essential to achieve the right texture and make rolling and cutting easier.

Essential Ingredients

To make these delicious sugar cookies, you’ll need:

Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

Preparation Steps

Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, beat together sugar, butter, cream cheese, egg yolk, salt, almond extract, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Gradually mix in flour until the dough comes together.
Chill the Dough:
- Divide dough into three equal parts and shape each into a disk.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Preheat & Roll Dough:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly flour a surface and roll out one disk at a time to ⅛-inch thickness (keep remaining dough refrigerated).
Cut & Bake Cookies:
- Use cookie cutters to cut into shapes.
- Place cookies 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 7-10 minutes, rotating halfway, until light golden brown.
- Transfer to wire racks and let cool completely before frosting.

Health Benefits

Lower Sugar Option: Compared to traditional sugar cookies, these can be made with less sugar without compromising texture.
Rich & Moist Texture: Cream cheese helps create a soft and chewy texture.
Portion-Controlled: At just 53 calories per cookie, these make a light treat.
Great for Customization: Perfect base for holiday decorating with icing and sprinkles.

Serving Suggestions

Decorate for Holidays: Use royal icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar for festive designs.
Pair with Hot Drinks: Enjoy with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
Frosted or Plain: Serve as is or top with buttercream or cream cheese frosting.
Sandwich Cookies: Spread a layer of chocolate ganache or jam between two cookies.

Creative Variations

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
Lemon Zest Twist: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest for a citrusy flavor.
Spiced Version: Mix in ½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle with melted chocolate after baking.
Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans before baking for added crunch.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate Dough: Dough can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze for Later: Wrap dough in plastic and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Keep Baked Cookies Fresh: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze Baked Cookies: Layer with parchment paper and freeze for up to 2 months.

Pro Tips

Chill Dough Thoroughly: This prevents cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Don’t Overwork Dough: Mix until just combined to keep cookies soft and tender.
Use High-Quality Butter: For a rich, buttery taste, use real unsalted butter.
For Crispier Cookies: Roll the dough slightly thinner and bake an extra 1-2 minutes.
Egg Wash for Shine: If decorating with sprinkles, brush unbaked cookies with egg white before adding toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.

Why is my dough too sticky to roll?
It needs more chilling time—keep it in the fridge until firm.

Can I use a stand mixer instead of a hand mixer?
Yes! A stand mixer with a paddle attachment works well.

How do I make them softer or crispier?
For softer cookies, roll slightly thicker; for crispier cookies, roll thinner and bake slightly longer.

Enjoy these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies, a soft, buttery, and versatile treat perfect for any occasion!