Cream Cheese Cookies

Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, buttery treats with a delicate sweetness and a subtle cheesecake flavor that makes them completely irresistible. These charming two bite cookies are light in texture and beautifully shaped using a cookie press, making them perfect for holidays, parties, and everyday baking. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a quick chill before baking, this recipe is both simple and reliable. Whether you are creating festive green Christmas trees or colorful flower shapes for spring celebrations, these cream cheese cookies deliver impressive results with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

There are many cookie recipes to choose from, but cream cheese cookies offer something special.

First, the texture is incredibly tender. Thanks to the combination of butter and cream cheese, these cookies have a smooth, melt in your mouth consistency that feels lighter than traditional sugar cookies.

Second, they are visually stunning. Using a cookie press allows you to create elegant shapes that hold beautifully during baking. From Christmas trees to flowers, the presentation always looks bakery worthy.

Third, they bake quickly. With a baking time of just 4 to 6 minutes, you can prepare several batches in less than an hour.

Finally, they are versatile. You can color the dough, decorate with frosting, or customize flavors to suit any occasion. They are a wonderful addition to holiday dessert platters, baby showers, birthday celebrations, and afternoon tea gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1/2 lb butter at room temperature

• 4 oz cream cheese at room temperature

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 cups all purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

For the Frosting:

• 3 tablespoons butter at room temperature

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk

• Food coloring of choice

Step by Step How to Make Cream Cheese Cookies

Begin by placing the room temperature butter and cream cheese into a large mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is important because it creates the smooth base that gives these cookies their soft texture.

Next, add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the ingredients are fully combined and creamy.

Gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed. Incorporate it slowly to avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies dense. The finished dough should be soft, smooth, and easy to press.

If you would like colored cookies, add a few drops of food coloring at this stage and mix until evenly blended. Green works beautifully for holiday trees, while pastel shades are perfect for spring flowers.

Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. While it chills, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

After chilling, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for around 10 minutes before placing it into the cookie press. This helps it press smoothly without cracking.

Fill your cookie press with dough and press the cookies onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Make sure the baking sheet is cool before starting.

Bake the cookies for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the bottoms turn lightly golden. The tops will remain pale, so avoid waiting for visible browning on top.

Remove from the oven and allow the baking sheet to cool completely before pressing the next batch. A warm sheet can prevent the dough from releasing properly.

To prepare the frosting, combine butter, powdered sugar, and milk in a bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add food coloring and mix until evenly tinted. Once the cookies are completely cool, frost and decorate as desired.

Helpful Tips

Always use room temperature butter and cream cheese. Cold ingredients will not blend properly and may result in uneven texture.

Do not overmix after adding flour. Gentle mixing keeps the cookies soft and tender.

If your cookies do not release from the press, chill the dough slightly longer.

Let the cookies rest at room temperature before serving to enjoy their ideal texture, especially if they have been refrigerated.

Keep a close eye on baking time. Because they bake quickly, even an extra minute can change the texture.

Substitutions And Variations

You can easily customize this recipe to match your flavor preferences.

Add citrus zest such as lemon or orange for a bright twist.

Swap half the vanilla for almond extract to create a slightly nutty flavor.

Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies instead of frosting for an elegant finish.

If you do not have a cookie press, roll the dough into small balls and gently flatten them with the bottom of a glass.

You can also sprinkle colored sugar on top before baking for added sparkle.

For a festive presentation, wrap them in clear treat bags and tie them with ribbon to create thoughtful homemade edible gifts.

Storage Instructions

Store cream cheese cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

If frosted, consider refrigerating them to keep the frosting firm. Let the cookies rest at room temperature before serving to enjoy their ideal texture.

Unfrosted cream cheese cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and frost if desired.

The dough itself can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow it to soften slightly before pressing.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional values are approximate and based on a yield of about 48 small cookies.

• Calories: 85 per cookie

• Fat: 5 grams

• Carbohydrates: 9 grams

• Sugar: 4 grams

• Protein: 1 gram

Exact values may vary depending on frosting amount and portion size.

Serving Suggestions

Cream cheese cookies are incredibly versatile and suitable for nearly any occasion.

Arrange them on a festive platter for holiday gatherings. Add them to dessert tables at baby showers or birthdays for an elegant touch.

Serve them alongside coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon treat.

They also make wonderful edible gifts. Package them in decorative tins or clear gift bags tied with ribbon for a homemade present that feels personal and thoughtful.

Because they are small and lightly sweet, they pair well with other desserts without overwhelming the palate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cream Cheese Cookies

Can I prepare the dough in advance
Yes, the dough can be made up to 24 hours ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Before using, let it rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes so it presses smoothly.

Why are my cookies not keeping their shape
If the dough is too warm or the baking sheet is hot, the shapes may not form properly. Chill the dough briefly and ensure the baking sheet is completely cool.

Do I need a cookie press
A cookie press is ideal for decorative shapes, but you can shape the dough by hand if necessary.

Can I freeze frosted cookies
It is best to freeze them without frosting. Frost after thawing for the best appearance and flavor.

How do I know when they are finished baking
Look for lightly golden bottoms. The tops will stay pale even when fully baked.

Final Thoughts

Thank you so much for baking these cream cheese cookies with me. They are one of my favorite recipes because they are so simple to prepare yet deliver such soft, rich flavor in every bite. I love how easy they are to customize for any season or celebration, and how quickly they come together even on busy days. I hope this recipe brings warmth to your kitchen and smiles to everyone who tastes them. Happy baking, and thank you for being part of this wonderful food loving community.

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