What makes cream cheese sugar cookies so soft?

Cream cheese adds moisture and fat to the dough, resulting in a soft, tender texture. It also contributes a subtle tang that enhances the flavor.

Can I use store-bought sugar cookie dough with cream cheese frosting?

Yes, for a quicker version, you can bake pre-made sugar cookie dough like Pillsbury and top the cooled cookies with homemade cream cheese frosting.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking cream cheese sugar cookies?

Yes, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and results in thicker, bakery-style cookies.

Can I freeze cream cheese sugar cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Frost after thawing for best texture and appearance.

Are cream cheese sugar cookies good for Christmas?

Absolutely! They're perfect for decorating with festive sprinkles and make a great addition to Christmas cookie trays and holiday gifts.

Soft Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Name: Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 oz cream cheese (for frosting), softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for frosting), softened; 1.5–2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting); Optional: red, green, and white sprinkles

Description

These soft and frosted Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are rich, pillowy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Made with cream cheese in both the dough and frosting, they’re perfect for holidays, gifting, or everyday treats.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 oz cream cheese (for frosting), softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter (for frosting), softened
1 1/2–2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Optional: red, green, and white sprinkles

Instructions

In a large bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop the dough onto the prepared sheet, spacing cookies 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but not browned. Let cool completely.
For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until spreadable.
Frost cooled cookies and decorate with sprinkles if desired.

Notes

Chill the dough to prevent spreading and achieve thicker cookies.
Don’t overbake — pale edges mean soft cookies.
Use full-fat cream cheese for best flavor and texture.
Store in a single layer to preserve the frosting.
Cookies taste even better the next day.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 85mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg