If you’re craving a homemade cookie that delivers melt-in-your-mouth softness with rich, buttery flavor, look no further than this Cream Cheese Cookies: Buttery Treats Recipe. Combining the tangy creaminess of cream cheese with the comforting texture of classic sugar cookies, these treats come out tender and irresistible every single time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies bake up quickly and keep well, making them a delightful addition to any cookie jar or dessert spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cream Cheese Cookies: Buttery Treats Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to enhance flavor, texture, and that perfect tender crumb we all love in a cookie. From the richness of butter and cream cheese to the sweetness of sugar and the aromatic hint of vanilla, these basics come together effortlessly.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup or 225 g): Softened butter adds the essential buttery richness that makes these cookies so delectable.
- Cream cheese (6 oz or 170 g): Softened to blend smoothly, cream cheese introduces a subtle tang and incredible tender texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/4 cups or 250 g): Provides a sweet base and helps create a slightly crisp edge.
- Egg yolk (1 large): Binds the dough and adds richness without making the cookies cakey.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups or 315 g): The sturdy foundation that holds everything together.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
- Optional powdered sugar or sprinkles: Perfect for adding a festive or finishing touch to your cookies.
How to Make Cream Cheese Cookies: Buttery Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures even cooking and makes clean-up a breeze, setting you up for cookie success.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is luxuriously smooth and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key to achieving that tender, buttery texture that makes these cookies so special.
Step 3: Add Sugar, Egg Yolk, and Vanilla
Next, blend in the granulated sugar and beat until well combined with the creamy base. Then mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, giving the dough a rich flavor boost and smooth consistency that’s easy to work with.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Salt
Gradually add the flour and salt to your wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want the cookies to remain tender, not tough.
Step 5: Scoop and Space Your Dough
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart. This prevents the cookies from merging as they spread during baking and helps them keep a nice shape.
Step 6: Bake Until Just Golden
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, watching carefully. The cookies are ready when their edges just start to take on a golden hue, ensuring a soft center with a lightly crisp perimeter.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or add sprinkles for a festive touch. Now your Cream Cheese Cookies: Buttery Treats Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Cream Cheese Cookies: Buttery Treats Recipe
Garnishes
Simple powdered sugar sifted lightly on top turns these cookies into elegant delights perfect for tea time or parties. For a more playful vibe, colorful sprinkles or even edible glitter add festive flair that’s sure to please kids and adults alike.
Side Dishes
Pair these buttery cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of coffee or tea. They also complement fruit preserves or cream cheese frosting, making your snack time feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching two cookies together with a dollop of cream cheese frosting or berry jam for a delightful twist. Arrange them on a festive platter with seasonal fruits or edible flowers to elevate your dessert presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Cream Cheese Cookies: Buttery Treats Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and fresh without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a sealed freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep perfectly for up to 2 months so you can enjoy these treats anytime.
Reheating
To refresh frozen or day-old cookies, gently warm them in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5 minutes or pop in the microwave for 10 seconds. This revives that fresh-baked softness and buttery flavor you love.
FAQs
Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
While you can, full-fat cream cheese gives the best buttery richness and soft texture in this Cream Cheese Cookies: Buttery Treats Recipe. Reduced-fat versions may make the cookies less tender.
What if I don’t have a cookie scoop?
No worries! You can use a tablespoon or simply roll dough into balls with your hands. Just remember to space them well on the baking sheet for even baking.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing before baking?
Absolutely. Scoop the dough onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Can I substitute the granulated sugar with brown sugar?
You can substitute with light brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor, but it may affect the texture slightly, making cookies softer and chewier.
How do I make these cookies dairy-free?
Since cream cheese and butter are central to the flavor and texture of this Cream Cheese Cookies: Buttery Treats Recipe, dairy-free substitutions can be tricky. Try using a dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter, but expect some changes in taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Cookies: Buttery Treats Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to make when I want a quick, scrumptious dessert that feels homemade and special every time. The delicate balance of rich butter and creamy cheese creates a comforting cookie that everyone will ask for again and again. I can’t wait for you to try baking these and sharing them with your loved ones — trust me, they’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so divine!
Print
Cream Cheese Cookies: Buttery Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cream Cheese Cookies are rich, buttery, and tender treats that melt in your mouth. Perfectly balanced with cream cheese and butter, these cookies have a delicate crumb and subtle vanilla flavor, making them a delightful snack or dessert. Easy to prepare and bake, they can also be beautifully decorated with powdered sugar or sprinkles.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Decoration
- Powdered sugar
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Sugar, Egg Yolk, and Vanilla: Gradually beat in the granulated sugar until well combined. Then mix in the egg yolk followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring a smooth and uniform batter.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture. Mix gently just until a soft and workable dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Form Cookies: Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to portion the dough. Place each scoop on the prepared baking sheets spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just barely golden. This ensures they stay soft inside.
- Cool and Decorate: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with powdered sugar or sprinkles if desired.
Notes
- Make sure both butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easy creaming and smooth dough.
- Do not overmix after adding flour to prevent tough cookies.
- Cookies can be decorated with powdered sugar for a classic look or colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- For a firmer cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
