Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This cream cheese cookie press recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a delightful tang, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. Forget complicated baking – these easy recipes are ideal for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike, perfect for a quick dinner dessert or a weekend baking project. Let's dive into this recipe for some homemade cooking magic!
Ingredients:
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Sprinkles or other desired toppings (optional)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup – a must for any easy recipes.
Cream together the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. This is where your electric mixer will be your best friend!
Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Fill your cookie press: Transfer the cookie dough to a cookie press. If you don't have a cookie press, you can use a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
Shape and bake the cookies: Press the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie. For variations, try different shapes and sizes.
Add some sparkle: Sprinkle with your favorite sprinkles or other desired toppings before baking.
Bake to perfection: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them – oven temperatures can vary!
Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These are best enjoyed fresh, but they'll store well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.
Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Cookies:
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough (optional): For easier handling, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before using a cookie press.
- Experiment with flavors: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest for a unique flavor twist.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories Fat: Approximately 6-7 grams Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-17 grams Protein: Approximately 1-2 grams
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
- Cinnamon Sugar Cookies: Sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking.
- Glazed Cookies: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk after the cookies have cooled.
These quick dinner dessert cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the delicious results of your homemade cooking! They're perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying a delicious treat all by yourself. Happy baking!