Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies 🍪💗

Soft, sweet, and topped with dreamy frosting—these are the sugar cookies you’ll bake on repeat.

If you love sugar cookies but crave something a little richer, softer, and just slightly tangier, these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are everything. The cream cheese in both the cookie dough and frosting gives them an ultra-soft texture and a melt-in-your-mouth finish that’s dangerously addictive.

Perfect for holidays, birthdays, bake sales, or “just because,” this recipe will have everyone asking you for the secret.

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Why I Love This Recipe

• Cream cheese makes them extra tender and rich
• No rolling pin or cookie cutters needed—just scoop and flatten
• Frosting is smooth, sweet, and pipe-able
• Easy to customize with colors and sprinkles
• Keeps beautifully for gifting and sharing

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 Tbsp milk, if needed
• Pink food coloring (optional)

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How to Make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

1️⃣ Make the Dough

In a large bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla; mix until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet until a soft dough forms.

2️⃣ Chill & Bake

Cover dough and chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment.
Roll dough into balls and place 2 inches apart.
Flatten slightly and bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are just set.
Cool completely before frosting.

3️⃣ Make the Frosting

Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth.
Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla extract.
If needed, add a tablespoon of milk for smoother consistency.
Tint with food coloring if desired.

4️⃣ Frost & Decorate

Spread frosting generously over cooled cookies.
Add sprinkles if you’re feeling festive—or keep it classic.

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Tips for Success

• Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading
• Don’t overbake—cookies should be set on the edges but still pale in the center
• Use room-temperature butter and cream cheese for smooth mixing
• Add a drop of almond extract to the dough or frosting for a bakery-style flavor
• Store frosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months

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Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These cookies shine on dessert trays and holiday tables. Pair them with:

• Blueberry Lemonade for a fruity, refreshing contrast
• Serve alongside Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies for a colorful cookie plate
• Make a trio with Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites and Copycat Neiman Marcus Cookies
• Add to your holiday rotation with The Easter Cookies Everyone Will Be Talking About

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More Recipes You’ll Love

• Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
• Copycat Neiman Marcus Cookies
• The Easter Cookies Everyone Will Be Talking About
• Blueberry Lemonade

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Final Thoughts

These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies strike the perfect balance of rich, soft, and sweet. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and loved by kids and adults alike. Once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever made sugar cookies without cream cheese.

Let me know how you decorate yours—and don’t forget to subscribe to ChefManiac for more bakery-style treats made simple!