These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are a delightful blend of soft, tender texture and rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. The addition of cream cheese adds a subtle tanginess, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the sugar. With just 35 minutes from start to finish, they’re an easy yet impressive treat for any occasion. Each bite offers a satisfying chewiness, while the optional frosting adds a smooth, creamy finish that’s irresistible.
Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser with their classic appeal and comforting taste. The recipe yields 30 cookies, making it ideal for gatherings or gifting. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these cookies promise a rewarding experience with every golden, fragrant batch fresh from the oven.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 6 Tablespoons (85 g) salted butter, softened
- 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- Sprinkles for decorating (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and cream cheese. Use an electric mixer (or stand mixer) to beat until creamy and well-combined.
- Add the sugar and mix again until thoroughly combined.
- Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until completely combined.
- Transfer the dough to a clean, floured surface. Working with half of the dough at a time, form it into a ball (add more flour if sticky).
- Use a rolling pin to roll the dough to just under ½” thick. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters and transfer to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a bowl, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to cream until well-combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar (with the mixer on low speed) until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the cornstarch, ensuring it’s well mixed into the frosting.
- Spread or pipe the frosting over the cooled cookies. Add sprinkles if desired.
Perfect Pairings: Frosting and Decorating Ideas
While the cream cheese frosting is a classic choice, you can get creative with your cookies! Try adding a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder for a rich twist. For a fruity flavor, mix in a teaspoon of lemon zest or a few drops of raspberry extract into the frosting. Don’t forget to have fun with sprinkles, edible glitter, or even crushed nuts for extra texture and flair!
Storage Tips: Keep Your Cookies Fresh
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’ve frosted them, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Bakers
To save time, prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling. If you’re short on time, skip the cookie cutters and roll the dough into balls, then flatten slightly with a glass for simple, round cookies. These shortcuts still deliver delicious results without the extra effort!
Equipment Essentials: Tools for Success
For best results, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to ensure the butter and cream cheese are perfectly creamy. A rolling pin with thickness guides helps achieve an even ½” thickness for uniform cookies. If piping the frosting, a piping bag with a star tip creates beautiful designs, but a simple spatula works just as well for spreading.
Common Questions Answered
Wondering if you can use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but it may slightly alter the texture.
Can you skip the cornstarch?
It’s optional, but it helps create a tender cookie and smooth frosting. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. These tweaks let you customize the recipe to suit your needs!
Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 6 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 6 Tablespoons salted butter softened
- 6 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- Sprinkles for decorating optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper
- Combine butter and cream cheese and use an electric mixer (or stand mixer) to stir until creamy and well-combined.
- Add sugar and stir again until thoroughly combined.
- Stir in egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet until completely combined.
- Transfer dough to a clean surface that’s been generously dusted with flour. Working with just half of the dough at a time, transfer dough to surface and use your hands to form into a ball (add additional flour to the surface if it’s sticky).
- Use a rolling pin to roll dough to just under ½” thick. Use cookie cutters to cut into shapes and transfer to prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in 350F (175C) oven for 8-10 minutes* Allow to cool completely on baking sheet before covering with frosting.
- Cream Cheese Frosting
- Once your cookies have cooled, prepare your frosting by combining butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer (or a stand mixer) to cream ingredients together until well-combined.
- Gradually (with mixer on low-speed) add powdered sugar until completely combined. Stir in cornstarch (make sure it’s well incorporated into the frosting).
- Spread or pipe frosting over completely cooled cookies.
- Sprinkles for decorating optional