Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are a delightful spin on a classic favorite. The addition of cream cheese creates a soft, tender texture while giving the cookies a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. Topped with rich cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for decorating and sharing year-round—from springtime parties to cozy winter baking days.
Why I Love This Recipe
When you’re craving a cookie that’s soft, fluffy, and practically melts in your mouth, these are the answer. I especially love how the dough holds its shape beautifully, making them ideal for frosting or even cut-out designs. Plus, the cream cheese in both the cookie and the frosting adds a richness that elevates them from basic to bakery-worthy.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2¼ 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)
How to Make Them – Step-by-Step
1️⃣ Make the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
2️⃣ Chill & Bake
Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet, and flatten slightly. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are soft. Cool completely on a wire rack.
3️⃣ Make the Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract and milk (as needed) until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Tint with food coloring if using.
4️⃣ Frost & Serve
Spread or pipe the frosting over the cooled cookies. Add sprinkles if desired and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chill time—it keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Flavor Boost: Add ¼ tsp almond extract to either the dough or frosting for a delicious bakery-style flavor.
- Soft Texture: Don’t overbake! The centers should still look slightly underdone when you take them out—they’ll finish setting as they cool.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Fridge: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost when ready to serve.
- Make-Ahead: The dough can be chilled for up to 48 hours or frozen in portioned scoops for later baking.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
These cookies are versatile and festive. Serve them:
- At baby showers, birthdays, or holiday parties
- With a hot mug of tea or cocoa
- Alongside these Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies for a colorful cookie tray
- With these Easter Cookies for a spring celebration
More Cookies You’ll Love
If these are your kind of cookie, you’ll also enjoy:
- These Easy Coconut Macaroons – a chewy treat made with just 3 ingredients.
- These Copycat Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies – a must-bake for chocolate lovers.
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites – perfect for lunchboxes and snacking.
Final Thoughts
These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are a go-to for soft, buttery, perfectly frosted goodness. Whether you keep them simple or go all out with decorations, they’re a deliciously nostalgic treat that everyone loves.
Tried them? Let us know how they turned out! Drop a comment or tag us on social—and don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more cookie magic and creative baking ideas.
