Some recipes instantly transport you back to childhood, and for me, these Cream Cheese Cookies are one of them. I can still picture the little star and tree shapes my grandma would press out for the holidays, each one impossibly soft with a delightful tangy finish. These aren’t your average sugar cookies; the addition of cream cheese creates a uniquely tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply unforgettable. They are quick, fun to decorate, and perfect for any celebration or a simple afternoon treat.
Why make this recipe
If you’re looking for a cookie that stands out from the crowd, this is it. The magic is in the cream cheese, which works with the butter to create an incredibly rich and tender crumb that you just can’t get with butter alone. This dough is also a dream to work with in a cookie press, creating beautifully detailed shapes that hold up perfectly during baking. Because they bake in just a few minutes, you can have dozens of festive cookies ready in under an hour. They are the perfect canvas for colorful frosting and sprinkles, making them a fantastic activity for kids and a beautiful addition to any holiday cookie platter.
Ingredients
- ½ lb butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Food coloring (optional)
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring
How to make Cream Cheese Cookies
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and cream cheese. Using a stand or hand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat them together until the mixture is completely smooth, light, and fluffy. This step is key to the cookie’s tender texture.
Step 2: Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix again on medium speed until everything is well-combined and the mixture looks creamy and uniform.
Step 3: Switch to a paddle attachment if you have one. Slowly add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix! If you want to color the cookie dough itself, now is the time to add a few drops of your desired food coloring.
Step 4: Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about ten minutes. This quick chill helps the dough firm up just enough to work perfectly in the cookie press.
Step 5: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab an ungreased baking sheet. The sheet must be completely cool, as this helps the pressed dough release and stick to the pan.
Step 6: Fill your cookie press with the chilled dough according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Press cookies onto the cool baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Step 7: Bake for 4 to 6 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the bottoms are just starting to turn a light golden brown. Let them sit on the baking sheet for a minute before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: To prepare the frosting, mix the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and a few drops of food coloring in a small bowl until it’s smooth and spreadable. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk and add more only if needed to reach the right consistency.
Step 9: Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them and immediately add sprinkles if you’re using them. Let the frosting set before storing.
How to serve Cream Cheese Cookies
These delightful cookies are the star of any dessert table. Arrange them on a festive platter for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or bake sales. They are the perfect companion to a cold glass of milk for an after-school snack or a hot cup of coffee for a morning treat. For a lovely gift, stack them in a clear cellophane bag and tie it with a colorful ribbon.
How to store Cream Cheese Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container.
Room Temperature: Frosted cookies will last at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Refrigerator: If your kitchen is warm, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted, baked cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the raw dough, tightly wrapped in plastic, for the same amount of time. Thaw in the fridge before using.
Tips to make
- Use Softened Ingredients: For the smoothest dough and frosting, make sure your butter and cream cheese are truly at room temperature. This prevents lumps and ensures everything whips up light and fluffy.
- Don’t Overmix: When you add the flour, mix only until it’s just incorporated. Overmixing develops the gluten and can lead to tough cookies instead of tender ones.
- Keep It Cool: The number one rule for using a cookie press is to use a cool, ungreased metal baking sheet. A warm or greased surface will prevent the dough from sticking and releasing from the press. Work in batches and cool your sheets between them.
- Watch Them Closely: These cookies bake in a flash! At 400°F, the line between perfectly golden and slightly burnt is very thin. Stay near the oven and check them at the 4-minute mark.
- Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Use different food colorings for holidays—pastels for Easter, red and green for Christmas—or try different extracts like almond or lemon in place of vanilla for a new flavor profile.
FAQs About Cream Cheese Cookies
Can I make these cookies without a cookie press?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a cookie press, you can make these as drop cookies or cutout cookies. For cutout cookies, chill the dough for at least 1 hour until firm. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface and use cookie cutters. Bake for a slightly longer time, about 8-10 minutes, until the edges are golden. For drop cookies, simply drop rounded teaspoons of the chilled dough onto the baking sheet.
Why did my cookies spread out too much?
Spreading is usually caused by dough that is too warm or butter that was too soft (melted instead of just softened). The quick 10-minute chill is important, but if your kitchen is very warm, you may need to chill it a bit longer. Also, ensure your baking sheets are completely cool before pressing more cookies.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! This dough is great for making ahead. You can prepare the dough and store it, tightly wrapped, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to become pliable enough for the cookie press.
Final Thoughts
These Cream Cheese Cookies are a true delight, offering a unique flavor and an incredibly tender bite that sets them apart. They are as fun to make as they are to eat, providing a wonderful opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy every melt-in-your-mouth bite!
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Easy Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 40 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple recipe for soft, buttery cream cheese cookies that are pressed into shapes and topped with a sweet, creamy frosting.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
½ lb butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
Food coloring (optional)
For the Frosting:
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
Food coloring
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to whip the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Step 2: Add the granulated sugar and vanilla, and mix again until creamy.
- Step 3: Slowly add the flour and mix on a low speed until the dough forms. Add food coloring now if you want colored dough.
- Step 4: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for ten minutes.
- Step 5: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Step 6: Fill a cookie press with the chilled dough and press cookies onto a cool, ungreased baking sheet.
- Step 7: Bake for 4 to 6 minutes or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden.
- Step 8: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 9: To make the frosting, mix 3 tablespoons of softened butter, the powdered sugar, milk, and food coloring in a bowl until smooth.
- Step 10: Frost the cooled cookies and add sprinkles if desired.
Notes
Ensure the baking sheet is completely cool before pressing the dough onto it, as this helps the dough release properly.
The amount of milk in the frosting can be adjusted to reach your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 6 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American