Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe

These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and have a rich, creamy texture thanks to the cream cheese. They’re a classic treat that’s perfect for holidays, parties, or whenever you're craving a sweet, simple cookie!

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Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for added flavor)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
5. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until well combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients (the flour mixture) to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. The dough will be soft and a little sticky. If it's too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm it up.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies

1. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scoop.
2. Roll each ball in the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to coat it lightly.
3. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can slightly flatten the dough balls with the back of a spoon or your hand, but it’s not necessary since these cookies will spread out nicely on their own.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The centers may look a little soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
5. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the cookies are completely cooled, serve and enjoy these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies. They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to holiday parties!

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Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

• Chill the dough: If your dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerating it will make it easier to shape into cookie balls.
• Flavor variations: For a fun twist, you can add zest of lemon or orange to the dough or mix in sprinkles or mini chocolate chips for a festive look.
• Decorating: If you want to decorate the cookies for holidays or parties, feel free to frost them with buttercream or cream cheese frosting, or sprinkle them with colored sugar before baking.

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Storage

• Room temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Enjoy your Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies – soft, chewy, and with just the right balance of sweetness and creaminess! 🍪🧀