Irresistibly Soft & Easy Cream Cheese Cookies
Discover the magic of homemade Cream Cheese Cookies – a classic recipe that promises light, tender, and incredibly delicious bites with minimal effort. Perfect for any occasion, these delightful treats can be adorned with colorful sprinkles to add a festive touch to your holiday cookie trays or special gatherings. Get ready to bake a batch of cookies so good, you won’t be able to stop at just one!
There are some recipes that just stick with you, becoming timeless favorites that evoke warmth and comfort. For me, these Cream Cheese Cookies are precisely that – an enduring classic that consistently delivers joy with every bite. Their delicate texture and subtly sweet flavor make them utterly irresistible, earning them a permanent spot in my baking repertoire and undoubtedly yours too, once you try them.
My Grandma was a prolific baker, and these cookies were a staple in her kitchen. She made them constantly, and for good reason! They are astonishingly easy to whip up, demanding very little time or specialized skill. Yet, despite their simplicity, they disappear from cookie trays almost as quickly as they’re made. It’s a testament to their unparalleled deliciousness; seriously, you’ll find yourself reaching for “just one more” until they’re all gone.
SAVE THIS EASY CREAM CHEESE COOKIE RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!
The Charm of Cream Cheese Cookies: A Year-Round Delight
What makes these cream cheese cookies so special is their incredible versatility. While they shine brightly during the holiday season, they are a perfect treat any time of year. Grandma would always add red and green sugar sprinkles when baking them for Christmas or other festive occasions, transforming a simple cookie into a vibrant, edible decoration. This small touch not only made them look more appealing but, let’s be honest, it made them even harder to resist! The soft, pillowy texture combined with a hint of tang from the cream cheese creates a truly unique and memorable flavor profile that sets them apart from typical sugar cookies.
Tips for Perfect Baking: Avoid the Burnt Cookie Blues!
Achieving the perfect cream cheese cookie is all about timing. These cookies bake relatively quickly, and it’s crucial not to leave them in the oven for too long. The delicate balance of cream cheese and shortening means the bottoms and edges can brown rapidly. I aim for a very light golden hue around the edges. If they get a little darker, they’ll still be delicious, but push it too far, and you’ll end up with an unpleasant burnt taste. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking – nobody likes a burnt cookie!
For best results, your cream cheese and shortening should be at room temperature. This ensures they cream together smoothly, creating a uniform dough that bakes evenly. Once mixed, the dough will be soft but pliable. You might even consider chilling the dough for about 15-30 minutes if your kitchen is particularly warm, though it’s not strictly necessary for this recipe. This can help prevent excess spreading and makes the dough easier to handle when dropping it onto the baking sheets.
~ FOLLOW US FOR MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES ~
~ FACEBOOK ~ PINTEREST ~ INSTAGRAM ~ TWITTER ~
STAY CONNECTED: SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY
365 DAYS OF BAKING & MORE
NEWSLETTER BELOW!
JOIN THE EXCLUSIVE365 DAYS OF BAKING AND MORE FACEBOOK GROUPTO RECEIVE ADVANCE NOTICE OF OUR LIVE FB VIDEOS,SHARE YOUR OWN RECIPES AND MUCH MORE!
Essential Tools for Your Cream Cheese Cookies
To make these cookies a breeze, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools. A reliable stand mixer or hand mixer is invaluable for creaming the ingredients smoothly and efficiently. Good quality baking trays are also essential to ensure even baking and prevent sticking. And, of course, a teaspoon measure is critical for portioning out the dough to achieve the perfect size.
Understanding the Yield and Size: Grandma’s Secret
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 48 small, delightful cookies. To achieve this specific quantity and size, it’s crucial to use a *level teaspoon* of dough for each cookie. These are intentionally small cookies, and you’ll notice they don’t spread much during baking, maintaining their charming, petite shape. This size is not only how Grandma always made them, but it’s also our preferred way to enjoy them – perfectly bite-sized, making them ideal for snacking or adding to a diverse cookie assortment.
I have, on a rare occasion or two, experimented with making them slightly larger – perhaps using two teaspoonfuls of dough. If you choose to do so, be mindful of the baking time. Larger cookies will require an additional minute or two in the oven, depending on their exact size. Always keep an eye on the edges for that characteristic light golden color to ensure they’re baked through without burning. The key is consistency in your portioning to ensure all cookies bake evenly on the same tray.
