Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies – The Perfect Soft and Delicious Treat

If you’re searching for the best cream cheese sugar cookies, this recipe is just what you need! These cookies are incredibly soft, buttery, and full of flavor, making them perfect for holidays, celebrations, or any occasion. Plus, they hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for decorating. Follow this step-by-step guide to bake the perfect cookies that will impress everyone.

Why You’ll Love These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

✅ Soft and Buttery Texture – Thanks to the addition of cream cheese, these cookies stay soft and tender.
✅ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
✅ Perfect for Decorating – The cookies hold their shape well, making them great for icing and sprinkles.
✅ Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or St. Patrick’s Day, these cookies are always a hit!

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

To make these delicious cream cheese sugar cookies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Green food coloring (optional, for decoration)
• Green sprinkles (optional, for a festive touch)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the granulated sugar and continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, making sure everything is well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
3. Use a shamrock-shaped cookie cutter (or any shape of your choice) to cut out the cookies.
4. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
2. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
3. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

How to Decorate Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cooled, it’s time to decorate!

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
2. Add a few drops of green food coloring (or any color of your choice) and mix well.
3. Using a piping bag or a spoon, spread the icing over the cookies.
4. Sprinkle with green sugar crystals or edible glitter for a festive touch.
5. Let the icing set completely before serving or storing.

Tips for Making the Best Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

• Chill the Dough: Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Real butter and pure vanilla extract make a difference in flavor.
• Roll Evenly: Use rolling guides to ensure uniform thickness for even baking.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies when the edges are just slightly golden for a soft texture.
• Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling.

2. Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough or baked cookies. For baked cookies, store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.

3. What if I don’t have a cookie cutter?

No problem! You can roll the dough into small balls and slightly flatten them before baking for round cookies.

4. Can I use different flavors?

Yes! Try adding almond extract or lemon zest for a unique twist on these sugar cookies.

Final Thoughts on Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their soft texture, rich flavor, and beautiful decorations, they are sure to be a crowd favorite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday or just a sweet craving, this recipe is a must-try!

Give them a try, and let us know how they turned out in the comments! Happy baking!

This SEO-optimized recipe is designed to rank well on Google by including:
✔️ A keyword-rich title (Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies)
✔️ Headings with structured formatting (H1, H2, H3)
✔️ A detailed step-by-step guide
✔️ FAQs to increase engagement
✔️ SEO-friendly tips and descriptions

Hope this helps! 🚀 Let me know if you need further improvements!