Cream Cheese Cookies – Soft, Tender, Bakery-Style Treats

Cream Cheese Cookies deliver the perfect blend of softness, richness, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. They taste buttery, tender, and slightly tangy thanks to the cream cheese, making them a standout cookie for any season. These cookies bake beautifully with minimal effort, freeze well, and work for holidays, bake sales, or simple everyday treats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, pillowy texture that stays tender for days
• Simple pantry ingredients you can mix in minutes
• Perfect balance of sweetness and subtle cream cheese richness
• Freezer-friendly dough and baked cookies
• Ideal for decorating, gifting, or dipping in warm drinks
• Consistent results every single time

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add the sugar and continue mixing until fully combined and creamy.
4. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until blended.
5. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
6. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
7. Cover the dough and chill for 30 minutes to help the cookies keep their shape.
8. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges look lightly golden.
10. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Tips & Variations

• Chill the dough to prevent spreading and maintain a soft, puffy shape.
• Add lemon zest for a fresh, fragrant twist.
• Roll the dough in powdered sugar for a soft crinkle effect.
• Swap vanilla for almond extract for a bakery-style flavor change.
• Use a cookie scoop for even baking and uniform size.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerated dough keeps well for 48 hours.
• Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen and add 1 extra minute.
• Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve with hot chocolate, coffee, or warm vanilla milk.
• Add a light glaze or sprinkle powdered sugar on top.
• Pair with fresh fruit for a beautiful dessert spread.
• Sandwich two cookies with a thin layer of cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my cream cheese cookies spreading too much?

The dough likely needs more chilling. Soft dough tends to spread, especially when butter and cream cheese are warm. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, or longer if your kitchen is warm. Also ensure you accurately measure the flour.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the dough 1–2 days ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake. You can also freeze dough balls for fast baking on busy days. The cookies maintain their soft texture very well after thawing.

Can I add mix-ins to this recipe?

Absolutely. Chocolate chips, white chocolate, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries work well. Add up to 1 cup of mix-ins to maintain the dough’s structure and softness.

Do I need to use full-fat cream cheese?

Full-fat cream cheese gives the cookies the best texture and flavor. Reduced-fat versions may create a softer, stickier dough that spreads more. For reliable results, stick with full-fat cream cheese.

Ready to Make It?

If you love soft, buttery cookies with a rich homemade taste, this recipe delivers every time. Save it, share it, or bake a fresh batch today to enjoy warm, tender cookies straight from the oven.

You Might Also Like

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• Lemon Loaf – Moist and fragrant loaf with a fresh citrus finish and tender crumb.

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