Irresistible Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Welcome to your new favorite baking adventure! These cream cheese cookies are soft, sweet, and incredibly easy to make, perfect for any occasion—even if you’re just looking to use up leftover ingredients.
Ingredients
To create these delicious Philadelphia cream cheese cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bake up a batch of delightful cream cheese cookies:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Egg: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar on low speed until fully combined. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, using your mixer until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 24 small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s at least 1 inch of space between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 9–10 minutes, or until they are set and lightly golden on the bottom.
- Cool and Dust: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, lightly dust with powdered sugar to finish.
This recipe yields 24 delightful cookies that can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months for a sweet treat whenever you need one!
Why This Recipe Works Great with Leftovers
This easy cream cheese cookie recipe is a fantastic solution for using up leftover cream cheese or butter. If you often find extra ingredients after hosting gatherings, this recipe transforms them into delicious, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. They make an excellent addition to your holiday baking rotation, particularly during Christmas!
If you’re looking for more leftover-friendly recipes, consider trying our White Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies or Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles. Both are perfect for turning extras into something special!
FAQs About Cream Cheese Cookies
What type of cream cheese is best for this recipe?
For optimal flavor and consistency, use regular, full-fat cream cheese, preferably blocks of Philadelphia Cream Cheese. Avoid low-fat or whipped cream cheese, as they could negatively affect the dough’s texture.
Can I freeze the cream cheese cookie dough?
Yes! Form the dough into balls and freeze them on a parchment-lined baking sheet until firm. Then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to bake, allow them to thaw slightly while preheating the oven and then bake as usual.
Why sift the dry ingredients?
Sifting ensures that the dry ingredients like flour and baking powder are evenly distributed, leading to a lighter and more uniform cookie texture.
Enjoy baking these soft cream cheese cookies, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself. They are sure to impress friends and family alike!