Description
Delightfully soft and creamy, these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies combine the richness of cream cheese with a buttery dough to create a tender, flavorful treat. Perfectly sweetened and subtly flavored with almond and vanilla extracts, these cookies are baked to a perfect golden finish and topped with easy homemade or store-bought frosting for a classic dessert everyone will love.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter (room temperature)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 2 cans store-bought frosting (or homemade icing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature butter, cream cheese, and sugar. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy, which takes about 5 minutes. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Add Flavors and Egg: Add the large egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract to the fluffy mixture. Beat until all ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until they are well incorporated.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients about ½ cup at a time, beating after each addition just until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl between additions to ensure even mixing.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the dough to firm up and flavors to meld.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cookie removal and cleanup.
- Roll Out Dough: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Let it warm slightly for about 5 minutes for easier rolling. Roll the dough out evenly to a thickness of ½ inch.
- Cut Out Cookies: Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shapes. Transfer the cut cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies have puffed slightly but are not browned.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheets. This prevents breaking and helps them set perfectly.
- Prepare Frosting: To prepare the frosting using store-bought canned frosting, remove the foil seal and microwave the frosting for 30 seconds. Stir well, then continue microwaving in additional 15-second increments, stirring after each, until the frosting reaches a pourable consistency.
- Cool Frosting: Allow the frosting to cool slightly to prevent it from melting the cookies when applied.
- Decorate Cookies: For piping a border or outline around the cookies, keep the frosting slightly thick for controlled 'plopping' from a spoon. To flood or fully cover the cookie surface with icing, heat the frosting until it is smooth and pourable, then apply accordingly.
Notes
- Allowing the dough to chill overnight improves texture and flavor depth.
- Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup.
- When rolling dough, dust the surface lightly with flour to avoid sticking but not too much to keep the cookies tender.
- Adjust frosting thickness based on desired decoration techniques.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
