Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe: 7 Cozy Reasons to Bake This Winter

I don’t know about you, but when the days get shorter and the wind gets a little sharper, something inside me just says: bake the cookies. And not just any cookies—ones that fill the house with vanilla warmth and make you feel like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

This cream cheese sugar cookies recipe is a little winter miracle in cookie form. The cream cheese gives them that melt-in-your-mouth softness that regular sugar cookies just can’t match. They’re sweet, sure—but not too sweet. The kind of cookie you can eat three of with your morning coffee and not feel one bit guilty about it. Been there.

🧾 Ingredients for Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies (Plus Helpful Baking Tips)

Before you start, do yourself a favor and let the butter and cream cheese soften. If they’re too cold, you’ll be fighting the dough from the get-go.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional but delightful)
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

Baking Tips for Cozy Success:

• Room-temp is key. Cold butter and cream cheese = sad dough. Softened = smooth and happy.
• Mix until fluffy. When creaming butter, cream cheese, and sugar, go a minute longer than you think. It’s worth it.
• Chill if needed. If the dough feels sticky, a quick fridge nap firms it right up.

🍪 How to Make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies (Step-by-Step)

These cookies are simple. You don’t need fancy gadgets or a culinary degree. Just a mixing bowl and a craving for something soft and sweet.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add sugar and beat again until light and creamy.
4. Mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using).
5. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet until a soft dough forms.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions, roll into balls, and place on baking sheet.
8. Gently flatten each with your palm or a glass. They won’t spread much.
9. Sprinkle the tops with sugar for a little sparkle.
10. Bake 9–11 minutes. Look for just-barely golden edges. Don’t overbake!
11. Let cool 5 minutes on the tray, then transfer to a rack. Try one warm—you’ve earned it.

✨ Cozy Baker’s Checklist

• Tangy, soft middles
• Sugar-dusted tops
• Edges just golden
• Smells like vanilla and butter heaven
• Stash-worthy dough for later

🍋 Flavor Variations to Make It Yours

This cream cheese sugar cookies recipe is perfection as-is, but if you’re feeling playful…

• Add lemon zest – Bright and fresh against the creamy dough.
• Dial up the almond – Go for a full teaspoon for that nostalgic bakery vibe.
• Glaze ‘em – Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla for a quick icing.
• Use festive sprinkles – Especially during the holidays.

Bold Tip: If you’re adding zest or spices, fold them into the wet ingredients before the flour.

🕯️ A Winter Memory Worth Sharing

A few winters ago, I made these on a whim with leftover cream cheese and zero expectations. The result? Game-changer. My husband—who swears he “doesn’t like sugar cookies”—ate four before they cooled.

Now, they’re a regular part of our cold-weather baking. Sometimes I dress them up, sometimes I don’t. But no matter what, they deliver that little bit of calm we’re all chasing this time of year.

📚 You Might Also Love:

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Without Brown Sugar
• Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

💌 A Cozy Goodbye (and Maybe One More Cookie)

If you’re looking for something simple, reliable, and unbelievably soft, this cream cheese sugar cookies recipe is it. They’re not flashy—but they’ll win over every person who bites into one.

Bake them once, and I promise they’ll become one of your winter traditions too. And hey, if you make them, I’d love to know how they turn out. Feel free to share pics or send a message—especially if you add your own twist.

❓ FAQ About Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

🔗 Bonus Baking Resource

Want to nerd out on what cream cheese does to cookie texture? This science-based guide is a great read.

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