Soft and Chewy Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for that perfect soft sugar cookie with a tender bite and a melt-in-your-mouth texture—look no further! These cream cheese sugar cookies tick all the right boxes. They’re irresistibly soft and chewy, thanks to the addition of cream cheese, which keeps them moist and flavorful even days later.

Not only are they absolutely delicious, but they’re also:

• Easy to make: Basic ingredients, no fancy equipment, and the dough comes together quickly.
• Perfect for any occasion: Great for holidays, birthdays, bake sales, or just an ordinary Tuesday.
• Super customizable: Add lemon zest, almond extract, or decorate with icing and sprinkles.

Even if you’re not an experienced baker, this recipe is very beginner-friendly. Plus, who can resist a freshly baked sugar cookie that’s still warm from the oven?

Essential Tools and Equipment

You don’t need a kitchen full of gadgets to make these cookies. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you start:

• Mixing bowls – One large and one medium for wet and dry ingredients.
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – Makes creaming the ingredients a breeze.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Precision is key in baking.
• Baking sheets – Lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
• Cookie scoop – For even-sized cookies every time. Optional, but super helpful.
• Cooling rack – To let the cookies finish baking off the sheet.
• Spatula – For transferring the cookies from baking sheet to rack.
  
  

  Preparation Tips

  
  

  Want bakery-quality cookies from your home kitchen? These prep tips will get you there:

  
  
• Soften your ingredients: Make sure both your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps them blend smoothly and gives your cookies that dreamy soft texture.
• Don’t skip chilling: A brief chill in the fridge helps prevent spreading and intensifies flavor.
• Use parchment or silicone mats: They ensure the cookies bake evenly and help prevent over-browning.
• Preheat your oven: Always bake in a fully preheated oven (350°F is perfect for this recipe).
• Make ahead: You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Even better flavor and convenience.
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  Ingredients List

  
  

  Simple pantry staples come together to create magic. Here’s what you’ll need:

  
  
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 oz cream cheese, softened – Full-fat for best flavor
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract – Optional, but adds a lovely aroma
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• Granulated sugar, for rolling (optional)
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  Step-by-Step Directions

  
  

  Follow these simple steps for bakery-style sugar cookies every time:

  
  
  
  
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  
  
  2. Cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes 2–3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer.
  
  
  3. Add your egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using). Mix until well incorporated.
  
  
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  
  
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low until combined. Don’t overmix!
  
  
  6. Optional: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This makes it easier to scoop and helps the cookies hold their shape.
  
  
  7. Scoop out 1–1½ tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Roll in granulated sugar for a sparkly finish, if desired.
  
  
  8. Place cookies 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet.
  
  
  9. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They will continue baking on the sheet.
  
  
  10. Cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
  
  
  
  

  Common Mistakes to Avoid

  
  

  Even simple recipes can trip us up sometimes. Here’s what to watch out for:

  
  
• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the flour disappears.
• Skipping the chill: If your dough is too soft, the cookies will spread too much as they bake.
• Overbaking: Sugar cookies should be soft—even look a little underdone in the center when you pull them out. They’ll firm up as they cool.
• Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold butter or cream cheese won’t mix properly, leaving lumps and uneven texture.
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  Best Side Dishes

  
  

  It’s cookies, so side dishes are more like complementary treats or beverages. Here are some cozy ideas:

  
  
• Hot cocoa or coffee: Nothing beats a warm drink and a soft sugar cookie on a chilly day.
• Fresh fruit: A simple fruit salad or bowl of berries can balance the sweetness.
• Ice cream: Sandwich a little vanilla (or mint!) ice cream between two cookies for an easy dessert upgrade.
• Whipped cream dip: Try serving these alongside a light cream cheese dip for an elegant party platter.
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  Expert Recipe Tips

  
  

  Take your cookies from “yum” to “WOW!” with these little expert tricks:

  
  
• Use a cookie scoop: Keeps your cookies uniform in size so they bake evenly.
• Add citrus: Zest a lemon or orange into the dough for a bright, fresh flavor twist.
• Use clear vanilla extract: If you want whiter cookies (perfect for frosting), opt for clear vanilla.
• Freeze dough for later: Freeze pre-scooped dough balls and bake from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to your bake time.
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  Storage and Reheating Instructions

  
  

  These cookies store and reheat beautifully—if they even last that long! Here’s how to keep them fresh:

  
  

  Storing:

  
  
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer shelf life, keep them in the fridge—up to 1 week without losing softness.
• Separate layers with wax or parchment paper to avoid sticking.
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  Freezing:

  
  
• Freeze unbaked dough balls in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen in airtight containers for about 2 months.
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  Reheating:

  
  
• Microwave cookies for 10–15 seconds to revive that fresh-from-the-oven softness.
• For frozen dough balls, bake as usual, adding 1–2 minutes of extra baking time.
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  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  
  

  Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

  
  

  While it will technically work, full-fat cream cheese provides the richest texture and most flavor. Reduced-fat versions may result in drier cookies.

  
  

  Why do my cookies spread too much?

  
  

  The dough may be too warm, or your oven too hot. Chilling the dough and checking your oven temperature with a thermometer can help prevent this.

  
  

  Can I frost these cream cheese sugar cookies?

  
  

  Absolutely! These cookies make a great base for any frosting—royal icing, buttercream, or even a simple glaze.

  
  

  Can I skip the almond extract?

  
  

  Yes, but it does add a lovely depth of flavor. You can replace it with a drop of lemon extract or extra vanilla if preferred.

  
  

  Are these cookies chewy or cakey?

  
  

  They’re the best of both worlds—soft and pillowy, yet slightly chewy in the center. The cream cheese makes all the difference!

  
  

  Final Thoughts

  
  

  There’s something so comforting about a warm, soft sugar cookie—and when you add cream cheese to the mix, it’s a total game-changer. Whether you’re baking these for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

  
  

  Let’s face it: homemade cookies > store-bought, every time.

  
  

  So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and go make something delicious today. And hey—if you try this recipe, don’t forget to comment below and let us know how it went! Better yet, snap a photo and tag us on social media—we’d love to see your sweet creations.

  
  

  Happy baking! 🍪

  
  

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  For more easy baking ideas, check out our classic Chocolate Chip Cookies or try our Lemon Crinkle Cookie recipe.