These cookies are soft like clouds and have the tangy magic of cream cheese in every bite. You’ll catch yourself sneaking one after another they’re that addicting. Whether you’re baking with kids, sharing holiday tins, or just craving a soft cookie moment, this cream cheese cookie recipe has your back.
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Why These Cream Cheese Cookies Are a Dream
Cream cheese cookies are my go-to when I need something that feels cozy without a lot of fuss. They’re buttery, soft, and almost melt when you bite in. I love how the cream cheese adds a mellow tang that balances all the sugar just right. And let’s be honest we all need a cookie like this in our back pocket when the cravings hit.
Where This Recipe Comes From
A Cookie My Sister Made by Accident
This recipe was born in the middle of a snowstorm, back when my sister and I decided to raid the fridge for a baking adventure. We had no chocolate chips, no brown sugar just butter, sugar, flour… and a block of cream cheese. She tossed it in, hoping for the best. What came out? Pillowy-soft cookies with the gentlest tang and a golden edge.
Why I Still Make It Every December
Now, it’s a December staple in our home. These cookies aren’t flashy. They don’t have sprinkles or fillings or swirls. But they feel like home. I bake them when the tree goes up, when neighbors drop by, and sometimes just because I want to smell something sweet in the oven while sipping tea.
What Makes These Cookies So Special
The Texture is Everything
Soft. Dense. Dreamy. These cookies don’t crisp or crunchthey melt. Cream cheese gives them their signature pillowy texture, and a hint of vanilla adds depth. They taste like a sugar cookie’s more sophisticated cousin.
Little Tweaks That Go a Long Way
- Dust them with cinnamon instead of icing sugar
- Add lemon zest or almond extract for a twist
- Dip half in dark chocolate if you’re feeling fancy
These soft cookies are perfect for a cozy afternoon alongside a slice of this Italian ricotta cookie another dreamy, tangy treat.
And if you’re building a cookie tray, consider adding this vanilla Christmas cookie recipe to round out the holiday vibe.
For something creamy and spoonable that still gives cheesecake energy, try serving these with this easy caramel apple cheesecake dip.
How to Make Cream Cheese Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 stick unsalted butter (115g), softened
- 4 oz cream cheese (120g), room temp
- 1¾ cup all-purpose flour (200g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Cream it: In a bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until fluffy.
- Mix it: Add sugar and beat for a minute. Crack in the egg, then vanilla, and keep mixing.
- Dry goods: Add baking powder and flour gradually. The dough will be thick and a little sticky that’s good!
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Shape: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll dough into 1–2 inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Flatten: Press gently with your fingers or the bottom of a glass don’t squash them flat!
- Bake: Bake for 9–11 minutes. Look for golden edges underneath.
- Finish: Cool on a wire rack and dust with icing sugar if you like.
Tips & Tricks From My Kitchen
- Don’t use whipped or low-fat cream cheese it makes the dough too runny
- Want perfect puffs? Chill that dough
- Sticky hands? Lightly flour them or rinse in cold water mid-rolling
- Watch the bottoms! The cookies are done once golden underneath
FAQ
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Freeze after step 4 in a zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Not recommended it’ll mess with the structure. Stick to full-fat block-style cream cheese.
How do I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend like Bob’s Red Mill. They’ll still be soft and tasty.
Cream Cheese Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth (Easy & Cozy Recipe)
Description
These cream cheese cookies are buttery, soft, and slightly tangy — the kind that melt in your mouth and vanish from the plate too fast.
Ingredients
1 stick unsalted butter (115g), softened
4 oz cream cheese (120g), room temp
1¾ cup all-purpose flour (200g)
1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp baking powder
Instructions
1. Cream butter and cream cheese until fluffy.
2. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
3. Add baking powder and flour gradually. Mix until just combined.
4. Refrigerate dough for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Roll into 1–2 inch balls and place on baking sheet.
7. Flatten gently. Bake 9–11 minutes until golden underneath.
8. Cool and dust with icing sugar.
Notes
Use full-fat block cream cheese only — no whipped or low-fat versions.
Chilling the dough is essential for shape and softness.
If dough feels sticky, dust your hands with flour or rinse in cold water.