Watch How Easy These Cream Cheese Cookies Are!
(Video coming soon – check back for a visual guide!)
Cream Cheese Cookies
Ingredients
- 3 oz. Cream Cheese (softened at room temperature)
- ½ cup shortening (at room temperature; you can also substitute unsalted butter in the same amount for a richer flavor, but shortening provides that classic soft texture.)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (sifted for a lighter texture)
- ¼ tsp. kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- colored sprinkling sugar (for decoration, if desired)
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy release and cleanup.
-
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream together the softened cream cheese and shortening until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
-
Gradually add the granulated sugar to the creamed mixture, beating until fully incorporated and light. Then, add the egg yolk, sifted flour, kosher salt, and pure vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until the ingredients are just combined and a soft, cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Using a level teaspoon, drop small portions of the dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart. These cookies will not spread much, so you can place them relatively close.
-
If desired, lightly sprinkle the tops of each cookie with colored sugars before placing them into the oven. This adds a beautiful festive touch and a hint of extra sweetness.
-
Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. The centers may still look soft, but they will firm up as they cool. Overbaking will result in dry cookies, so err on the side of caution. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe? We’d love to see it!
Share your delightful creations with us on Instagram and make sure to follow us on Pinterest for even more mouth-watering recipes and baking inspiration.
Pin Recipe
Share Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions About Cream Cheese Cookies
- Q: Can I substitute butter for shortening?
- A: Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of unsalted butter for shortening. However, be aware that shortening typically results in a slightly softer, more tender cookie, while butter can lead to a richer flavor and a slightly crisper edge. Both are delicious options!
- Q: Do I need to chill the cookie dough?
- A: While not strictly required for this specific recipe, if your dough feels overly soft or sticky, or if your kitchen is warm, chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes can make it easier to handle and help prevent excessive spreading during baking. This can lead to slightly thicker, more uniform cookies.
- Q: How do I store leftover cream cheese cookies?
- A: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Just ensure they are completely cooled before freezing in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
- A: Over-softened butter/shortening, too little flour, or an oven that isn’t at the correct temperature can all cause spreading. Ensure your fat is at room temperature (not melted) and that you’re measuring your ingredients accurately. Also, double-check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer.
- Q: Can I add other flavorings?
- A: Absolutely! While vanilla is classic, you can experiment with almond extract for a nutty twist, or a hint of lemon zest for a brighter flavor. Be mindful of quantities, as extracts can be strong.
If You Love These Cream Cheese Cookies, You’ll Also Enjoy…
Once you’ve fallen in love with these easy and delicious cream cheese cookies, you might be looking for more delightful treats to add to your baking list. Here are a few other favorites from our collection that we think you’ll adore:
Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies
These adorable and fun peanut butter reindeer cookies are perfect for holiday festivities! A delightful combination of chewy peanut butter goodness with pretzel antlers and chocolate chip eyes, they’re sure to bring smiles to faces of all ages.
30+ Christmas Cookies for Every Taste
Explore an extensive collection of over 30 festive holiday cookie recipes! Whether you’re planning a cookie exchange, looking for edible gifts, or simply want to fill your home with the delicious aroma of holiday baking, this roundup has something for everyone.
Pecan Oatmeal White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Indulge in the wholesome goodness of oatmeal combined with crunchy pecans and sweet white chocolate chips. These cookies offer a delightful texture and flavor contrast that makes them a satisfying treat any time of day.
Classic Viennese Crescents
For a truly elegant cookie, try these light, rich, and buttery Viennese Crescents. Traditionally made with ground almonds and shaped into delicate crescents, they are a sophisticated addition to any dessert table.
Final Thoughts on Your New Favorite Cookie
These Cream Cheese Cookies truly are a testament to the fact that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. Their tender crumb and delicate flavor make them a standout, whether they’re a nostalgic treat from your childhood or a brand new discovery. They’re quick enough for a weeknight baking session and elegant enough for a special occasion. So gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and prepare to fall in love with a cookie that’s destined to become a staple in your home.
This post was originally published on December 3, 2015, and has been updated with enhanced details, additional tips, and fresh insights to help you bake the most perfect Cream Cheese Cookies.