These Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful treat that melts in your mouth, offering the perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and vanilla. They are ideal for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to indulge in a sweet snack at home. These cookies stand out for their unique creamy texture and flavor profile, making them a must-try for cookie lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These cookies are incredibly soft and tender, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can whip these up with ease.
- Versatile for occasions: Perfect for holidays, parties, or just as an everyday treat; they suit any event!
- Balanced flavor: The combination of cream cheese and vanilla gives these cookies a rich taste without being overly sweet.
- Customizable: You can easily add chocolate chips or nuts to cater to your own taste preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, it’s important to gather the right tools for making these delicious cream cheese cookies. Having the proper equipment will streamline the baking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or Silpat
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer: These tools make it easy to cream butter and cream cheese together quickly, ensuring a smooth mixture.
- Spatula: A spatula is essential for scraping down the sides of your mixing bowl and ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
Ingredients
These easy cream cheese cookies MELT In your mouth and have a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and vanilla.
For the Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g, room temperature)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (113g, room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (10mL)
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (210g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Cream Cheese Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer:
1. Cream the unsalted butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
2. Gradually add in the granulated sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
3. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
4. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients:
1. Mix on low speed until just combined.
2. Use a spatula to scrape the bottom of the bowl, giving it one final gentle mix.
3. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Step 4: Bake Your Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C):
1. Portion out roughly two tablespoons of dough for each cookie and roll them into balls—dampen your hands if needed as the dough can be sticky.
2. Place cookie balls about two inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or Silpat.
3. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until edges are set and turning golden brown.
Enjoy these delightful Cream Cheese Cookies fresh out of the oven!
How to Serve Cream Cheese Cookies
Cream cheese cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a party, for a cozy family dinner, or as a treat for yourself, here are some delightful serving suggestions.
With Coffee or Tea
- Pair with your favorite beverage: These cookies complement coffee and tea perfectly, enhancing the flavors of both.
As Dessert Toppings
- Serve warm with ice cream: Place a warm cookie on top of a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert twist.
With Fresh Fruit
- Add a side of berries: Serve these cookies alongside fresh strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
For Special Occasions
- Decorate for celebrations: Use icing or colorful sprinkles to decorate cookies for birthdays or holidays, adding festive flair.
Gift Giving
- Pack in treat bags: Wrap them nicely in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts.
How to Perfect Cream Cheese Cookies
To ensure your cream cheese cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Mix until just combined to maintain a soft texture; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the dough: Allow the dough to chill for at least an hour to help it firm up and prevent spreading during baking.
- Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Check oven temperature: Always preheat your oven properly; using an oven thermometer can help achieve the perfect baking temperature.
Best Side Dishes for Cream Cheese Cookies
Cream cheese cookies pair well with various side dishes that enhance their delightful sweetness. Here are some great options to consider.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Offer assorted cheeses for a savory contrast that complements the sweet flavor.
- Nut Mix: A selection of roasted nuts provides crunch and enhances the overall snacking experience.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy, satisfying side that pairs well with cookies.
- Coffee Cake: Serve slices of coffee cake alongside for an inviting brunch spread that everyone will love.
- Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: The salty-sweet combination makes these pretzels an irresistible addition next to your cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making cream cheese cookies can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold butter or cream cheese can prevent proper mixing. Always let these ingredients come to room temperature for a smoother dough.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much after adding the flour can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
- Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping the chilling step may result in cookies that spread too much while baking. Chill your dough for at least an hour to maintain shape.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect cookie texture. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Using incorrect measurements can lead to dense or dry cookies. Use a kitchen scale for precision when measuring ingredients.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store cream cheese cookies in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Containers: Use an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent drying out.
Freezing Cream Cheese Cookies
- Duration: Freeze baked cookies for up to three months.
- Containers: Place in freezer-safe bags or containers, separating layers with parchment paper.
Reheating Cream Cheese Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making cream cheese cookies:
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for these cookies?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but it may slightly alter the texture and flavor of your cream cheese cookies.
How do I know when my cream cheese cookies are done?
Your cream cheese cookies are done when the edges are set and just turning golden brown. The centers might still look slightly soft.
Can I add mix-ins to my cream cheese cookie recipe?
Absolutely! You can customize your cream cheese cookies by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for added flavor and texture.
What makes these cream cheese cookies so special?
These cream cheese cookies melt in your mouth and have a unique blend of sweetness and tanginess that sets them apart from traditional cookie recipes.
Final Thoughts
These easy cream cheese cookies offer a delightful balance of flavors that make them perfect for any occasion. Their soft texture is simply irresistible! Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins or glazes. Give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Cream Cheese Cookies
Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful treat that melts in your mouth, offering a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and vanilla. These cookies are not just easy to make but also versatile for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home. With their creamy texture and rich flavor profile, they quickly become a favorite among cookie enthusiasts. Ideal for pairing with coffee or tea, or as a sweet topping for ice cream, these cookies will leave you wanting more. Simple yet customizable, these cream cheese cookies are an irresistible addition to any dessert table.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g), room temperature
- 4 ounces cream cheese (113g), room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (10mL)
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (210g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder; set aside.
- Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, cream the butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add sugar and beat until fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla until just combined.
- Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until combined.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
- Portion dough into balls (about two tablespoons each) and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing. Experiment by adding chocolate chips or nuts to customize flavors. Chill dough to prevent excessive spreading while baking.
